I messed around for far too long and started thinking I missed out on buying an M1 Garand from CMP, despite wanting one for years. I read that the Talledega CMP store got restocked and zipped down the next morning.
They had a great selection of Rack and Service grade Specials, but the only “all GI” guns were a single Service grade, 2 chrome guns, and maybe 5 sniper rifles.
I really wanted an M1 I can shoot guilt free and there was a considerable price delta from a Special Rack grade to a Special Service grade. I picked out a $650 HRA Rack grade Special I was happy with, then looked at the chrome rifles for $580. I picked out the one in better condition, looked at it, put it back, looked at it again, and said “Why not?”.
I am pretty happy with the Special I picked. $650 for a shooter M1 with a new Criterion barrel, new wood, and mostly refinished parts seems like a pretty solid deal to me.
My special is a late production HRA, and the chrome rifle a late production SA.
I bought an M1 Garand from the CMP six years ago and then was lucky enough to be one of those chosen in the CMP lottery for an M1 Carbine a year or so later. I’ve bought and sold at least a dozen rifles since then but those two are in my safe forever.
Has anyone used one of those modified gas plugs that supposedly make it safer to fire standard 30-06 ammo in your Garand? I have plenty of .30-06 ammo but very little M1 Garand ammo.
With H&R having the M1 TDP and working towards making M1’s and variants plus JJE getting their ammo factory up and running, I would not doubt they would be making the correct ammo to help feed the M1s they produce. Would be nice if they would make affordable M1 carbine ammo too.
I have been using the Schuster adjustable gas plug for both my Garands and my NM M1A for a few decades now with absolutely no problems. I shoot one of my Garands, a Shuff’s Mini G and my NM M1A regularly and suppressed so the Schuster Adjustable gas plug is necessary. On my Garands that I just shoot regularly I always run with a Schuster simply because it is good insurance and you can keep excess wear and tear down. It also helps to tame some recoil. Seriously anybody with a Garand is crazy not to spend a little money on some great insurance for your M1. Also having the ability to shoot regular hunting ammo and match ammo is a big bonus also.
