Civilian Marksmanship Program Auction Features an Unissued M1 Garand
The M1 Garand 30 caliber (30-06 Springfield) semi-automatic rifle is one of the single-most recognizable service rifles in the world. The design for the Garand was completed in 1936 to replace the United States Army’s aging Springfield 1903 bolt-action rifle. The rifle went into production in 1937 and the first rifles made their way into the soldiers of the US Army en masse 1938. This gave the United States a distinct advantage as being the only country able to equip its soldiers with a semi-automatic rifle as standard armament.
Decades later, the M1 Garand is still highly sought after as a collector’s item, especially original copies that have been gradually sold by the United States government as the rifle was phased out of service after the Korean War. One such original M1 Garand is being auctioned off by the Civilian Marksmanship Program.
Typically M1 Garands can be purchased through the CMP between $650 and $3,100, with the more expensive range being “Sniper Model” Garands. Most of these rifles are issued rifles that have seen service within the United States military and thus come in various grades that the CMP has issued based on overall wear and tear. Grades of rifle can be anywhere from “Rack Grade” to “Collector Grade” with the latter being in near mint condition and only being sold via the CMP Auction website.
The unissued Garand issued in the auction is currently going for well over $3,000. The unissued rifle shows signs that it has indeed been kept in storage for quite a long time. I did some research to see exactly when this rifle was produced, however, I was only able to narrow it down to the relative time period and specific manufacturer.
M1 Garands were produced between 1937 and 1957. After the end of the Second World War, Springfield allowed two select manufacturers, Harrington&Richardson Arms Co. and International Harvester Corp. to produce the M1 Garand under contract. The rifle being auctioned has a serial number of 58669453 which indicates that it was produced by Springfield Armory between 1956 and 1957. This late production date is likely why the rifle remained unissued and in storage.
Although the rifle looks a little worse for wear from being stored for so long, I believe the stock just needs a little TLC and the rest of the gun just needs a good rub down with some gun oil. After a bit of maintenance, this M1 Garand would surely make a great collector’s item. There are approximately 5 days left for the auction at the time of writing and the highest bid currently stands at $3,102. For information on placing a bid or purchasing any CMP M1 Garands, you can visit the Civilian Marksmanship Program website here.
Reloader SCSA Competitor Certified Pilot Currently able to pass himself off as the second cousin twice removed of Joe Flanigan. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ballisticaviation/
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One too many sixes in the article's serial number.
just what the world needs. a 4 thousand plus dollar "wall hanger" !
All my stuff is a shooter. Some are "mint", but I SHOOT them. that is what they were built for!