CMP Launches Commercial M1 Garand Production

The Civilian Marksmanship Program (CMP) is expanding beyond its traditional surplus rifle offerings with the launch of brand-new M1 Garand rifles. This significant development marks the organization's first venture into commercial production firearms, building upon decades of experience with original Garand platforms.

Manufacturing Partnership with Heritage Arms USA

The production partnership involves Heritage Arms USA, an Alabama-based manufacturer that should not be confused with Heritage Manufacturing, the company known for producing .22 caliber revolvers. This collaboration leverages CMP's extensive knowledge base accumulated through years of selling and maintaining original M1 Garand rifles.

Authentic Design and Specifications

These newly manufactured rifles maintain complete fidelity to the original M1 Garand specifications. The authenticity extends to several key characteristics:

• Ammunition Requirements: Still requires M1 Garand-appropriate ammunition such as M2 ball or commercial loads specifically designed for Garand use
• Feed System: Utilizes the classic 8-round en bloc clips
• Ejection Sound: Produces the iconic "ping" when the clip is ejected after the final round
• Competition Legal: Fully approved for CMP competition use

Pricing and Availability Details

The new production M1 Garands carry an MSRP of $1,900 for both .30-06 Springfield and .308 Winchester chamberings, with an additional $40 shipping charge. Pre-orders are currently being accepted, with initial shipments expected to commence during the summer months.

Construction and Components

According to the manufacturer's specifications, these rifles feature several noteworthy construction elements:

Receiver Details

The centerpiece of each rifle is a commercial forged receiver that represents a faithful reproduction of the original Springfield design. The development process incorporated both original technical drawings and specifications alongside physical examination of historic receivers to ensure accurate replication.

Serial Number Format

Each rifle bears a CMP serial number applied in the traditional historical font and format on the receiver heel, creating a distinctive identifier for this commercial production run.

Parts Configuration

The rifles combine various component sources:

• Commercial barrels and forged receivers
• Mixed commercial and GI parts for supporting components
• New stocks and barrels for most rifles
• GI complementary parts retained where appropriate

Mission Support Through Sales

Consistent with CMP's operational model, proceeds from these rifle sales will directly support the organization's marksmanship training mission. This includes funding for youth competition shooting programs and the annual National Matches held at Camp Perry, Ohio.

Market Significance

This commercial production initiative represents a notable shift for CMP, traditionally known for distributing surplus military rifles. The new M1 Garands provide shooters with factory-fresh rifles that maintain the authentic characteristics and performance of the original design while supporting continued marksmanship education and competition programs.