[gunadvocate]

Probably worth it haha

[SunkenShadow]

Well...depends on what you're gonna use the rifle for. Special Grade is great for people who just want to use it as a shooter at matches/hunting/etc. But if you're looking for something with a much larger collector's value, then go with the Service Grade.

[shooter1]

I just ordered one in sept. Delivery TBD from CMP sales. Can't wait. But I was back and forth on this same issue for about a month. I have a friend that can rebarrel M1's and figured I could do that if the service grade got shot out in a year or two.Then my buddy got a special and I used it at three CMP garand matches this fall. It shot great. Plus the new wood and finish looks great.

Shooter

[mh53gunner]

The Specials offered for 795.00 are very nice. I picked up one at the National Matches this year. The only part that was not correct for the rifle was the stock, which was a replacement CMP walnut.

Last year the SG HRA and SA rifles with the DAS stamps were great. Personally, I love the FG and RG rifles.

[Laufer]

Reading all of your comments might lead me to one day buy one, if i can determine that available 30-06 ammo components can be easily reloaded to make it affordable shooting (what do you average per round, after your gear is paid for? ).
Am about to buy my first (simple Lee) gear. A friend showed me how to reload some .303 on his equipment, recently.

Have read that the CMP might again obtain lots of decent-priced mil-spec 30-06 ammo.
Only a Garand might have a chance of partly curing my Lee-Enfield Virus.