Looking for Garand collector advice

[The Gila Bender]

It appears that I have Garand-itis. It's progressive and silent. I contracted it over ten years ago when I opened a box containing a CMP service grade Springfield. I did not realize that this would lead to the acquisition of eight more Garands over time. There is no sign of this subsiding, and I think it may get worse, or better depending upon how one looks at it.

There wasn't any logic or discipline in the acquisitions. The collection is a variety of CMP service grade mixmasters. Before things get out of hand I have decided to collect 1945-1947 rebuild period examples and collector grade late examples. OK, that's not terribly narrow but it's a start. Ultimately I want to have a couple good shooters and a few collectible and desirable 'safe queens'.

With this in mind I have decided to keep two fairly nice WWII period M1's, both having been rebuilt immediately after WWII. Stocks bear correct markings and the parts and barrels are correct for the rebuild period. Something about them them - the period markings and honest wear - appeals to me. The rest of the collection are Springfield and H&R mixmasters - nice shooters but not especially collectible IMO. I am not sure what to do with these. Do I trade or sell them "as is" or try to make them correct? I am seeking input from collectors who contracted Garand-itis and have learned to live with it.

 

[10 X]

I would trade or sell them as they are.

Most want shooters in very good shape. Almost all realize the vast majority of the M1s are mixmasters.

Some owners like to go on a quest to make an M1 correct and keep it, so, they would rather have something to make into a correct gun.

Few are willing to pay the premium for a "correct" M1.

 

[sigp220.45]

I am a recovering Garandaholic, currently the owner of only three. The United States Rifle, Caliber .30, M-1, is the greatest rifle ever made.

There is no cure, only remission.

It killed Jaws.

 

[Vulcan Bob]

I had eighteen of em at one time, got over it and sold all but two. Kept a Navy Trophy in 7.62 Nato and a pre war 1940 vintage restored to correct. Sorta wish I kept em all now!

 

[Ron H.]

The rest of the collection are Springfield and H&R mixmasters - nice shooters but not especially collectible IMO. I am not sure what to do with these. Do I trade or sell them "as is" or try to make them correct? I am seeking input from collectors who contracted Garand-itis and have learned to live with it.

Sir, if you must sell, let 'em go as-is. Restoring Garands can get expensive fast, and as has been noted, it's nigh impossible to get that money back out of them if you sell.

JMHO, FWIW.

Hope this helps, and Semper Fi.

Ron H.

 

[Steave]

I have a dozen or so of them. I can't answer your question, but feel your pain!

 

[RdrBill]

Best thing you could do is find all the Garand Folks that live in Arizona and let them know what you have.
Serial number range, manufacture, condition and about what you want for it. Possible trades abound.
I would not attempt to make correct, your version of correct may not match the next guys requirements.
I have approx 30 M1 Garands and I have not yet experienced Garanditis, what are the symptoms?
Bill@Yuma
Garand Collectors Association

 

[Faulkner]

I had a dozen Garand's at the height of my fever, but I've culled 'em down to three. I didn't have any problem selling them, but I didn't try to scalp anyone either.

 

[Jellybean]

I'm glad you guys aren't posting pictures, I have an immunity deficiency to Garand-itis and just looking at them would give me a terminal case. I have two shooters but I have to take medication to shoot them.

 

[charlie sherrill]

I narrowed mine down to one with all WWII parts. I know this is kinda like dumping out a bag of cocaine in a rehab, but I heard CMP is getting another eighty something thousand of them.

 

[J. Galt]

Do I trade or sell them "as is" or try to make them correct?

As has been said, sell them as is. They will bring a respectable price as CMP rifles and if you mess with them you may actually have a harder time selling them. Not to mention all the money you will have to sink into them to make them "correct" that you will never get back.

Folks know what a CMP Garand is, and will be more willing to buy one "as is" than a higher priced rifle that has had parts replaced.

Mike, recovering Grandaholic

 

[RdrBill]

To all you recovering Garandaholics: Part of my collection.

Same guns from different angles.
Bill@Yuma
Garand Collectors Association

 

[reddogge]

I only have 5 but I lean towards WW2 rifles. The post war rifles don't do much for me. I'll probably sell a couple off but which ones to sell? I have an original 1943 receiver/barrel combo I'll keep. I won't artifically "correct" any of them though....a fool's errand and a disservice to the rifle.

 

[ladder13]

Do I trade or sell them "as is" or try to make them correct?

In my view "as is" IS "correct". Most CMP guns were "there", used in the war theatre, nothing could be more "correct" than that.

 

[Jellybean]

I knew it! I'm feeling some of the symtons of Garand-itis coming on now.

RdrBill, That's a nice collection and it's nice of you to give them their own bed too.

By the way, I forgot, I have 2 1/2 Garands.

 

[m1gunner]

As already mentioned, sell them as-is.

My favorite Garand came as a "Naked Dane" and now wears a Boyd stock and Scout mount with scope. Has taken a bunch of Ga deer.

Then there is the original finish pre-war reciever, then the nearly unfired H&R, then.................................


Maybe I need some intervention.