You may not be aware, but the Civilian Marksmanship Program runs a reliable, reasonably-priced maintenance/repair facility for USGI-issue rifles. Since October 2013, the CMP Custom Shop (Anniston, AL) has provided gunsmithing services for a wide range of U.S. Military rifles, specifically those issued in early eras. As well as repairs and troubleshooting, the CMP Custom Shop can upgrade, accurize, customize, and refinish the types of rifles the CMP sells.

CMP will work on the M1 Garand, M1 Carbine, 1903 and 1903A3 Springfield, the 1917 Enfield and the Krag. Other rifles like the Remington 40X, Mossberg 44, and H&R Model 12 can also be serviced. CMP will NOT work on shotguns, pistols, revolvers, M14/M1A, AR15-style rifles or other commercially-produced modern rifles. For a list of services (with prices) visit the CMP Custom Shop webpage.

NOTE: Before you can send a rifle to the CMP Custom Shop you must be a customer on file in the CMP system. Customers must meet the same eligibility requirements as for CMP rifle purchases. Once qualified, you can purchase a rifle from the CMP and have the CMP Custom Shop make modifications to it prior to shipping.

CMP Custom Shop Can Work on USGI Rifles Purchased from Other Sources
The CMP Custom Shop can work on rifles that may have been purchased elsewhere as long as they were made by a USGI contractor. Some examples include: Springfield Armory (not Springfield Inc.), Harrington & Richardson, Winchester, International Harvester, Remington, Rock Island, Eddystone, Inland, Underwood, Rock-Ola, Quality Hardware, National Postal meter, Standard Products, IBM, Irwin-Pederson and Saginaw. NOTE: There are many NON-USGI copies of the M1 Garand, 1903 Springfield and especially the M1 Carbine that CMP will be unable to work on.

For more information, call (256) 835-8455, x1113, or send email to customshop [at] thecmp.org. Shipping and Correspondence address for the CMP Custom Shop is:

CMP Custom Shop
1803 Coleman Rd
Anniston, AL 36207

Note, the $17.97 surplus ALICE packs come without frames. They have adjustable 2 3/4″ shoulder straps with twin 4 1/2 x 11″ shoulder pads, plus lower and upper back pads. The central storage area is enclosed with a drawstring and 2-strap top flap. On the outside are three 5″ x 10″ outer gear pouches secured with metal buckles and web straps. These surplus ALICE Packs are available for $17.97 in either Olive Drab (OD) or Woodland Camo.

ALICE Packs with Frames at ArmyGear.net
If you need an ALICE pack with metal frame, ArmyGear.net has surplus ALICE packs with frames at super-low prices. A Large (2200 cubic-inch capacity) ALICE with frame is just $26.98. This big pack MUST be used with an ALICE Frame — you cannot attach shoulder straps alone. These $26.98 large ALICE packs include frame, shoulder straps, and kidney belt. The 1500-cubic-inch Medium ALICE pack with frame is also $26.98, in woodland camo. The medium pack can be used with or without a frame. ArmyGear.net sells the Medium ALICE without frame in OD for $18.98 with shoulder straps ($19.98 Woodland), or $12.98 without shoulder straps.