My big gun purchase this year was a M1 Garand from the Civilian Marksmanship Program. Ever since I had an interest into firearms I always wanted a M1 this rifle was the main battle rifle of the US military in WWII. Korean War, and limited use in Vietnam. It shoots .30-06 cartridge and hold 8 rounds in a removable metal en block clip that gives a distinctive ping sound when the clip was ejected. The rifle I had purchase was called a service grade rifle which mean it a working gun that will show some wear and will have a decent bore and barrel. The rifle I received was in good condition it was a Springfield Armory rifle made in 1944 had the original barrel , International Harvester trigger assembly ,the original stock, and a Harrington and Richardson bolt. It still has great accuracy for a rifle over 60 years old and has no function problems. The only downside of owning one is that you cant shoot commercial ammo because it has a higher pressure load than what the M1 can handle you can buy surplus ammo made for the M1 from the CMP as well at a reasonable price. The CMP is a wonderful program that promotes marksmanship to the youth of nation providing firearms, training and competitions throughout the United States. If you get some time check the website out www.thecmp.org. The buying process is pretty complicated and filled with some paperwork some requirements are that you be a, US citizen, a member of a affiliated club (military and law enforcement count), pass a background check and fill out an notarized affidavit. Once all that is done you wait it took me like over two months to get mine but is was worth the wait.
