Buying M1 Garands or '03A3 Springfields - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

fj bertrand · #1 11-19-2004, 06:44 PM

The US gov't does sell, through a contractor, by mail or in person M1's, M1903's and 22 cal target rifles. The Director of Civilian Marksmanship has its headquarters in Anniston Ala and a sales outlet in Camp Perry Ohio.

I purchased a 'greek' issue M1, made by the Springfield Armory in 1943, used by the USMC in SW Pacific, rebuilt in Japan, sent as a lend-lease to Greece in '48-'49 then returned to US gov't in 1956.

It was again rebuilt then stored in 1964. Sold this past year to me. It cost only $295 as it was a 'rack' issue weapon, with no cosmetic upgrades. It is the cheapest of the M1's available. (you can buy 6 weapons per year per person.)

To qualify for purchase, you must be a US citizen, member of a recognized gun club that is affiiated with the DCM program, have Photo ID and if purchased by mail, a notarized statement to that effect. Also, you must prove proficiency with a weapon (DD214, marksmanship badge, club certificate, etc.)

(A friend and I left 5 am and got out to Camp Perry at 1130 on a saturday. Bought a whole bunch of stuff (5 weapons & 2K of 30-06). That loaded down the 350 sdl (got 28 mpg at a averqge of 72 mph). Nothing like jumping in the mb, buying stuff and having a nice trip back...)

If you go to Camp Perry, they have a notary on site. Also available is 1968 LC 30-06 ball ammo for sale. $192 for 1K rounds in depot pack. While we were there, it was quite amazing, like shopping in a gov't surplus sam's or costco: people buying 6 weaons, 2K of ammo & hauling them in the back of their SUV. Pallets and pallets of rifles and ball ammo. Hmmm--do they know something I don't???

My weapon fires very well on the range. It is a working piece of history...

MikeTangas · #2 11-19-2004, 07:11 PM

I keep saying one day I will take up rifle matches to get the requisite 3 leg matches under my belt. I've been wanting a Garand a long time.

Gilly · #3 11-19-2004, 09:32 PM

Hmmm, just wondering, WHERE would be the WORST place to have a flat on the SDL with a load like that.......cop shop, state patrol headquarters, or how about near a prison where they have the "Do Not Pick Up Hitchhikers" signs every 1/4 mile...........or down in the 'hood.

Botnst · #4 11-19-2004, 09:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gilly

Hmmm, just wondering, WHERE would be the WORST place to have a flat on the SDL with a load like that.......cop shop, state patrol headquarters, or how about near a prison where they have the "Do Not Pick Up Hitchhikers" signs every 1/4 mile...........or down in the 'hood.

S. Claiborne Ave and Jackson at 2AM. No ammo.

Gilly · #5 11-20-2004, 04:26 AM

Oh, I could point out that I have a M1 carbine made by Rockola (jukebox co.), it was my dads. What a neat little gun.......
Gilly

moparmike · #6 11-20-2004, 06:05 AM

Good lord. How much did they charge you for 2k rounds of M2 ball? Did it come in Garand clips?

I know 1400rds of Turk 8mm weighs about 100lbs. Damn thing nearly gave me a hernia getting it in the trunk of the 380...

fj bertrand · #7 11-20-2004, 07:30 PM

It's $192 for 940 rounds. no clips. it was tracer linked, so a contractor de-linked it, repackaged it in 20 rd boxes, tuffed into 30 cal ammo cans then depot packed it. Weighs 88 lbs. Picked up two depot packs as it would cost nearly 70 to have 2 packs shipped. (paid for the fuel in the
350sdl--it was under 2.00 per gallon on the indian reservation where we fueled up)

KirkVining · #8 11-20-2004, 08:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gilly

Oh, I could point out that I have a M1 carbine made by Rockola (jukebox co.), it was my dads. What a neat little gun.......
Gilly

That's a real prize. I collect M-1 carbines. My prize is an IBM. My fellow computer freaks are crazy about it. I also own an Underwood and an Inland that has been converted to a paratroop model, that I keep in a long toolbox and take on out of town trips. The price of these guns has doubled again in the past year, with average rifles going from around 400 a piece to about 800 now.

The Rockola's are one of the rarest, I think there are variations made by National Poster Meter that are a little more collectable, but the Rockola is a primo find. Have you found the stock cartouche? A lot of these guns were re-stocked during the war, so if you can verify the cartouche as being the original one applied at the Rockola factory, you have a gun that most likely has all origianl parts, and it is worth three times as much.

Gilly · #9 11-21-2004, 04:27 AM

I'll have to check the stock, I have it in a plastic stock right now, but the stock it came with is in fine shape, no idea if it's original. I think dad bought it out of a magazine in the 60's. He used one in Korea and liked it I guess. I also bought some 30 rd mags for it (not sure if you can buy these legally anymore or not, but I'd be grandfathered anyways). How do ID the stock as original?
Gilly

moparmike · #10 11-21-2004, 05:32 AM

There are no magazine restrictions anymore. Its as if the ban never existed, except to certain inept gun stores trying to mooch dollars on 10yr old guns.

I could take a dozen AK 30rd mags and weld them together, and if I could find a suitable spring to charge it with, load it up with 360rds and bump-fire it, and no one could say squat, legally or otherwise.

#11 11-21-2004, 05:50 AM

I have a Garande somewhere, this thread has stirred my interest so now I have to find it.

MikeTangas · #12 11-21-2004, 09:08 AM

Find it by Tuesday. I'll be close by and would like to check it out.

#13 11-21-2004, 09:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MikeTangas

Find it by Tuesday. I'll be close by and would like to check it out.

I'll be waiting for you hahahahah.

If your by in the afternoon and feeling up to it maybe you can sit in my camera blind and tape the vaboom.

MikeTangas · #14 11-21-2004, 03:23 PM

I figure I'll be by around 11ish. Don't try laying in for me...I am just as proficient left handed as right

KirkVining · #15 11-21-2004, 03:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gilly

I'll have to check the stock, I have it in a plastic stock right now, but the stock it came with is in fine shape, no idea if it's original. I think dad bought it out of a magazine in the 60's. He used one in Korea and liked it I guess. I also bought some 30 rd mags for it (not sure if you can buy these legally anymore or not, but I'd be grandfathered anyways). How do ID the stock as original?
Gilly

If you go over the stock with a magnifying glass, you'll find a faint brand-like marking call a cartouche. They are pretty distinctive. I believe the Rockola has the letters "QMHC".

You should put it back to original condition. They are worth about $1,500 right now, just in average condition. You can still buy any size mag for them at gun shows. Millions were made, there will always be plenty around.