I'm a hard pass on the rack grade specials.
To me is seems like buying a high mileage, abused used car because someone put a new set of tires on it.
The receiver is the foundation of any Garand and it is the one part on which I personally will accept no compromise.
For the same money, a straight service grade is likely to be a better overall rifle. Especially if you ask for one with a new stock. Excellent condition receivers in the original finish are not hard to get on service grades.
Theoretically the new barrel may give it an accuracy edge but lets be real, its a Garand. Without careful fitting and handloading the advantage over a service grade USGI barrel isn't worth fretting about.
I understand that there are Garand buyers with different priorities and I respect that, but these are just not for me.
Agreed.
[EDIT] Just to clarify; you guys talked me out of it.
Fair enough, but IMO CMP Garands are very low risk because chances are you can you sell it for more than what you paid the CMP for it. Don't like the one you got, sell it, and buy another.I'm a hard pass on the rack grade specials.
To me is seems like buying a high mileage, abused used car because someone put a new set of tires on it.
snip
GOOD.
Now go buy that Service Grade.