The Civilian Marksmanship Program (CMP) has long been the holy grail for 2A enthusiasts hunting affordable, authentic surplus rifles like the M1 Garand and M1 Carbine—icons of American military history that turned the tide in World War II. But as original stocks dwindle (we’re talking rifles that have been circulating since the 1940s), CMP isn’t sitting idle. At SHOT Show 2026, they unveiled a tantalizing lineup of restored new old guns: previously nonfunctional surplus pieces meticulously brought back to safe, shootable life, plus fresh-from-the-forge reproductions of those classics. This isn’t just tinkering; it’s a strategic pivot to keep the Garand’s thunderous 30-06 bark echoing on ranges for generations, ensuring history doesn’t rust away in some forgotten crate.
What makes this a game-changer for the 2A community? CMP’s dual-track approach—reviving the unserviceable and manufacturing pristine copies—sidesteps the import droughts and ATF import-point headaches that have choked supply for years. These aren’t mass-produced polymer wonders; they’re faithful to John C. Garand’s original design, complete with walnut stocks and that unmistakable ping of an empty en bloc clip. Priced accessibly (expect Garands around $800-$1,200 based on prior releases), they democratize ownership of battle-proven hardware, fueling training with tools our granddads used to save the world. Critics might whine about new guns diluting surplus purity, but let’s be real: this sustains the civilian training pipeline the CMP was born for under the 1920s-era legislation, bolstering marksmanship skills amid rising threats to our rights.
The implications ripple far beyond collectors. In an era of endless ammo taxes and mag bans, CMP’s resurgence fortifies the 2A ecosystem by flooding the market with reliable, American-made rifles that double as heritage pieces and precision trainers. It’s a middle finger to those who want history erased—proving that with ingenuity, we can replenish the arsenal without begging foreign suppliers. If you’re not already on CMP’s waitlist, SHOT 2026 just lit the fire: these guns will fly off shelves faster than a Garand at full auto (don’t try that at home). Gear up, patriots—this is how we keep the line unbroken.
