The Garand and getting screwed

My recommendation is always to take the time and purchase direct from the CMP. You know exactly what you are getting and they have great customer service after the sale.

 

Yep, you can't buy a Garand at a gun show for anywhere near what you can through CMP. That or buy one from a fellow OSA'er when they infrequently come along for a decent price. At least here they usually know what the specs on the gun are.

If you're going to buy one at a show, you really need to have a Garand SME with you.

 

Buy from the CMP or check out the CMP for sale forum. They pop up good deals over there frequently but they go quick.

 

A Garand what?

But as others here have said, the CMP is the best deal around for a M1 Garand: http://www.odcmp.com/sales.htm Be sure and check out the eligibility requirements to become a member of the CMP; it's a bit of a hassle, but once you've sent in the required paperwork, you can buy their wares at excellent prices. A M1 Garand in CMP "Service Grade" condition (usually "good plus" to "very good") can be had for $650 shipped straight to your door - no FFL transfer required, as the CMP is qualified by the government to do this. The downsides are that you don't get to pick the exact rifle you buy unless you go to one of the two CMP stores - in Ohio or in Alabama - and if you buy the rifle mail order, the current wait time is 3-4 months between sending in the order and receiving the rifle. If you go this route, best get your paper work in ASAP as the CMP is nearing the end of their supply of M1 Garands, barring the emergence of a new source of a significant number of rifles (U.S. Army or MAP returns). I haven't checked lately, but I'd guess less than two years supply at this point, possibly closer to a year.

It really helps to do your homework first also, so you can know what to expect when you buy a M1 either from the CMP or from a third party.

 

The CMP is the way to go.

People who buy Garands on the open market often have the attitute of "Well, I guess I just need to throw down a lot of money to own a USGI Garand," and sellers know this.

 

That's true if you're just looking for a good shooter (like the OP) and don't care if it's a mixmaster. If you want an all-correct WW2 SA or WRA M1, then the open market is the only way to go. Even then, there are still sellers out there who just want to pass along a nice rifle without taking the buyer to the cleaners. Not many, but they're out there if you're willing to be patient... or have connections.

 

+1 on the CMP. You can get ammo there as well. It takes a while but it's worth the wait.

 

SME stands for subject matter expert. A.K.A. "Perplexed"

 

There's also the CMP Auctions for collectors and those who can afford the freight.