ATOT Historical firearms experts, got a question.

[Kaervak]

Lately I've been thinking about getting an M1 Garand rifle. More for collectibility than actual usage, but one that actually fires would be nice. Problem is I have no idea where to look for one or how much an authentic 1940ish M1 Garand goes for. So for those in the know, any tips?

 

[Amused]

http://www.gunbroker.com/

 

[Excelsior]

Originally posted by: Kaervak
Lately I've been thinking about getting an M1 Garand rifle. More for collectibility than actual usage, but one that actually fires would be nice. Problem is I have no idea where to look for one or how much an authentic 1940ish M1 Garand goes for. So for those in the know, any tips?

CMP

 

[Kaervak]

Thanks for the links. Finally got around to checking them out, damn net connection died last night. Thanks guys.

 

[Analog]

Your best bet is with the CMP. If you're near the base at Camp Perry Ohio, you can go there and check them out for yourself, and buy one if you qualify.

Just an FYI, all the M1s from the US government have been rearsenaled several times, and are very likely mismatched with parts from different eras. They are perfectly functional and wonderful to shoot, but if you want an authentic 1940s Garand, with the proper parts on it, expect to pay upwards of $1500 for one, if you're luck enough to find one that has been restored properly (which by the way, means you better know what you are looking at to avoid buying a faked rifle).

The M1s served WWII, Korea and then were given to foreign nations and the US national guard when the M14s came to replace them. If you remember the massacre at Kent State Univ. in the early 70s, the national guard did their shooting with the M1s. A few years later they were officially retired from service here in the US, and made available to buy via the CMP. On a last thought - I noticed that in the movie "JAWS", the guy was using an M1 to shoot the big shark.

 

[Kaervak]

Originally posted by: yellowfiero
Your best bet is with the CMP. If you're near the base at Camp Perry Ohio, you can go there and check them out for yourself, and buy one if you qualify.

Just an FYI, all the M1s from the US government have been rearsenaled several times, and are very likely mismatched with parts from different eras. They are perfectly functional and wonderful to shoot, but if you want an authentic 1940s Garand, with the proper parts on it, expect to pay upwards of $1500 for one, if you're luck enough to find one that has been restored properly (which by the way, means you better know what you are looking at to avoid buying a faked rifle).

The M1s served WWII, Korea and then were given to foreign nations and the US national guard when the M14s came to replace them. If you remember the massacre at Kent State Univ. in the early 70s, the national guard did their shooting with the M1s. A few years later they were officially retired from service here in the US, and made available to buy via the CMP. On a last thought - I noticed that in the movie "JAWS", the guy was using an M1 to shoot the big shark.

I'll have to take a trip to Camp Perry, only about an hour away. Although an authentic M1 would be nice, it's not really necessary. Besides, if i go for an authentic one, I'll have to have someone who knows their stuff do the looking to make sure it's the real deal. I'm definitely not a gun expert.

 

[Demon-Xanth]

Back in WW2, a soldier had written his initials on the inside of the stock of his gun. Back just a couple years ago, he purchased a gun from a broker because he wanted one of the guns that he used during his time. He managed to get the gun he got was the one he put his initials on. Purely at random. This was estimated to be a 1:40,000,000 chance.

 

[K1052]

Remember you must qualify to buy.

From the CMP site:

You must be a current member of a CMP-affiliated gun club or state association;

A U.S. citizen aged 18 or older;

Satisfy CMP criteria for marksmanship participation within the past five years (this requirement is waived for law-enforcement officers, military personnel, veterans and certain others;

Not prohibited by federal, state, or local law from purchasing or possessing a rifle.

 

[Analog]

Originally posted by: Demon-Xanth
Back in WW2, a soldier had written his initials on the inside of the stock of his gun. Back just a couple years ago, he purchased a gun from a broker because he wanted one of the guns that he used during his time. He managed to get the gun he got was the one he put his initials on. Purely at random. This was estimated to be a 1:40,000,000 chance.

you memory is good grasshopper!

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