We get many requests for information about the Garand Collectors Association and how to become part of it. In response, we present the Unofficial Garand Collectors Association Information Page.

In January of 1986 a "senior" Garand collector wanted to create a database of collectors' M1s and "put it on a computer." He thought, "maybe even a Garand Club--with memberships and a newsletter?????" With some mild encouragement he grabbed the ball and ran with it, proposing a logo and a list of ideas for founding the association. He sought committment from 20 "advanced" M1 collectors, and by December of 1986 had published the first newsletter to 80 members.

Today the Garand Collectors Association has nearly two thousand members who eagerly await the quarterly GCA Newsletter. The one thousandth member is Richard Garand, John Garand's son. Many new friendships have been formed by association with the Association, and members such as Scott Duff* and Dave McClain** have helped expand our knowledge of the M1 rifle beyond our wildest dreams.

In 1994 the Association created a permanent monument to John Garand: a bronze bust now on display at the Springfield Armory National Historic Site in Springfield, Massachusetts. This is the only monument to this great inventor, engineer and manufacturer extant--save for the six million rifles that sprung from his fertile mind.

The generosity of the Association also makes it possible to ensure that John Garand's personal rifle can be on public display, on loan from the Garand family, at the SANHS.

In 1999 the Association became an affiliate of the Civilian Marksmanship Program (CMP), fulfilling for its members the CMP M1 Rifle Purchase Progam requirement for membership in a CMP "club or organization."

Advice for Beginners:

Rules to make collecting M1's manageable

by R. Deane***

1. First, be patient! Dave McClain once told me that "with patience everything will come" and it's true.
2. Remember that knowledge is power! Study everything you can find related to the M1 and learn as much as you can in order to gain an advantage in the marketplace. Keep a notebook and carry it to shows as a handy reference guide.
3. Look--let your eyes tell you the truth. Bob Seijas**** once said that "if it looks right it probably is," and that advice has paid rewards over the years. Original guns have a look that sets them apart.
4. Ask questions--don't be afraid to ask for help.
5. Protect yourself! When sending guns or parts through the mail, include a complete data sheet with the package. Keep a copy in your files so you'll know if any tampering occurred while the gun/parts were away.
6. Demand a three-day inspection period as part of any transaction. If the seller refuses to provide that courtesy, pass on the deal.
7. Do not accept worn, pitted, rusted, broken, or bent parts (unless it is that once-in-a-million part) since with patience you'll find that part in good condition soon enough anyway.
8. Remember, you must decide the final state of your collection. Are you going to hold out for original, mint items or are willing to settle for correct guns and be happy with them? A word of advice--unless you are very rich or very lucky, you will not find it all. We now have 1000 plus members. It is dubtful that one tenth of these members will ever own a 1936 Pattern Rifle and to be frustrated because you can't join that elite group is FOOLISH. Be happy with what you have and rejoice for those who have more.
9. Treat people with respect and be honest in your dealings--this will profit you more than any other single quality. The best collections I know are owned by the best people I know--there is something of a moral in that realization.
10. Depend on the GCA for help and advice. Only a small percentage of our members are dishonest--the remainder will give you honest help if you ask.
11. Contact the GCA when you experience a raw deal. If you are treated dishonestly by another GCA member--we want to know.

For a membership application, click here.

JOHN CANTIUS GARAND

1888-1974

A Quiet Genius Who Gave
To His Adopted Country
"The Greatest Battle Implement Ever Devised"
The M1 Rifle

from the inscription
on the John C. Garand bust
at the Springfield Armory National Historic Site
Donated by the Membership of the
Garand Collectors Association
June 6, 1994