M14 Forum

Lennyo3034

I have the opportunity to buy a SA 2-44 Garand from a local gun shop for $500. It looks to be in decent condition except the stock, which is pretty beat up.

The Barrel also has an import mark on it. I'm buying mostly for collector's purposes so I'm not a fan of that. I'm thinking of rebarreling it to a period barrel anyways, which should take care of that matter, however its an extra cost on my end.

Does this seem to be a good deal/idea? I know absolutely nothing of Garands.

lefty o

you could do worse, but in my opinion by the time you rebarrel, and restock the rifle with correct pieces, that rifle is going to get fairly expensive.

GCBurner

About right for a shootable rifle, but I wouldn't buy it just as a collectible. A Field Grade SA from the CMP in similar condition is $495, plus $22.95 shipping, and doesn't have any importers marks on it.

Seventh Fleet

What condition is the barrels rifling in and what was the importers name stamped on the barrel?

I bought a Blue Sky Imports Springfield from a friend for $300.00 and its barrel looked like the inside of a rusty sewer pipe. I was later able to buy an excellent condtion Springfield DCM Garand take off barrel from another friend. Four of us had shot the required three DCM matches and we each had each bought a DCM (later changed to CMP) Garands for $168.00 each.

One of the guys had installed a Douglas heavy barrel on his DCM Garand and he had the spare barrel just laying around and offered it to me. It was a marriage made in heaven.

He even took my Blue Sky Imports Garands down to Fort Benning for me and picked up the rebarreld rifle later. He paid the retired Army armourer to rebarrel my rifle out of the hundred bucks I'd paid him.

The armourer even installed a new op rod spring. When I got my Garand back there was no longer any sign that this rifle was Korean War rifle that had been reimported into this country by Blue Sky Imports. It turned out to be a fine rifle at a bargain basement price.

7th

Orlando

Persoanlly I would go with a Service Grade for $595.00 from CMP. You will get a good shooter

ripcord

By the time you rebarrel it and search for all the "correct" parts, you can buy a Correct Grade from the CMP for the same money - and have it in your hands in a few days. Plus you will know what you have as far as headspacing, etc.

Lennyo3034

Good point, I think I'll pass. How many CMP matches do I need to shoot in to be able to order one? They aren't held anywhere near me.

Orlando

Zero, ther are other ways to qualify to purchase from CMP

http://www.odcmp.com/Sales/eligibility.htm

FICK_USMC

It is not a good deal as long as you can buy from the CMP. The prices rise as for each level of condition with the rack grades starting at $495. I would say that the imported M1 would be a rack grade or worse. The Service Special is a post war correct rifle with new wood, and stock metal. I have looked at a lot of these, and all have been in excellent condition with muzzles under 2. This makes the Service Special the best bargain for the buck in a rifle that needs nothing and looks like new. For an extra hundred you can go with the Special. It is also a great deal because you get a grade A receiver with fresh finish, a new Criterion barrel, new wood and stock metal. They are as new as you can get for $995.

honer

I've seen Blue Sky barrels stamped so hard that a bore gauge wouldn't pass
the area where the barrel was stamped. I'd check it closely.

Honer

Gman56

is it arlington import marked?They imported some nice garands.What does reciever and bolt look like? I would buy for $550 if metal is not pitted. I have all the parts and barrels but thats me . What serial number is reciever 5 digit 6 digit they are worth $250 to $300 alone.

Lennyo3034

I think the mark was exel or something along that lines. Receiver and bolt looked good. I think I'll hold off for a CMP rifle. Does that guarentee a WWII receiver/rifle though?

Pro_USA1776

As was stated earlier, fill out the paperwork required for the CMP and get yourself an unmarked Garand!

Iggy

Read the CMP description of the Garands very carfully. I feel the Service Grade Special is the best deal - "Collector Grade Metal in excellent almost new condition" and new stock with new metal for $895. The Special Grade is reconditioned metal with new production barrel and stock for $995. I bought a SA Service Grade Special that looked like it had hardly ever been fired. Barrel meets new specs, all parts are SA and all a very close to the same date. I cannot say with 100% certianty, but it looks like the gun is all original, never issued or re-arsenalled except for the stock which is a new stock with CMP cartouche - If I could find a period stock in the same condition as the gun, I would have at least a Correct Grade with Collector Grade metal!

Charlie59

You're right about reading the descriptions carefully. I think they call the Service Grade Special something different now. But they are beautiful rifles! I think most of them have been test fired(16 rounds)only. I got one, and found a real nice USGI stock/metal set to put on it. Mine has all SA parts, too. I think they are the best deal at CMP as well. Without seeing the rifle being discussed, I'd walk away from it and try to get squared away with the CMP, and get a Service Grade, at least. My .02.
Charlie