CMP: How does it work

Variable

Variable

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So reading some of these posts has got me thinking it would be cool to have a Garand. So what is the process for a CMP Garand? Can you still get them? Any tips on the process? It also seems like some of you just buy lots of Garands and that is why we don't have many surplus Garands :) Some of you seem like Garand hoarders. Probably have closets full.

V
 
To some, the paperwork and the process may seem overwhelming and not worth the trouble at first, but it's really not that bad.

I enjoy supporting a government sponsored program that will ship a weapon of war directly to my house without going through a regular FFL. Please don't mention this to the members of Congress who may not be aware if the program.

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Looking at the application and the proof of membership in an affiliated membership organization, they accept military service as a “special affiliate”.

Is that what one would indicate as the club/state association? And I’m assuming a copy of said retiree and or VA card?

I’d like to get a .308 Garand at some point….
 
I never received any email that my order was received, FedEx sent emails that my package was on the way, thought it was a scam, got the rifle about ten days later.
 
Variable said:
So reading some of these posts has got me thinking it would be cool to have a Garand. So what is the process for a CMP Garand? Can you still get them? Any tips on the process? It also seems like some of you just buy lots of Garands and that is why we don't have many surplus Garands :) Some of you seem like Garand hoarders. Probably have closets full.

V
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It is easy. You join an affiliated club (like the GCA online, as noted above). You fill out the Garand order form/application. It has one page of the form that must be notarized. You attach a copy of your drivers license (proof of age) and a copy of a current passport or a copy of your birth certificate for proof of citizenship (or a REAL ID compliant license if you have that). Then, you attach proof of participation in a marksmanship activity. That can be a DD214, a Concealed Carry Permit, a match results document, or just an affidavit from a LEO or RSO saying they watched you shoot and you didn't top yourself. You send that in with payment and they ship Garands to your door. You can buy up to 8 per year. It is really that simple. Once you have your paperwork in, you can also buy parts, ammo, swag, etc. from the CMP e-store.

As for tips: First, read the grade descriptions very carefully before you order, understand exactly what they mean, and don't expect anything more than the minimum that entails. What you get will usually be better than the minimums, but go in with realistic expectations.

Second, be patient. There are a LOT of orders to be processed, and only a small amount of folks to get the rifles inspected, graded, tested, packed and shipped. And, they are backlogged due to Covid shutdowns. Anything other than specials or racks are gonna take several months to arrive. The waiting sucks, but it makes that eventual shipping notification magical.

Third, when your rifle comes in, detail strip it, clean it thoroughly and inspect each part carefully - especially the internal parts. Look for cracks, etc. Do the tilt test on the op rod. Measure the oprod tab and measure the main spring to ensure it is in spec. If any doubt, replace that main spring. Lube the rifle properly when you reassemble it. Do not fire the rifle until it has been cleaned, inspected and properly lubed.

Fourth, if you get a rifle and find a broken part on inspection or other issue, just email them and they will make it right as soon as possible.

Fifth, it looks like there will be a third round of surplus 1911 pistols being sold before long. If so (and you want one), once the next round is announced, get your application in on the first day it opens.

Sixth, beware. Garands can be addictive.
 
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One advantage of a GCA membership, they upload the membership list directly to the CMP. I used the training certificate from my long range rifle classs along with my concealed permit.
 
Button Pusher said:
One advantage of a GCA membership, they upload the membership list directly to the CMP. I used the training certificate from my long range rifle classs along with my concealed permit.
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They do, but they can sometimes be a little slow about it. I have to often remind them. Some years I just take a pic of my membership card and send that on to CMP customer service; that way I know it’s in.
 
What's the recommended grade to buy for rifles you'd shoot regularly enough but not keep as a pristine collectors item?
 
x39r said:
What's the recommended grade to buy for rifles you'd shoot regularly enough but not keep as a pristine collectors item?
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Get the best you can afford.
You'll never regret it.

I've always got service grades.
 
East of Here said:
Then, you attach proof of participation in a marksmanship activity. That can be a DD214, a Concealed Carry Permit, a match results document, or just an affidavit from a LEO or RSO saying they watched you shoot and you didn't top yourself.
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This is the stage that has eluded me so far and has been a much easier task to say than do, I get pretty busy.
I have unfortunately been disappointed with all the hoops, and have more or less given up on this endeavor.
 
Bloodyhands said:
This is the stage that has eluded me so far and has been a much easier task to say than do, I get pretty busy.
I have unfortunately been disappointed with all the hoops, and have more or less given up on this endeavor.
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It is not complicated. You have to show "club" participation which can be as simple as joining the Garand Collectors Association for $25/yr and marksmanship activity which is a simple as a copy of your concealed handgun permit, if you have one. Then you get it notarized.
 
beamernc said:
It is not complicated. You have to show "club" participation which can be as simple as joining the Garand Collectors Association for $25/yr and marksmanship activity which is a simple as a copy of your concealed handgun permit, if you have one. Then you get it notarized.
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Im a GCA Member.
marksmanship activity? Hoop…
I Do Not Do CCP.
It does seem a bit unnecessarily complicated imo.
 
The federal
Bloodyhands said:
Im a GCA Member.
marksmanship activity? Hoop…
I Do Not Do CCP.
It does seem a bit unnecessarily complicated imo.
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It is really quite simple, and is no more 'complicated' that buying a rifle from a licensed dealer. The process just requires the tiniest bit of effort on your part to comply with slightly different requirements. What you have to understand is that the CMP is NOT intended to be a military surplus sales agency created to sell off surplus military rifles. If the objective was simply to dispose of the rifles (and other firearms), the military would just cut them up and scrap them and be done with it. Or, best case scenario, they'd just dump them off in lots to wholesalers/retailers like Classic, RTI, AIM, Century, etc. and you'd pay 50% more for the same product, with even more involved paperwork - albeit without having to show proof of a marksmanship activity.

The real mission of the CMP is to introduce interested folks (and especially youths) to shooting and marksmanship activities, to provide equipment (rifles/ammo/etc.) to youth clubs for that purpose, and to create and administer marksmanship competitions activities for these youth programs (and adults) to participate in. The required marksmanship activity requirement does take some effort on your part if you are not already a range regular, shooting competitor or don't have a CCP or DD214. It is a "hoop", but it really is a very, very, very minor hoop to successfully jump through. If you do not have a competition results sheet, a CCP or a DD214, then all you have to do is go to a shooting range and have a range officer observe you shooting (or get a police officer buddy to observe if you are shooting on private land) and have them complete/sign the CMP marksmanship activity form provided on their website:

CMP Marksmanship Form

Once you have completed the activity, and the form has been sent in, you never have to do it again. The thing is, there are going to be "hoops" to buying a gun regardless of where you buy it. It's ultimately your choice which "hoops" you choose to jump through to buy a Garand. You can spend $25 on a range fee and half an hour at the range completing the marksmanship form process in order to buy 8 rack or service grade Garands per year from the CMP for $650 to $750 each. Or you can spend $25 on a transfer fee and half an hour at the gun shop completing the ATF 4473 form process in order to buy one rack or service grade Garand for $1000-$1200. It is your choice which hoop you want to jump through.
 
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ronn47 said:
Order a Service Grade, wait and be Happy when it comes in.
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Where does one see pricing etc... to complete an order for a service grade?
All I have been able to find is that they were sold out of Service Grade roughly 14mo ago.
thecmp.org

M1 Garand - Civilian Marksmanship Program

M1 Garand rifles sold by CMP are authentic U.S. Government rifles that have been thoroughly inspected, with a variety of available grades.
thecmp.org thecmp.org
 
Bloodyhands said:
Where does one see pricing etc... to complete an order for a service grade?
All I have been able to find is that they were sold out of Service Grade roughly 14mo ago.
thecmp.org

M1 Garand - Civilian Marksmanship Program

M1 Garand rifles sold by CMP are authentic U.S. Government rifles that have been thoroughly inspected, with a variety of available grades.
thecmp.org thecmp.org
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They shut down ordering on service and field grades due to Covid backlogs, and are in the process of filling those orders from existing stock. In the meantime, they re-opened ordering for rack grades and added "expert" special grades, which have new barrels and stocks. Keep watching the CMP site, and they will re-open ordering on field and service grades at some point once they get caught up on pending orders and can reassess their available inventory. Once you get in the system, they send you emails with product and ordering updates.
 
Bloodyhands said:
Where does one see pricing etc... to complete an order for a service grade?
All I have been able to find is that they were sold out of Service Grade roughly 14mo ago.
thecmp.org

M1 Garand - Civilian Marksmanship Program

M1 Garand rifles sold by CMP are authentic U.S. Government rifles that have been thoroughly inspected, with a variety of available grades.
thecmp.org thecmp.org
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Or make a road trip. The north store is at Camp Perry (Port Clinton), Ohio or the south store in Anniston, AL, (but is currently closed) or the Talladega Marksmanship Park. If you buy a rifle at the Talladega Park you get vouchers for a couple hours to shoot at the park.

When I was last at the Talladega Park in 2020, they had rifles on the rack that were sold out on the website. I bought a 1932 SA 1903 rifle and they had P17 Enfields, Winchester and IHC Garands. I would like to visit the south store when it reopens.

thecmp.org

Visit CMP Stores - Civilian Marksmanship Program

The CMP Stores, located in Alabama and Ohio, are full of a wide variety of firearms and marksmanship essentials – available all year long.
thecmp.org thecmp.org
 
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Whoa, this is really cool.
I never knew about this program. It appears they only have "Rack" models available right now, do they get more in stock often or is the sold out date a good indicator?
 
thevulture said:
Whoa, this is really cool.
I never knew about this program. It appears they only have "Rack" models available right now, do they get more in stock often or is the sold out date a good indicator?
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What they have is, probably, what they are going to have. While there still may be some garands out there somewhere we can bring back home, the pickings are getting slim. So, if it were me, I’d get what I could now as opposed to holding out and hoping the magical M1 fairy drops another shipment of “better” ones.
 
thevulture said:
Whoa, this is really cool.
I never knew about this program. It appears they only have "Rack" models available right now, do they get more in stock often or is the sold out date a good indicator?
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There are a few caches out there yet to be returned to the U.S., but not many. I would not count on them coming back anytime soon, and prices are not dropping with the limited supply. If you want one, you might want to pick one up now, and upgrade it in the future if/when more or better grades come back on line later.

But something you need to do is read the grade descriptions carefully and have realistic expectations of what you might get within that grade. A current rack grade rifle is only guaranteed to be functional, not issuable. And many of the current rack grades are in rough shape; some with barrels that are basically trashed. If you want something that is ready to go right out of the box, look at the "Expert" grade rifles. But if you don't mind a bit of work, roll the dice on a rack. You might get lucky and get a nice rifle or some rare parts - or you might get a comprehensive restoration project.
 
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Or take a road trip to one of the CMP stores and look through what they have on the shelf. Usually have some better stuff in the stores vs. online.
 
jasonc said:
Forgive my ignorance, but what is NFA? I'm not familiar with that one.
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National firearms act. Makes all the fun stuff a pain or impossible to get.
 
beamernc said:
Or take a road trip to one of the CMP stores and look through what they have on the shelf. Usually have some better stuff in the stores vs. online.
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South store ( closest to us ) has been closed since April 2021 to catch up. Talladega store has limited inventory. North store is 9+ hours away from me but after waiting for the south store to re-open I'm thinking of taking a road trip to Ohio. I need a service grade HRA to complete my set.

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Gator said:
South store ( closest to us ) has been closed since April 2021 to catch up. Talladega store has limited inventory. North store is 9+ hours away from me but after waiting for the south store to re-open I'm thinking of taking a road trip to Ohio. I need a service grade HRA to complete my set.

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My service grade HRA is my dedicated match rifle. Not only is it darn near (if not) correct, it is an absolute laser. HRAs were so well made. I got 2 HRA rack grades a few months back. If I knew they'd have service grade HRAs on the rack, I'd be heading to the north store myself!
 
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Got this in an email yesterday.


"The CMP Anniston Store will open for TWO DAYS ONLY on December 8 & 9! Located within the Judith Legerski CMP Competition Center, the store will be open from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m CST and will only have a selection of service and field grade rifles – no other grades of rifles will be available. Of course, the store will also have ammunition, memorabilia and more to explore. See you in Anniston!"

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