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I'm ordering a CMP Custom Shop Build M-1. What should I ask for? Login/Join 
goodheart
Picture of sjtill
posted
CMP is offering custom shop builds in either .30-06 or .308, I'm planning to request .308.

Link

quote:
This Custom Shop Special M1 rifle is meticulously hand crafted to be competition-ready, fully meeting all “As-Issued” CMP standards. Assembled to perform as a one-to-two MOA (Minute of Angle) rifle, it offers the precision and accuracy demanded by competitive shooters.

- The rifle features a Deluxe Barrel Installation, finish-reamed to meet military specifications for optimal headspace. It is compatible with standard length, contour, .308, and .30-06 barrels.

- A Gas Cylinder Assembly Refinish is applied using a blackening oxidizer to the gas cylinder, lock, and lock screw (the three stainless steel parts on a Garand). This process replicates the original finish found on post-war components, enhancing durability and authenticity.

- Rifle Metal Refinish involves parkerizing all metal parts. The rifle is carefully disassembled, with metal surfaces prepped and parkerized. The reassembled rifle is function-tested to ensure reliable performance. While the final finish color may vary depending on the metal’s properties, it will generally have a medium gray appearance reminiscent of the original service rifles.

- The Stock Set Refinish removes surface blemishes and ensures the proper contour of the stock. Special attention is given to maintaining the original shape. A combination of tung, danish, and teak oil generates a matte finish seal for a refined, functional, and attractive look.

- The Trigger Clean-Up performed removes all noticeable creep, resulting in a crisp military two-stage trigger pull with a weight of at least 4.5 lbs. This essential upgrade ensures a smooth and consistent shooting experience, vital for competitive performance.


I just got a response from the CMP Custom Shop, and will forward the necessary info. At some point an armorer will call me prior to doing the build.

I have never owned an M1; I've shot one once and was very impressed at 100 yard accuracy in MY hands with iron sights.

Is there anything specific I should ask for when I speak to the armorer?


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Posts: 18536 | Location: One hop from Paradise | Registered: July 27, 2004Reply With QuoteReport This Post
Member
Picture of 1KPerDay
posted Hide Post
quote:
Originally posted by sjtill:
CMP is offering custom shop builds in either .30-06 or .308, I'm planning to request .308.

Link

quote:
This Custom Shop Special M1 rifle is meticulously hand crafted to be competition-ready, fully meeting all “As-Issued” CMP standards. Assembled to perform as a one-to-two MOA (Minute of Angle) rifle, it offers the precision and accuracy demanded by competitive shooters.

- The rifle features a Deluxe Barrel Installation, finish-reamed to meet military specifications for optimal headspace. It is compatible with standard length, contour, .308, and .30-06 barrels.

- A Gas Cylinder Assembly Refinish is applied using a blackening oxidizer to the gas cylinder, lock, and lock screw (the three stainless steel parts on a Garand). This process replicates the original finish found on post-war components, enhancing durability and authenticity.

- Rifle Metal Refinish involves parkerizing all metal parts. The rifle is carefully disassembled, with metal surfaces prepped and parkerized. The reassembled rifle is function-tested to ensure reliable performance. While the final finish color may vary depending on the metal’s properties, it will generally have a medium gray appearance reminiscent of the original service rifles.

- The Stock Set Refinish removes surface blemishes and ensures the proper contour of the stock. Special attention is given to maintaining the original shape. A combination of tung, danish, and teak oil generates a matte finish seal for a refined, functional, and attractive look.

- The Trigger Clean-Up performed removes all noticeable creep, resulting in a crisp military two-stage trigger pull with a weight of at least 4.5 lbs. This essential upgrade ensures a smooth and consistent shooting experience, vital for competitive performance.


I just got a response from the CMP Custom Shop, and will forward the necessary info. At some point an armorer will call me prior to doing the build.

I have never owned an M1; I've shot one once and was very impressed at 100 yard accuracy in MY hands with iron sights.

Is there anything specific I should ask for when I speak to the armorer?

Doesn't sound like you need to discuss much; all of their work is intended to fit within the "as issued" CMP standards, so you can't have it bedded, or the trigger done better than it already will be. Sounds like it will be a nice rifle! If they really do the work to achieve original GI specs for the stock and handguards, that alone will be worth the price IMO. Nearly all aftermarket stocks and handguards feel huge compared to a WWII GI set.

I guess you could ask for a milled trigger guard if you prefer how they look, but they are getting pretty scarce and the stamped Korean-era ones are generally considered superior in actual function and lockup, and can be adjusted, unlike the milled ones. I wouldn't also bother with asking for lock-bar sights unless you are trying hard to make a WWII-looking rifle. In that case the "blackening" they are applying to the gas cylinder/lock/screw will be anachronistic anyway.

If you want a shooter, rather than a WWII cosplay rifle, ask for their standard build and maybe specify a stamped trigger guard (which IMO there's like a 95% chance they were going to do anyway).

You might ask if they offer walnut furniture as an option, rather than beech/birch or Hackberry. Not sure what they're doing now. But even if it's one of the latter it can still look good.

ETA: the top rifle in the pic on the link you posted has a milled trigger guard, so if that's one of the examples, you might get one. If you don't have any preference, I recommend you ask for a later/spring steel stamped one. And it looks like walnut is an option based on the pic, which is good.


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Posts: 3324 | Registered: February 27, 2013Reply With QuoteReport This Post
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Looks like these are built to be eligible to compete in service rifle matches, so if that is your goals for this rifle there isn't really much more you could opt for. True 'match' M1s that don't have to comply with 'as issued' rules often have further work done, such as unitizing the front handguard and installing a heavier contoured match barrel necessitating having the front handguard wood hogged out, and installing national match sights for example. You may get to opt for a specific manufacturer if you want. Generally the later the date of manufacturer of the receiver the more highly thought of they are as all the incrimental improvements over the years are incorporated into it, and generally the less use they have seen. I am not sure if that really makes a huge amount of difference at the end of the day to your average shooter though.

I have a total of five Garands spanning the period of manufacture. Earliest one is dated mid-late 1938 with a 4 digit serial number, a couple are WW2 era manufactured dates, one a Winchester, and two mid 50s Harrington & Richardsons. Three are CMP Specials (new wood and barrels, new or freshly reparked metal), two of which are 308s. One 308 was a problem child at first, the other an exceptional shooter. They are all excellent shooters, better than I am. You will be very happy with your new M1.
 
Posts: 2580 | Location: Troy, MI | Registered: October 18, 2005Reply With QuoteReport This Post
goodheart
Picture of sjtill
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Thank you! That's just what I wanted to hear.
I've wanted an M1 for almost 20 years since I shot one; saw choices at CMP dwindle until a recent pickup in offerings. Thought I might as well go for the best shooter.


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Posts: 18536 | Location: One hop from Paradise | Registered: July 27, 2004Reply With QuoteReport This Post
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quote:
Originally posted by sjtill:
Thank you! That's just what I wanted to hear.
I've wanted an M1 for almost 20 years since I shot one; saw choices at CMP dwindle until a recent pickup in offerings. Thought I might as well go for the best shooter.


They are a ton of fun to shoot, and a real piece of history. Can't wait to see pictures and to hear your impressions.
 
Posts: 2580 | Location: Troy, MI | Registered: October 18, 2005Reply With QuoteReport This Post
Mistake Not...
Picture of Loswsmith
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Thanks sjtill, that's $1,650 that you've just cost me.

Actually though, I'm going to order this for my son in .308 so he will have the option of the M1 I currently have in .30-06 or the new one in .308.


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Posts: 2101 | Location: T-town in the 253 | Registered: January 16, 2013Reply With QuoteReport This Post
fugitive from reality
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I did NOT need to see this. Roll Eyes


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Posts: 7141 | Location: Newyorkistan | Registered: March 28, 2007Reply With QuoteReport This Post
goodheart
Picture of sjtill
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quote:
Actually though, I'm going to order this for my son in .308 so he will have the option of the M1 I currently have in .30-06 or the new one in .308.

Glad to be of help! Big Grin

I'm thinking of my older son, "dilettante" who got me into shooting. He now has a 2-year-old son, and I'm sure that if anyone else in the family is going to take up shooting it will be little Ben.

The M1 Garand is one of the most iconic historic firearms, including the encomium from Patton as the "greatest battle implement ever devised". It just happens to be a heckuva fun rifle to shoot, and just handling it makes one nostalgic and grateful.

I pray that someday my grandson will pass it on to his, reverently saying "This was Bapa's favorite rifle".


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Posts: 18536 | Location: One hop from Paradise | Registered: July 27, 2004Reply With QuoteReport This Post
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