While I was in Ohio this weekend, I drove up to the CMP store and picked out a few military surplus rifles. My gun safe is now home to a nice service grade Springfield M1 Garand and Rock Island M1903 rifle. They are both excellent rifles, with only limited muzzle and throat erosion. The wood has a few dings, but I shouldn't have any trouble reconditioning them. Prior to this weekend, I hadn't owned a bolt action rifle. The M1903 is quite an entry into that realm. Of course, it came covered in Cosmoline, so it's still wrapped up until I have time to clean it.

(Click to Supersize)

(Click to Supersize)

Driving to the CMP store was definitely worth it. While service grade rifles are guaranteed to have erosions of less than 3, I was able to hand pick one with much less wear. The people there are very friendly, and thanks to Lue for giving us so much ribbing and making us feel at home. On the two rifles, I spent $60 in sales tax I wouldn't have otherwise, but saved $40 in shipping. I was tempted to pick up an M1917 Enfield, but opted to wait and see how the other two rifles turned out.