Useful Knowledge

I am taking a break from Sabbath festivities. I find that you can only go so long without a break. Which is odd, since the Sabbath itself is a break.

I have been utterly irresponsible about answering emails and responding to comments lately. Sorry about that. If you’re waiting for my explanation, you will be waiting a long time, because I don’t have one.

One comment I should have mentioned: I bitched that I couldn’t join the Civilian Marksmanship Program and get decent prices on M1s and M1 carbines, and reader Gromulin pointed out that I can join the Garand Collectors’ Association ($25) and qualify that way. All the clubs near me were high school ROTC outfits, and I didn’t think I could pass. Great comment. Very useful.

Now I have a question. Is it worth it to join the CMP? Seems like they don’t have a great selection of rifles. And the prices on Gunbroker and Gunsamerica seem about the same.

Another question: can anyone explain how M1 carbine collecting works? Apparently, when you buy a rifle, they identify it by manufacturer. BUT–I think–some rifles are relatively pure, and others aren’t. In other words, you may buy an IBM rifle and find that it’s as it was when IBM shipped it, with mostly IBM parts. Or you may buy an IBM rifle and find out it was refurbed with used parts from other makers. If I understand what I’ve read, there’s a big difference in value, and that makes buying confusing.