The CMP Delivers. My *New* Garand

[Coal-Cracker]

The Civilian Marksmanship Program (CMP) delivers! Actually right to my door.

After a two month wait, the Garand I ordered through the CMP arrived this past Thursday.
I ordered a Springfield "Service Grade/Greek Return" and have to say that I am impressed with what I received. (Bear in mind as you view the below pics that I only paid $500 for this.)

Here are the specs.
Springfield "Post War" receiver - ca. 1955
Springfield "Post War" barrel - ca. 1955
H&R Bolt "Post War"
H&R Operating Rod "Post War"
H&R Rear Sight
Springfield "WWII" Trigger group

The wood looked really rough under all the wax and cosmoline but it is slowly cleaning up. I think after a couple more cleanings and steamings, it could look pretty nice. The walnut appears to match nicely. No cartouches that I can easily identify, though there is numbering on stock.

The parkerizing on the receiver, barrel, bolt, oprod, sight is about as perfect as I could expect from a 50 year old rifle. (See the bottom pic. The finish is almost flawless on the receiver/bolt/oprod.)

The barrel/rifling is in excellent condition.

The trigger group/trigger guard finish is older and has seen alot more "action", but it is very smooth and still doing it's job well.

It took it to the range to check for function this past weekend. Didn't have to sight it in - it was already dead-on out of the box. I was hitting a (empty) propane tank at 150 yards no problem almost to the point it was so easy it was getting boring. :lol:

I can't say enough about how well this rifle shoots.

Here is the gun porn.

[starblazer]

Looks like you got a real nice rifle there. And for a decent price too. Best of luck to the two of you...

[phillyd2]

Looks great. The most important part, the receiver looks cherry. If you have not done so there are a few places on the web such as Fulton Armory where you can see when exactly your receiver was made. Mine is Sept. 1944.

[Coal-Cracker]

Looks great. The most important part, the receiver looks cherry. If you have not done so there are a few places on the web such as Fulton Armory where you can see when exactly your receiver was made. Mine is Sept. 1944.

The receiver was made in '55 according to a chart I found.

[phillyd2]

What are your plans for the stock?

[Coal-Cracker]

What are your plans for the stock?

Since it is Greek stamped and the original cartouches have probably been sanded by them as well, there is little collector value. Because of this, I guess my option are pretty open.

Since I posted the pics I did give the "Dishwasher Method" a try. I have to admit, I was impressed with the outcome. Nice an clean, with all those years of grease and dirt removed. Many of the dents have been raised as well.
I've been handrubbing BLO, followed by 0000 steel wool the past few nights. It is coming out pretty nice. There is some decent grain underneath.

[phillyd2]

Looks like you have the basics covered. I did the dishwaster thing with my AK stocks and your right, works great.

FYI, CMP has some decent stock info:

http://www.odcmp.com/Services/Rifles...ng_article.htm

Here is some info on steaming out the dents. I have never done this but I know those who have and it seems to work well.

http://www.jouster.com/Bulletin/refinishing.htm

Post pics when your done!

[phillyd2]

You have inspired me to finally get off my lazy ass. Tomorrow I will be sending in my order for one Field Grade and one Service Grade Springfield along with a case of Greek ammo.

Hope I'm as lucky as you were with at least the SG. The FG I'm guessing will be only for parts as base to rebuild.

[Coal-Cracker]

You have inspired me to finally get off my lazy ass. Tomorrow I will be sending in my order for one Field Grade and one Service Grade Springfield along with a case of Greek ammo.

Hope I'm as lucky as you were with at least the SG. The FG I'm guessing will be only for parts as base to rebuild.

Good luck with your orders. You might be surprised with the FG. I've seen some really decent ones shipping out.

I've pretty much completed the stock-work and am content with the result. I guess I could have brought the grain out more, but it was starting to somehow seem "out of place" on a battle rifle. I'll post new pics when I can.

[Coal-Cracker]

I cleaned up the wood a bit more.

Like I mentioned, I gave the "dishwasher method" a try and it stripped and cleaned the wood with no ill effects. Raised a few of the dents as well.

Nothing more than boiled linseed oil, 0000 steel wool and a lot of work.

(I replaced the trigger group with one more "correct" for the date of the receiver/barrel, so the parkerizing on the trigger guard will look alot better than the original photos.)

Well, here are the pics.