[acarpenter]

So I cruised over to Century's website today and saw that they have added M1 Carbines in their products page. However, my plan up until that point was for sure to get one from the CMP. Now the question is, which would be the better route: A 'good' grade carbine from Century, or a 'service' grade carbine from CMP. The Century options are Standard or Rock-Ola. I have heard numerous different things from different sources some saying that all carbines from either place are going to be Imports, which doesn't really bother me as long as I end up with one I can have some fun with that isn't beat to hell. And I guess the Century would be available sooner and arrive sooner. Decisions, Decisions.

[oldjarhead]

I would stick with the CMP service grade. The century arms carbines that I have seen are a little on the rough side. The CMP carbines may be a little rough but you can rely on the fact that they have decent barrels and chambers. If you do have a problem with the carbine you receive from CMP they have a great customer service program.
I don't know where the story of these USGI carbines are 'imports'; they are not, they are returns. Some of the civilian distributors are, or were, required to stamp the name of their business on the barrel but the little guys are still USGI. That stamp doesn't affect operation nor normal value...it may affect collector value.
Ultimately the decision is yours. You didn't mention the price Century is asking but I know that with CMP the value is there.
What's the link to Century?

[Righteous]

ya roll the dice buying from century as to what you might get, get it from CMP then you know its in good shootable shape.

[acarpenter]

Products Page
and
Products Page

I haven't setup my account yet because I am waiting to hear back on if they received my FFL or not

[.22guy]

Go with CMP. It will be non-import marked, in better shape and probably cost less.

Heck, you can get an Inland rack grade for 419, plus 23 shipping. They have shipped some really nice rack grades lately.

[jimb2]

Another vote for CMP. Even their rackers are usually better than the Century good grades.

[MrJitters]

CMP all the way.

[jkrzos]

Howdy,

I'd go with the CMP. Bought an M-1 Garand and '03 Springfields a couple of years ago for $800.00. They sent me a check for $75.00 later, cuz they said I made a mistake. List was M-1 $400.00 and '03 $400.00 plus shipping. Couldn't figure it out so I left it alone. Anyway I have to vote for the CMP. My military collection is M-1 Garand, M-1 Carbine, '03 Springfield, 1898 Krag-Jorgenson, and 2 Colt 1911's, mfgd in 1918. It's a start.