Reply #5: In Order to Qualify for a Garand.....

[FrontPorchPhilosophr]

You must participate in a CERTIFIED high power rifle match, and put x number of rounds "down range" - hitting the target is not required - and the sites on my Mini-14 were GROSSLY misaligned and I didn't (still haven't had the time to fix that dammit!).

From this you will get a certification of participation in the Civilian Marksmanship Program that is good for 5 years.

With THAT, you are authorized to buy an ODCMP Garand. I got mine for about $400 - a Danish post WWII return in decent shape.

Prices and quality vary. Springfield 03's occasionally turn up.

30 years ago a .45 was under $50, and rifles were under $200, and both rifles and carbines were available.

;-)