CMP Announces Repatriation of 86,000 M1 Garands

Big news for M1 Garand fans. The CMP recently announced that it should be receiving 86,000 M1 Garand rifles from the Phillipines. These WWII-era battle rifles were originally loaned to the Phillippines government through a Military Assistance Program. As “loaners”, they could eventually be repatriated to the United States. It looks like these old rifles will finally be coming home.

The return of the surplus Garands was disclosed last week by Gina Johnson, Gen. Mgr. of CMP South (Alabama). Posting on The M-1 Garand Enthusiasts Group Facebook Page, Ms. Johnson wrote:

“ … CMP will be receiving the rifles once the Phillipines prepares them for shipment. CMP reimburses the Army transportation costs of getting these rifles back as they have with every other shipment sent to us. We do not know when these rifles will be shipped back, but they have been approved.”

This was later confirmed by Mark Johnson, Chief Operating Officer of the CMP. Johnson stated that the rifles could be shipped back for distribution to American civilian shooters: “There are 86,000 or so M1s hopefully coming back to the Army,” he said. “We hope to see them in the future.”

These historic rifles can be returned to the USA and the CMP because the rifles were originally loaned to the Phillipines government through the Military Assistance Program, a more modern version of the “Lend Lease” program that provided arms and assistance to U.S. allies during WWII. Alloutdoors.com explained: “Since these rifles were loaned, not purchased outright, they are eligible for return to the U.S. Army and then the CMP”.

Condition and Price “To Be Determined”
As the CMP has not yet seen or graded the M1 Garands, the typical condition of the rifles remains unknown. But with so many rifles coming back the the USA, we can expect there will be some in very fine condition. It make take a long time for the CMP to inventory all 86,000 Garands and eventually list them for sale on the CMP Store.