When you care enough to shoot the very best

Submitted by Eric Daniel

Again, this is a little bit outside the realm of Kit-Up, but a number of folk have referenced this in previous comments and I figured I’d throw this out not only to showcase the rifle, but also to put the spotlight on the CMP program and how you might secure a piece of history on the cheap.

The M1 Garand (United States Rifle, Caliber .30, M1) was the first semi-automatic rifle to see issued service with the US military. The rifle was gas operated, and fired the same Springfield .30-06 (7.62mm x 63mm) cartridge from an internal 8-round clip that the bolt action Springfield 1903 rifle it replaced did. Issued in 1936, the Garand was so successful in combat during the Second World War (the Garand was the only semi-automatic service rifle to see near universal service with any army during the war) that General George S. Patton declared it “the greatest implement of battle ever devised.”

Over 5.4 million Garands were produced and the rifle was not completely withdrawn from service until 1965.

This is where CMP comes in. The Civilian marksmanship Program is a program initiated by Congress in 1996 to instruct civilians in proper weapon handling, safety, and marksmanship. Through CMP qualified individuals are eligible to purchase M1 rifles and parts. Quality and availability are sporadic at times (CPM refurbishes existing surplus rifles, it does not manufacture or distribute new weapons) but the prices are unbeatable; a “Field Grade” M1 will run you $495 through CMP as opposed to over $1,000 from a commercial manufacturer.

CMP does have some eligibility requirements, however, so check out their website before you submit your order. Also, don’t hold your breath when you do submit an order. Given the nature of how CMP operates, it could take as long as 6 months to a year to get your order filled. CMP refurbished rifles as they become available, and sells the rifles after that. Since there is no dedicated production line, sales are a feast or famine kind of thing.

Order the M1 garand here

Comments

[Nick]

huh. Sorta know something like that. A friend of mine won a M1 in a shooting competion sponsored by the government. Its a nice rifle, and his father has his orginal M! he was issued, was a full bird in germany, commanding a tank division.

[army-art]

The CMP was created by congress in 1916 and was a very different organization before clinton "fixed" it in 1996.

[Rick Hogue]

The CMP is currently out of all M1 Garands and is assembling a few for sale in August at the Camp Perry match and their North Store.
They are presently inspecting a batch of M1 Carbines received from Italy. The first batch, Inland manufacture sold out in less than two weeks and the next sale of carbines, Underwood, will take place in September

[John Feeley]

Wasglad to see this informationon your site. I qualified with the M1 durring basic,have been in-love with it ever-sence.Of all the other firearms I own this is my favorite. I have a framed copy of the poster depicted in your article hanging in my workshop. My 11 yearold grandson told me this past Saturday He "realy liked" it. Guess what one of His pressents will be this year.
Thank-you for bringing the CMP to the attention of more people.

[Paul Aguilar]

It was formerly named the
Department of Civilian
Marksmanship. Guess that
became to NON PC or too costly
in Liberal American tax
dollars.

In all it's a great program.
I got mine about 20 years ago.
The unit was in great shape
and it is a sweet shooter.

All this for $265.00 USD, an
easy day on the range and some
NRA briefing. Even if double
the cost, it's a bargain.

I often wonder who carried
this battle implement and
what action it endured. Kind
of a Samurai mystique about
it! By the way, the M1's
creator was Canadian!!

[Paul Aguilar]

It was formerly named the
Department of Civilian
Marksmanship. Guess that
became to NON PC or too costly
in Liberal American tax
dollars.

In all it's a great program.
I got mine about 20 years ago.
The unit was in great shape
and it is a sweet shooter.

All this for $265.00 USD, an
easy day on the range and some
NRA briefing. Even if double
the cost, it's a bargain.

I often wonder who carried
this battle implement and
what action it endured. Kind
of a Samurai mystique about
it! By the way, the M1's
creator was Canadian!!

[Raymond Vaughn]

Actually in 1907 as the Directorate of Civilian Marksmanship (CMP in 1996) and the home sponsors for the NRA/CMP National Rifle &Pistol Matches, thanks to our greatest President & conservationist, Teddy Roosevelt, they will celebrate 100 years of the
National Matches. It's run by Gary Anderson, a two time Olympic Gold Medalist in shooting. Suggest all check out the website www.odcmp.com
It's the little known home (and future) of American shooters. Log on & look around. It's one of the nations's treasures, as quiet as it's kept.

[JCitizen]

We had a DCM program around here last I checked. I always wondered if those rifles were inspected for crystalized operating springs.

This is a common problem with M1 rifles. It is the only thing I have seen wear out, among my buddies.

[jmackinjersey]

Why wouldn't the military take this weapon and make upgrades? The stock could be made out of lighter materials as well as making the clip hold 30 rounds.

[arnold taplin]

i wish the M-1 were better stocked. i have been lookin to purchase one.
i also would like to see M-14s become available also.

[john sharitt]

Last year my son and I drove 5 1/2 hours one way to the CMP South store. We spent about 3 hours there, looking at and handling all of the Garands they had for sale, and they had several hundred. We also talked to the extremely helpful staff, who gladly checked throat and muzzle erosion on a number of rifles for us. After all that time we each chose and bought a Garand. That's right, we hand selected the Garands we now own. They are both Springfields, both had been re-barreled, mine was made in late 1941, my son's was made in early 1942, according to the low serial numbers. Muzzle and throat erosion is very low, and they both shoot great. Can't beat the price, and if you are within driving distance of either store, it's even better. Oh, yeah, we each also bought a case of ammo.

[Condor]

Greenfield Fish & Game Club, Utica, NY has a CMP program that runs every summer. The second Saturday June-September. I received my Garand about 20 yrs ago just befor the price went up. Still lookas and shoots great. Cut my teeth on one on basic in '61. They had some for sail in the PX for $49 brand new still in the cosnoline. Still kicking myself.

[C. Roberts]

1 great rifle. Qualified Navy Expert (3rd award) with it in the 60's. I have a DCM rifle (H&R), NM, and shoot it often. It has a unique history; stolen in 2001, recently returned to me by the ATF. It was recovered in a major drug raid. It hadn't been fired, I don't think the dopers figured out the en bloc clip. Last time I checked the CMP site, they were out of M1 rifles, but M1 Carbines should be out soon. I don't expect to see M14's, too "Assault Rifle" looking. %$#@! PC anyway!!

[C. Roberts]

Almost forgot, in reply: If they made it lighter, recoil would be downright abusive and remember it is a fighting rifle. Bayonet and butt plate combat was anticipated, not to mentioned being lugged long distances over bad terrain. AND the Italians did make a big box mag version, the BM59. If you find one, hang it on the wall and buy an M14/M1A

[Carter]

Hey, if you are a squad leader spotting for a machine gun with an M1, could you empty the rifle, load a tracer round, fire a shot at the target and direct the machine gunner to fire there? Didn't think so. Lee-Enfield was better.

[j wid]

i have 2 CMP garands, a greek rack grade and winchester rack. both great rifles- i bought them for $295 3 years ago.
you'll never see an a real m-14 for sale through cmp. 3 reasons-
1.we sold ALOT o other countries
2.We're currently bringing them back into use in iraq(i have one here)
3.main reason- m14's are considered machine guns by the ATF. and no, the selector switch removal off a real m14 arent legal either.

[j wid]

i have 2 CMP garands, a greek rack grade and winchester rack. both great rifles- i bought them for $295 3 years ago.
you'll never see an a real m-14 for sale through cmp. 3 reasons-
1.we sold ALOT o other countries
2.We're currently bringing them back into use in iraq(i have one here)
3.main reason- m14's are considered machine guns by the ATF. and no, the selector switch removal off a real m14 arent legal either.

[jason widmer]

i have 2 CMP garands, a greek rack grade and winchester rack. both great rifles- i bought them for $295 3 years ago.
you'll never see an a real m-14 for sale through cmp. 3 reasons-
1.we sold ALOT o other countries
2.We're currently bringing them back into use in iraq(i have one here)
3.main reason- m14's are considered machine guns by the ATF. and no, the selector switch removal off a real m14 arent legal either.

[E Norheim]

Great rifle, first contact in 1949, used one for business and competition, too bad the other side cut so many of 'em up since then, also the M14, now we wish we had more 14's, keep your eye on the next election!

[John E. Mago]

I live north of the twin cities in Minnesota.
Where can I buy an M1 at the prices mentioned? I am a service-connected disabled vet.(50%) Might I get consideration from the government in their sales of the M1 and M1 carbine? Thanks to any who provide me information.

[Paul Aguilar]

The M14 was born from the M1. The USA wanted to improved the M1's capacity and standardize it's reload ability via a box magazine. Voila, M14. The Italians tried to convert the M1 to box magazines. Their end result was the BM59. Not as sexy and you'd expect from Beretta, nor was it as effective as the M14. The USA also shortened the 30'06 cartridge to what we know as the 308 (7.62mm NATO is slightly dissimilar to the 308 Winchester).

To the gent in Minnesota....if you can find a range or club with affiliations to the NRA you'll be able to participate in the CMP buy. Go to :
http://www.odcmp.com/. 10X!

[Paul Aguilar]

Just spotted a hint from another poster regarding M14 sales from CMP. The only way we'll see this is if we shooters lean on our elected officials to get it done. The down side is the USA and USN are using the M14 more often these days. This goes back to the marginal 'neutralizing' power of the M16. Still, we can all ask (repectively) of our Government to authorize M14 sales through the CMP!

[demophilus]

If you can't get a Garand, you might try a Russian Mosin-Nagant (91/30, M38, M44). In some places they're less than $100, out the door. Surplus ammo's still cheap, too.

They don't have the Garand's prestige, or precision, but there's something about seeing that hammer and sickle on the receiver that's a hoot. They range out pretty good, too.

[gpalma]

Many of the M14's are going back to the Marines presently from the CMP to service/build weapons to support the mission in the sandbox. Youre seeing many photos on Marine's with M14's and optics as part of their SDM program (similar to the joint USAMU/CMP SDM program).

[Jeff Marienthal]

I shoot in a league run by a WWII veteran who carried a 1903 in Basic, was issued a 1917 in the Aleutians, and a Garand in 1944 when he went to Europe (not many GIs served in both Pacific & European theaters). He still shoots in the Garand Match every year at Camp Perry. I think he's 82.

Some crarification and corrections:
The Civilian Marksmanship Program was established in 1903 by an Act of Congress, and was a department of the Army. The National Matches were also created by Congress in 1903, and first held at Sea Girt, NJ-- but moved to Camp Perry, OH in 1907. The centennial celebrated this year is the 100 years at Camp Perry. The NM centennial was in 2003.

In 1996, Congress separated the CMP from the Army and established a separate 501C3 corp: The National Board for the Promotion of Rifle Practice and Firearms Safety.

M-14s will probably never be available to civilians. They are classified as machine gun, even if the lug for the disconnector is removed. (once a machine gun, always a machine gun, per BATFE. Some were distributed to state associations affiliated with the CMP, but these have just been recalled for service in Iraq. There are too few M14s left, and no parts inventory. The military has been cannibalizing the remaining M14s for spare parts.

[Titivilus]

I was privileged to use this wonderful rifle while serving on the base Honor Guard in the Air Force in '98.

We used the M-1 because it's "classier" than the M-16.

There's nothing so beautiful as 7 Airmen firing this weapon in unison.

I can also attest to it's ferocious butt plate, having broken a toe during a funeral with it. The family never realized what happened, but I've never carried a heavier casket. 8-)

I didn't realize these rifles were available to the public - I'll be picking one up as soon as possible!

[Robert Cavalcante]

My son is a member CMP and recently purchased an M1 Garand. On his last two visits he brought the Garand with himalong with a couple of Springfields. I had the joy of firing it first. Last time was 1961 at Parris Island. It still felt as good as that first time on the range. Still has that nice kick! Semper Fi

[Tim Bottoms]

Answering Carter about unloading the M1 so a spotter for a MG can fire 1 round of tracer: It can be done; just eject the en bloc clip & load the tracer. Be careful of a slam fire when you let the bolt back down.

[JCL]

I have seen some good guns on this site. Do a search for Garand.http://www.gunbroker.com/

[Erik Moraga]

My basic training Co. in Ft. Leonard Wood, MO, was one of the last to use the M-1 weapon. That was back in 1963. Had to get used to the heavy steel-pot helmet and the weight of that M-1. Since then, I qualified with the M-14, the M-16 and even the M-60 machine gun. I consider the M-1 to be tops regarding accuracy, even though it had a nasty kick when fired. Yea, I wouldn't mind owning one. It would make a great deer hunting rifle.

[Jojn Browning]

I went thru basic combat training at Ft. Knox,Ky. in 1957. and we used the M-1 rifle. I think they called it a carbine. Can you tell me if this is the same type rifle. Thank you for your time.
John

[WILLARD ELLIS]

I WAS IN THE U.S. MARINE CORPS FROM 1948-1950. THE M-1 WAS MY BASIC WEAPON AND I HAVE ALWAYS WANTED TO OWN ONE!

KOWEVER, I DO BELONG TO ANY CIVILIAN MARKSMANSHIP PROGRAM. IS IT POSSIBLE FOR ME TO OBTAIN AN M-1 RIFLE?

THANK YOU.

[Jeff Marienthal]

Tim, I've single-loaded hundreds of rounds in competition, and never had or seen a slam fire.

John, the M1 Garand (.30-06 main battle rifle) and M1 Carbine (.30 Carbine, more like a pistol cartridge) are two different animals.

Willard, learn how to get CMP rifles at odcmp.com

Jeff

[Rod]

For the People that wanted the CMP to sell the M-14, It Not Going to Happen. Say Thanks to the Bill Cilton !
He Order 1000's ofthem to be Ground-Up for the Steel, instead of Selling them to CMP members. And Don't Tell me about "Full-Auto" 99% of them Were NOT "Full-Auto"
Have a Nice Day!

[mike]

Well you know rod that democrates are kind of scared of an armed and trained populace.....

I wonder why?

[mike]

The MI and the M14 are fine rifles. They are heavy and they fire a rifle round. Somthing that is not really the norm anymore.

I alwasy think it is funny when people start comparing the M16 to the M14.

would you rabbit hunt with a 308 round?

No you would pick the round and the gun to match your situation.

If you have the choice between the M16 and an AK you would be better served with the M16. Both have deficiencies in ammo.

But if you are in the desert in a marksmans war you need a marksman's weapon. The M14 is a real honest to god rifle that shoots and honest to god rifle round.

It is heavy to carry and big to store and I would not want to carry it sitting in a truck but if I was going to shoot some asshole that was shooting across distance at me I would want something that would reach out and get him.