CMP Experiance

[Nighthawk]

It did a CMP buy of 5 M1 Carbines, I did not know what to expect when I was filling out all the paper work, just what my friends told me. I participated in a civilian shoot about 30 years ago for a Springfield M1 Garand but that was before I was a FFL so the paper work was just a little different.

So I ordered 2 Winchester Rack grade, when they came in I thought to my self what a mistake I made. As I looked at them and saw the rough walnut stocks that looked like someone had drug though the mud, with paint on them carvings all over them with what almost looked like kilroy was here, parts were loose, but they all were good metal except the but stock plate on one of them, the strap ring on another with grease all over the metal. I then thought some more and remembered from my wood working days what walnut looked like when it did not have oil on it.

So I cleaned the rifles up took them to my shoot tank loaded a few magazines and shot a few rounds with no problems, then I did magazines dumps with out a flaw. I did research on the weapons and found that the cartouches on the stocks all meant something. I am now in love with every one of them, spending long hours researching what every marking means.

The other 3 are Bavaria Police, Inland, General Motors Service Grade and are beautiful weapons, I like the first two the best, because they have character. Let me tell you one thing do not, I repeat do not, sand down, file, or redo those stocks, they will loose their value. Go to a gun show and buy a used one that someone has done that to, and replace yours if you want that kind of stock. You can put oil on it that is Okay. But you must keep the history alive.

I will be keeping all 5 of mine, and may even be trying to get more of these they are great weapons to pass on to my children and grandchildren. Thank you CMP, and all the people that have pointed me in the right direction. What a historical find. If you would like to discuss my experience in person, feel free to drop by the show room.

Also if you would like to buy one, all you have to do is go to the CMP site and follow the directions. Its not a big deal. And really it’s a lot of fun. Here is the URL

http://www.odcmp.com


Shoot safe, Mark

[warpusher]

I have been to the CMP up at Camp Perry...definately a unique experience!

CMP guns definately need a bit of cleaning after you get em, but they do clean up nice, and you are correct, every gouge has a tale!

My 1903 that I recieved from the CMP has a burnmark on the side! 

Since you've gotten the carbine bug, if you need anything let me know.  I have a few books on their history and can point you towards some tools to get.

[shortgrass]

I've bought many rifles fro the Civilian Marksmanship Program. From Garands & Springfields to Carbines. I've always bought SERVICE GRADE. The only RACK Grade I bought was the 1917, and it is in excellent shape compared to most 1917's I see. I highly recommend the CMP rifles and the folks who operate the Program. I've never been disappointed!