Recently, The Armory reported on President Trump’s order to start releasing the government stockpile of 1911s to the Civilian Marksmanship Program (CMP). Several of you left your email and asked to be informed as soon as the CMP began taking orders. Now we have news on the M1 Garand to add to the mix.
Unfortunately, that has not happened yet. However, the U.S. has several M1 Garands that were previously on loan to the Philippines and Turkey since about World War II. Approximately 100,000 of those M1s have been returned. Although technically authorized for sale through the CMP under President Obama, most believe it was unlikely to ever happen under his administration.
For the Obama administration, signing a piece of paper as a showpiece was one thing, but actually releasing the guns was quite another and the Obama administration knew it—one face for the public, the other behind the scenes doing the anti-gunners bidding. However, also behind the scenes, the U.S. Army (authorized by Obama’s order) laid the groundwork with the CMP for the eventual release of the rifles. That has now come to fruition, and the Garands are in the hands of the CMP.
In fact, the CMP received the Garands over the last month or so. Currently, the CMP is busy prepping the guns for sale. Each of the M1s will have to be cleaned, inspected, potentially repaired or rebuilt, and then test fired. Afterward, the M1 Garands will be sorted and graded, which ultimately determines each rifle’s sale price.
“We’ve already begun on the Turkish rifles,” CMP Chief Operating Officer Mark Johnson said in an interview with the NRA. “They’re already filtering into the system and there are some on the racks for sale now.” According to Johnson, neither country added any markings to the rifles, so the repatriated guns are not distinguishable from any other M1 Garand.
As previously mentioned, the government also has about 100,000 1911s, which will be sold at a rate of 8,000 to 10,000 a year. Due to the limited supply and anticipated high demand, at least the first lot is scheduled to be sold on a lottery basis.
The CMP is authorized to sell designated surplus military rifles, parts, and ammunition to qualified U.S. citizens “for marksmanship purposes.” There are regulations and hoops you’ll have to jump through to qualify to buy one—like a background check both when applying through the CMP and another from the FFL when you pick it up. Some will squawk about this, but it is Uncle Sam’s guns and his rules.
The revenue from CMP sales is used to fund operations and programs and to supplement a permanent endowment. For eligibility requirements, check out the CMP website. There you’ll find the CMP has two retail stores, one in Alabama and one Ohio. The CMP also has an online retail site and sells item through an auction site.
Which are you most interested in, the M1 Garand or 1911—I am sure most will answer both! Share your answers in the comment section.
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I am interested in both weapons. Retired military.
I am very much interested in purchasing an M1 Garand. Please notify me when they are available for sale. Thank you
Looking to enjoy the sport of shootin
show me the hoops I will start jumping. I would like purchase one each.
I am more than pleased to hear, if it is true, that the weapons will be available for purchase. I am interested in both types of weapons. Hopefully the weapons will be useable and not junk.
Both if priced right! Disabled vet.
I also am interested in both.
I would love to have a M1, if they are not overly expensive.
WHAT? Why, how DARE the Government sell MILITARY grade Semi-auto rifles, and, to the great unwashed American Public! Whew, can you imagine the hue and cry when the anti-gunners figure this one out…
Would definitely like to have at least one of each, but, would have to sell most of what I already have to afford either one, much less both!
Maybe one day, I’ll be able to get one…
would love to purchase a piece of our great country’s history. If price is reasonable I would like to purchase one of each. I already have 2 1911’s but they have been gold beautifully engraved in nickle and gold (expensive ) and have never been fired.