The Philippines could be sending 86,000 M1 Garand rifles to the US which will be made available to the US public through the CMP (Civilian Marksmanship Program). Most of the rifles were made before 1957 and are considered highly collectible. The program will use the proceeds from the potential sale to fund their operations.
The CMP is a federally chartered non-profit corporation which promotes firearms safety and training. Numerous marksmanship competitions all over the country are hosted by the group.
The organization obtains most of its funding by selling surplus military firearms, donated to the CMP by the Army. Because of restrictions on firearm returns from overseas allies which were put in place by the Obama administration, there is a limit on how many guns can be sold.
Because of these restrictions, the common variations of the M1 have been out of stock for two years.
The CMP only covers shipping costs when sending weapons to America, keeping costs down when they are put up for sale.
Only those who meet the CMP’s eligibility requirements will be able to buy weapons from the program. The requirements include proof of US citizenship, proof of age, and membership in a CMP affiliated organization.
The program also requires proof that the individual is knowledgeable about the safe handling of firearms and range procedures or proof of prior participation in a marksmanship related activity. This proof can be from time spent in the military, law enforcement, or certain training courses. They must have either a concealed carry license or similar form of certification. The municipality or state where the buyer resides might have additional restrictions.
The eligibility requirements are only applicable for those who buy weapons, not memorabilia, parts, ammunition or publications sold by the program, assuming local or state laws don’t ask for them.
Source: Warhistoryonline
