I drug my feet on the first two rounds and for quite a while on round 3 as well. Missing the first two rounds was costly, as CMP raised their prices quite a bit.
I am finally putting a packet together and submitting it. I am not a 1911 or military rifle collector, but I definitely appreciate the historical significance behind the issued pistols and one would be a nice companion to my 1903s and M1s.
I am a bit lost when it comes to which grade to pick, assuming I even have a choice when my number comes up. My thought is that I need to leave the pistol as it comes, other than perhaps replacing a recoil spring. Its hard for me to leave well enough alone, of course.
To me, the value is the hands the gun has been through and the places it may have been.
Anyway, wish me luck and when it finally shows up, please help me understand what I have.
Andy
P.S. Being retired mil really simplifies all CMP firearm purchases.
I applied at the end of September or October, receiving random generated number 36981.
Some guys got the call from CMP to pick the grade they wanted and chose “Range grade,” or the lowest/cheapest tier (typically advertised as being out-of-spec, possibly altered and with civilian and/or after-market parts).
They received Delta Operator turn-ins from the phase-out from .45s to Glock 22s.
They should all be shooters. They’re in the condition they were in when they went into war storage.
If they came back from the force with major problems (cracked slides, worn-out or pitted barrels) they were brought back to issue standard before being stored away.
The example photo you posted shows a 1960s-90s era GI replacement hard slide that was heat-treated better than 1940s WWII war production guns. They’ll shoot a long, long time.
I drug my feet as well but have a packet in now. I’ve bought several Garands at the north store but I’ve never mail ordered. The rack grades on the CMP forums look pretty good currently, but I’m going for highest grade available since it’s a one and done deal.
I got mine last week. Got the call on Thursday afternoon & was offered Field, Range, & Rack. I chose a Field. Showed up at my FFL less than 24 hours later.
From what I’m seeing on the CMP forum is that the lower grades seem to have more provenance. Any grade can have mismatched slides/frames so hard core collectors may take issue with that.
I’m very happy with mine. I just dig the history.
Gunsmith friend of mine got me going on it in the first round, and ended up getting the call in the first draw. Never got a random number assigned. First time
I have ever got the call. Ithaca frame/Colt slide 1943 issue Service grade
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I started the thread with a packet ready to go and highly motivated. I had a death in the family and one thing led to another. I never submitted the packet (its literally still in my truck). I think the CMP program is a great way to own a piece of history, but am going to stick to rifles.
I received a nice complete Remington Rand service grade in Round 1. When they opened Round 4 up to previous buyers I was in without hesitation. This is my Colt frame - Remington Rand slide field grade I received last this past October below my Round 1 service grade. For the money I agree with others the CMP is a great way to own a piece of American military history. I was hoping for an M1911 in Round 4, but a Colt M1911A1 is just fine too.
