Buying an M1 Garand from the CMP (Civilian Marksmanship Program)
Patrik Orcutt 12.12.24
So, you’re in the market for an M1 Garand because you just watched Band of Brothers for the 12th time and you need something to hold onto or play around with while you lay on your couch and contemplate if Lt. Speers really shot those German Prisoners? Well, there are a few options, you can hunt around on the internet and cry internally at the current prices that M1 Garands are going for. You can scout your local gun stores and probably never find one. Or, what I recommend doing is going to a Civilian Marksmanship Program (CMP) store (if you live within driving range of one) and checking out their stock.
“But what is the CMP?” you might be using yourself. Well, like you I had no idea until very recently.
The CMP stands for the Civilian Marksmanship Program, a U.S. government-chartered program aimed at promoting firearms safety, marksmanship, and shooting sports. It was established to provide civilian access to surplus military firearms, as well as ammunition and equipment, for recreational, educational, and competitive purposes. The CMP organizes various events, including marksmanship competitions, clinics, and training programs, often at the national level. It also offers programs that help support and develop shooting skills among young people and veterans. Most importantly though the CMP sells surplus rifles.
“But how does the CMP have access to all these M1 Garands?” You may also ask. Here’s how the CMP acquired so many M1 Garand rifles
- Military Surplus Transfers
The CMP receives surplus firearms directly from the U.S. Army. This is authorized by federal law, allowing the CMP to redistribute these firearms to qualified U.S. citizens for marksmanship and historical preservation purposes. - Returns from Allied Nations
Many M1 Garands were lent to allied countries through programs like Lend-Lease and Military Assistance Program (MAP). When those rifles were no longer needed, some were returned to the U.S., and the CMP became a recipient for redistribution. Examples of countries that returned Garands include South Korea, Greece, and the Philippines. - Rebuilds and Refurbishments
Some rifles come back in poor condition but are refurbished by the CMP. They rebuild and grade the rifles to offer options ranging from “service grade” to “collector grade” for enthusiasts and shooters. - Government Charter and Support
The CMP is uniquely positioned to handle surplus firearms due to its government-chartered mission. This ensures a steady supply of surplus rifles, including M1 Garands, which would otherwise be destroyed or relegated to long-term storage.
The CMP’s inventory depends on these sources and may fluctuate over time, especially as surplus supplies diminish or as agreements with foreign nations change.
This past summer I visited the CMP in Talladega Alabama to see if I could score myself a nice M1 Garand Rife for not too much money. I took the windy road past the Talladega Speedway and up into the hills to the CMP Park and was greeted by an impressive-looking building with a few massive ranges. I think I was the only guy in the building aside from a few workers as I began to walk around and look for these elusive M1 Garands. It was not long after turning my first corner I saw a room filled to the brim with rifles and I knew I was in the right place.
When looking at all the rifles you will notice that they are separated into “grades” based on their quality and parts.
Rack Grade
- Condition: Heavily worn but functional.
- Barrel: Muzzle and throat erosion readings are high, affecting accuracy.
- Stock: Often shows heavy wear, dings, cracks, or repairs.
- Best For: Entry-level shooters or those wanting a rifle for restoration projects.
Field Grade
- Condition: Moderate wear and tear.
- Barrel: Muzzle and throat erosion readings are better than rack grade but still show significant use.
- Stock: May have dings, gouges, and other signs of wear.
- Best For: Shooters looking for a functional rifle at a lower cost.
Service Grade
- Condition: Good overall.
- Barrel: Muzzle and throat erosion are within acceptable levels for reliable accuracy.
- Stock: May have minor dings or scratches but is solid and functional.
- Best For: Most shooters who want a reliable rifle with good performance.
Special Grade
- Condition: Rebuilt or upgraded by the CMP.
- Barrel: Brand new barrel installed by the CMP.
- Stock: New stock and hardware, often made of walnut or other quality materials.
- Best For: Shooters who want a rifle in nearly new condition.
Correct Grade
- Condition: Original parts that match the rifle’s production period.
- Barrel: Moderate wear but still meets CMP standards for accuracy.
- Stock: Original to the rifle, with wear consistent with age.
- Best For: Collectors seeking historical accuracy.
Collector Grade
- Condition: Excellent, near-new condition.
- Barrel: Minimal wear, with very low muzzle and throat erosion.
- Stock: Original stock with minimal wear, maintaining historical integrity.
- Best For: Serious collectors who want a pristine, historically significant rifle.
At first, it’s a bit overwhelming to have the ability to handle all of these different rifles but after about an hour I found the one that looked the best for me and my budget. I opted to go for the cleanest and smoothest Service-grade rifle I could find because all the Rack-grade ones were beaten to hell. After I picked out my rifle I was given one En Block clip and a receipt of my transaction. I was told my certificate of purchase would arrive in the mail in the coming months and it did (with my name being misspelled). I then walked out of the CMP with the biggest grin on my face because I was finally the owner of a real M1 Garand!
