CMP Announces Return of Advanced Maintenance Rifle Classes in 2024
November 6, 2023
By Ashley Brugnone, CMP Writer
After a long hiatus, the Civilian Marksmanship Program’s (CMP) Advanced Maintenance Clinics will be returning in 2024! The course is for those firearm enthusiasts interested in assembling his or her own vintage rifle with the help of hands-on, knowledgeable instructors.
The Advanced Maintenance Class (AMC) is a three-day course in Anniston, Ala. Designed for those who wish to take their passion for the timeless M1 Garand to the next level, the AMC offers students a unique opportunity to receive unparalleled training from our CMP Custom Shop staff. Topics such as head space, barrel installation, component purpose/function, general rifle assembly, rifle/component maintenance and various accuracy techniques will be covered using instructional videos and detailed visual presentations.
In conjunction with the classroom sessions, students will receive active instruction and individualized assistance from Custom Shop staff. Additionally, students will receive an exclusive visit to the CMP South Store and Talladega Marksmanship Park for a chance to view the grounds and fire their personally crafted rifles from class.
Due to popularity of the classes, registration will be based on a drawing system. Registration for the drawing will be open Nov. 27 to Dec. 22. Along with classes for individuals, the Custom Shop will host four “Buddy Class” dates – reserved for applicants wishing to attend with a designated partner of their choosing.
Those interested in the AMC may register through the CMP website at https://thecmp.org/training-tech/advanced-maintenance-class/.
The 2024 dates are:
- Class 1: February 27 – 29, 2024
- Class 2: March 1 – 3, 2024 – BUDDY CLASS
- Class 3: June 25 – 27, 2024
- Class 4: June 28 – 30, 2024 – BUDDY CLASS
- Class 5: August 20 – 22, 2024
- Class 6: August 23 – 25, 2024 – BUDDY CLASS
- Class 7: October 22 – 24, 2024
- Class 8: October 25 – 27, 2024 – BUDDY CLASS
Registration Drawing:
The drawing will be used to randomly select participants for the classes. Registering for multiple classes is permitted, but no applicant will be selected for more than one slot. Former AMC participants are welcome to sign up for 2024.
Registrants will become part of an electronic drawing used to randomly assign the 20 available seats for each class date. An additional 20 participants will be assigned to a stand-by list for each date. These stand by lists have been established due to a historically high cancellation rate and will be utilized to fill classes as cancellations occur.
A confirmation email will be sent to each accepted participant, which will include a hidden link to the CMP eStore that will be used to complete the registration process. The class must be purchased on the eStore through the sent link by Feb. 16, 2024. Failure to meet this deadline will result in forfeiture of your slot to the next applicant on a wait list.
The Fine Print:
Total cost for the 2024 AMC will be $2,350 ($1,200 for tuition + $1,150 for Expert rifle). The $1,200 course tuition fee will be billed immediately after purchasing the course from the eStore (with $150 of your class tuition fee considered as a nonrefundable “registration fee”). Late cancellations, made within 30 days of the class start date, will be subject to forfeiture of an additional $300. Deadline for class payment will be Feb. 16, 2024.
Questions:
For any questions regarding the 2024 AMC or for online registration questions, please contact Hector Lopez-Perez in the Custom Shop at hlopez.perez@thecmp.org or call (256) 835-8455, ext. 513.
More info on the Advanced Maintenance Class page can be found on the CMP website at http://thecmp.org/training-tech/advanced-maintenance-class/.
My husband and I are M1 Collectors, how I would love to take this class with him!
We have been signed up 3x and have not gotten picked yet. Hopefully someday!
Does the rifle you build count against the 6 M1 rifle limit?
Steve,
Yes, I believe it will count at one of your 6 rifles for the year.
Thanks,
Christine
when will the drawing for 2024 classes be held?
I’m checking with our AMC staff and will update the web page once I hear back from them.
Thanks,
Christine
I’ve recently become interested in WW1 & WW2 military firearms, and especially the M1 Garand. However, I overlooked reading your email about the new maintenance classes and I’ve now missed any chance for a spot in the upcoming classes. Will there be any more classes in 2024?
Jim, It looks like the 2024 classes are now filled and there’s a waitlist for each class. We will hopefully continue to hold the AMC in 2025, so look for information to come in the Fall.
Thanks,
Christine
Now that registration has closed, can we know how many registered for the Advanced Maintenance Class?
Keith, It looks like there was over 450 registrations for the drawing.
Thanks,
Christine
What are the requirements if any, for out of state participants? California specifically.
Gerry, Since you will be building your own rifle in the AMC, the same requirements are required as ordering from the CMP. View more information at https://thecmp.org/cmp_sales/eligibility-requirements/.
Thanks,
Christine
I have a question to see if it can be answered. If I register and are privileged enough to get a spot, what happens if I can not attend last minute? I only ask this because with me being in the military and being sent places last minute would this cost me if not able to attend?
CSM Wright, I’ll have Hector in our Custom Shop reach out to you.
Thanks,
Christine
I was wondering, if both myself and my buddy register for all 4 of the buddy classes, and I get a slot for the two of us in the first class and he gets a slot for the two of us in one of the other classes, will we be able to cancel one of the classes without being charged?
Mitchell,
Yes, the drawing will place you and your buddy in one class. If you happen to be placed in an additional Buddy class, then you can cancel without being charged.
Christine
Will we have the ability to chose any available serial numbered receiver? Or will the part, pieces and receiver be pre determined for each individual?
Ronald,
I believe the parts for the rifles are set aside and when you attend the class, you can chose from those parts. Hector, at the Custom Shop, will be able to answer any additional questions at hlopez.perez@thecmp.org, (256)-835-8455 ext. 513.
Thanks,
Christine
My Grandson and I attended a “budy” class in May or June of 2020. It’s a memory he and I will share for life. Ain’t nothing else like it in the shooting world. Can’t buy it anywhere in the world, not even on the world wide internet. I’d like to attend again with my Son.
i ALLREADY HAVE A Garand I bought from you. I really dont need two.
Nothing wrong with having two…or more! The class is a great learning experience you should consider.
I am disappointed that someone would take the time post a comment such as the one above. For my benefit I hope more people have similar feelings as that will likely increase my chances of getting into a class. Furthermore, this class is about being able to maintain the rifle- taking home the product of one’s work is an added benefit. Finally, Kevin, the M-1 rifle can be found in a variety of configurations. Many people, myself included, have discovered an appreciation for this aspect of this awesome weapon from US history.
Hi,
Do I have a choice between a 30-06 M1 or a .308 M1?
Robert, At this time, it is only the .30-06 M1 that is being built in the AMC.
Thanks,
Christine
How does it work if you wanted to have a buddy in the class with you but you both want to work on your own rifle
John,
Both you and your buddy will be building your own rifles!
Christine
I was just registering for the Buddy class with my son. Under the description online, instructions say “Only one member of the “Buddy” team may register”. However, the registration form says “Both individuals MUST REGISTER and MUST LIST who your Buddy is”. Which way is it?
Herschel, Sorry for the confusion. I just updated our website to read: In order for both individuals to be contacted and entered into the class, both individuals need to register online. If one buddy earns a slot, it will pull the other buddy into a slot but they have to be registered.
Thanks,
Christine
Is lodging included in the fee or do we need to make other arrangements for a place to stay when we are there?
Bob, Individuals who attend the AMC in Anniston, Alabama, must arrange your own housing. You can find a link to housing options at the bottom of our AMC web page at https://thecmp.org/training-tech/advanced-maintenance-class/.
Thanks,
Christine
is this class appropriate for those who love the M1 Garand, but are absolutely lousy at gunsmithing?? I own and shoot more than one Garand, but do not consider myself proficient at maintenance — more than just simple lubrication.
Duane, I’ll have Hector in our Custom Shop reach out to you via email.
Thanks,
Christine
Absolutely appropriate. The staff is right there with you every step of the way and the instruction is very clear and knowledgeable. I took the class a few years ago and it was great. I do plan to attend again sometime just due to the experience and want to bring my son. Fantastic experience.
this is advertised as an advanced maintenance class.do you have a beginner class?
Jerry,
We do offer an M1 Maintenance Class during some of our events. You can contact our Custom Shop to learn more – hlopez.perez@thecmp.org, (256)-835-8455 ext. 513.
Thanks,
Christine
You won’t go wrong taking this class. Advanced best describes what you will learn in the class, not the ability you need to attend. I highly suggest signing up, you won’t be disappointed.
What are the class start and end time for each day? If you don’t have the exact start and stop times available, roughly how many hours are there for each day. Thanks! 🙂
I took the Buddy class in 2014 – phenomenal experience for both of us. Class started around 0730, ended about 1630 each day – it’s 8-9 hours per day with a short midday break.
They teach to standard (getting your build right) than teaching to time – very helpful in staying to answer questions and getting your concerns addressed.
This is a great class, I cannot recommend it enough if you shoot or collect Garands. Now that this first class has returned, will there be a chance for those of us who have already taken it to return for a National Match version? At the end of our class in 2019 it was mentioned that you folks were working on a follow-up class where we could bring our rifle back and go through a class to upgrade it to national Match specs.
Sir, I will forward your comment onto our Production/Sales Manager, Deven, and have her reach out to you via email.
Thanks,
Christine
Is there an age restriction for minors? What’s the age requirement if I wanted to bring my son? Sounds like a great opportunity! Thank you.
Ben, I don’t know the answer to your question so I’ll forward it onto Hector in our Custom Shop and he will reach out to you via email.
Thanks,
Christine
This is an awesome opportunity and service!
I attended in2018, built the best shooting Garand of all I own. The class was well organized and educational. The staff member teaching us was very knowledgeable. The facility and its story was unique. I appreciated the range time also. I met some great people there who were building their own rifles and got to trade stories and experiences.
So if i read this right An m1 garand will be put together by the student n then he or she will be able to take the rifle home? N r the parts new or surplus parts?
Eric,
Yes, you will build your own rifle to take home and it just depends on our inventory – more than likely, it will be a mixture of parts. If you have any additional questions, please contact Hector Lopez-Perez at hlopez.perez@thecmp.org, (256)-835-8455 ext. 513.
Thanks,
Christine
Thanks for this notice. I am so glad to hear that this class is finally going to start again in 2024. I have been keeping the CMP/AMC page on my browser for the last 3 years and checked it often to see when the class was going to be available again.
I will definitely be registering to join the lottery.
My Son and I completed the buddy class a few years back. Awesome experience for us both! Two great rifles were built. Mine was an early Springfield receiver and the Son’s was a late production. Both are great shooters! Highly recommend for Father and Son or best buddies!
Plan on signing up 🤞. It would be a great opportunity to learn more about the M1 Garand that I have found to be my all time favorite.