Drill Receiver Reclamation Initiative Frequently Asked Questions 

Program Overview & Purpose

Why did CMP decide to start reclaiming Drill Rifle receivers?

To responsibly return tens of thousands of historic receivers to shooters and collectors, sustain rifle inventory, and avoid scrapping valuable artifacts.

How does the initiative support CMP’s mission?

It preserves U.S. military history, supplies quality rifles that promote firearms training, safety, and competition and generates revenue to fund marksmanship programs—especially for youth.

Has this process ever been commercially performed on firearms at this scale?

To our knowledge, no. Frankly, we’re proud of the work that this team of CMP armorers and industry partners have performed to revive these symbols of our nation’s history to a fully-operational status and make them available to eligible US citizens. In a meaningful way, we believe that this groundbreaking initiative adds yet another sharable chapter to the story that each of these rifles can whisper to future collectors.

Safety & Quality Assurance

Are reclaimed Drill Rifle receivers safe to shoot?

Yes!  Firearms safety is always a top priority for the CMP and was without question our primary and driving focus for this effort.  First, only select drill rifles – the ones in suitable condition — were approved to be included in this program. Rigorous programmatic testing was completed on an appropriately sized representative sample and at the end of the process each and every rifle is tested.  Each receiver is guaranteed to be free of any significant material defect.  Given the rigorous testing, they are as safe to shoot, and maybe safer, than any other rifle sold by the CMP 

What research & development (R&D) and proof‑testing was conducted before adopting the program?

A representative sample was reclaimed using production methods and subjected to worst‑case proof‑load firing, dimensional checks, sectioning, and metallographic inspection to validate structural integrity.

What testing is performed on every reclaimed receiver?

Each receiver undergoes dual‑field wet magnetic particle inspection (MPI), dimensional verification, and visual inspection.

How are old weld cracks detected and addressed?

Wet MPI identifies any surface or subsurface indications.

Defects that can be repaired are professionally corrected and re‑inspected; irreparable receivers are removed from service.

Is each reclaimed receiver individually tested?

Yes. In addition to standard CMP inspections, every reclaimed receiver receives wet MPI to ensure it is free of latent defects.

What happens if a problem is found during inspection?

Receivers with correctable defects are repaired and re‑inspected.

Receivers that cannot be brought to standard are permanently removed from production.

Are the receivers re‑heat‑treated after reclamation?

No. Testing showed the reclamation process does not compromise strength; re‑heat‑treating would provide no benefit.

Can I access the testing or inspection data for my specific receiver?

No. CMP records all data internally, but individual receiver files are not released to purchasers.

Specifications & Performance

Do the weld zones affect performance?

Testing confirmed that the original drill‑rifle welds and new reclamation welds have no adverse effect on strength, heat‑treat, or service life.

Will headspace or dimensional tolerances be affected?

No. The reclamation process restores receivers to original U.S.G.I. specifications within serviceable limits.

Are these as accurate as other non-reclaimed M1s?

Yes. The work performed on these rifles should have no bearing on it’s ability to be as consistent a shooter as any non-custom M1 that the CMP has sold. Many will feature new barrels.

Are there any special ammunition considerations for these rifles?

No. Rifles originating from the CMP Drill Reclamation Initiative have been tested to ensure that they meet same specifications as their non-drill counterparts. These rifles will be subject to the same technical constraints as any other rifle:

*GUIDELINES ONLY! For the most accurate information and assurance, please consult the ammunition manufacturer for details about the compatibility of your specific load and firearm.

Purchasing, Pricing & Warranty

Will they be sold in a separate or discounted grade?

No. Reclaimed receivers meet or exceed the quality of current production rifles and are integrated into existing CMP grades without special pricing.

Can I request a rifle without a reclaimed receiver or exchange a rifle for one without a reclaimed receiver?

No. Reclaimed receivers are not segregated in inventory; all rifles are issued based on grade and availability.

Receiver distribution will be “Luck of the Draw”, but current inventory conditions support a high likelihood of reclamation based products.

Our current warranty policies remain in place. Exchanges will only be offered when a rifle fails to meet the purchased grade and no remedy to repair can be offered.

Is the warranty the same for these rifles?

Yes. They are covered by CMP’s standard guarantees, including the new lifetime receiver guarantee against material defects.

Why do these cost the same as a non-reclaimed receiver?

The spirit of the public law that created the CMP guides our actions to affordably transfer these arms to the civilian population for the purpose of connecting collectors with the rich history that these guns helped to forge. We do remain cognizant and work to cover the expenses of reworking and bringing these to market. When the firearms are able to generate additional funds those are allocated to serve the other purpose of our charter which is the promotion of US marksmanship. Proceeds generated from the sale of firearms go to fund matches, instruction and a myriad of youth shooting initiatives and scholarships. This is the lowest cost that we can bring these to the market while serving this mission.

Historical & Collector Considerations

Will I be able to tell if my receiver was reclaimed or repaired?

Evidence of the original drill conversion or reclamation (e.g., added material or finish discoloration) may be visible especially upon rifle disassembly. These marks are part of the receiver’s history and are not concealed.

Will these rifles still have collector value?

Yes. They remain original U.S.G.I. receivers with historic significance, though refinishing may influence collector demand and value.  Interestingly, all M1 manufacturers are represented in this group of receivers and with a wide diversity of serial numbers.

Technical Process Details

What was done to these receivers to render them only suitable for drill rifle activities?

M1 & 1903A3 – Barrel was tack welded to the receiver

M1 – Some examples exhibit welds on the op rod disassembly notch.

1903A3 – Cutoff switch welded to prevent bolt removal. Firing pin hole welded on some/most.

Did CMP remanufacture any drill receivers by rejoining completely severed receiver components?

No. All CMP reclamation work was limited to the removal of tack welds.

No rejoined receivers, commonly referred to as “Re-Welds”, were a part of this project and would not have passed our rigorous inspection and testing standards.

Project Partners

Who were CMP’s expert partners on this project?

Heritage Arms, LLC (Oxford, AL) performed reclamation machining and production testing.

Prospector Training (Crawfordville, FL) provided early lab and proof‑testing services.