The CMP Drill Rifle Initiative
May 6, 2025
Civilian Marksmanship Program▸The First Shot▸The CMP Drill Rifle InitiativeThe Civilian Marksmanship Program (CMP) is excited to announce that we have successfully embarked on an initiative to reclaim original M1 and Model 1903-A3 drill rifle receivers that were previously decommissioned and rendered inoperable and make them available to US citizens as firearms that are fully functioning, safe-to-use, collect and admire.
Why the CMP Did This
This effort is driven by firearm enthusiast demand, and by our mission, as mandated by Public Law, to return America’s historic guns to its civilian population. Our goal is to promote marksmanship and through these firearms foster a connection with our proud national history. The CMP accepts the responsibility of preserving and promoting America’s military heritage. By reclaiming and refurbishing rifle receivers, we aim to keep authentic U.S. receivers in circulation rather than consigning them to scrap. This initiative not only supports collectors but also sustains rifle availability for competitors and recreational shooters.
How the CMP Performed It
The CMP, in conjunction with leading industry experts, completed a comprehensive engineering program to determine whether weld-repaired drill-rifle receivers for the M1 Garand and Model 1903-A3 can return to live-fire use while meeting—and potentially exceeding—the same safety and durability standards as original receivers. Heritage Arms performed the weld removal, machining, and assembly of the test rifles, while Prospector Training LLC executed the proof-firing and destructive metallography and supplied quality-engineering support. Additionally, each rifle produced will undergo testing (further described below) before they will be deemed available for sale.
I would love to own a fully functioning 1903 (either Springfield or Remington), the earlier the year the better. I primarily use hard cast lead in all my Milsurp rifles. Easy on the rifle and easy on the shoulder, and very accurate! Although my wallet has nothing but dust in it at the moment. 8(
Not a fan.
“Receivers that pass…feed directly into CMP’s standard Service, Field, and Expert grade rifle production.
They are not labeled, priced, or warrantied differently…and will extend no offer to further identify units associated with the project.”
Because you know people won’t knowingly buy them. Despite your awesome sample size of 18.
We are being as transparent as possible. These rifles will be a large percentage of our inventory. As far as the sample size it was based on the amount of weld and placement. It allowed us to see what kind of problems would develop and how to test for that type of issue. If the issue could be resolved it was. If the proper repair could not be made the receiver was removed from production. Every receiver that is used now is tested. Also if you will notice in our email about this project we are putting a warranty on the receivers.
Will there be another round of mail orders for 1903 rifles in the near future?
I completely agree with reactivating and selling the rifles but I disagree with selling them as a regular rifle and not denoting the fact they are reclaimed drill rifles. If I were a novice shooter who didn’t know any better, I’d probably not care or even notice. But I’m not. If I were to order one and I received a reclaimed rifle, I would not be happy. At all. I understand they are tested and will be as safe as a non-reclaimed rifle but I would not want to pay the the same price as a non-reclaimed rifle. If they were identified and priced lower, I would have no issue. Putting them in “general population” is what I have an issue with.
I will be honest with you when this was first discussed I was not a fan. Because I had always heard that the weld would destroy the receiver. With the testing done on these receivers it shows that that is wrong. The welds that are on these receivers show virtually no change. Now we are faced with the harsh reality that the Garands are running out. That has been a long standing point of discussion for years, but now it is real. The CMP is working on getting more rifles. Things are in the works, but it will take time. As far as the “general population” this is what we have to work with. We have been as transparent as we possibly can. Other than asking every customer to come and visually inspect our process. Please also take into account that the receivers are now under a lifetime warranty as put forth in our FAQ section on the sales announcement
Try University of Wyoming AF ROTC unit. When I was a cadet on the drill team there in 1983-84 we acquired demlled M1’s. As I recall these were disabled by driving a steel rod down the barrel
There have been many ways to demill rifles in the past. Some make the rifles where they can never be used again, but others allow for some work and testing to be done and put these rifle back to active use. We have seen rods welded in the barrels, bolts welded closed, receivers cut so they can never be repaired. Many rifles used by VFW and AL post are not modified at all other than the addition of a blank firing adapter. Some of the rifles are completely destroyed by the demill process. We are trying to get these historic rifles back into the hands of Americans that will not only appreciate the history but also have a functional rifle to enjoy.
Thanks for the information on the M-1 Garand, drill rifles.
I have rebuilt several of them when Camp Perry had some very good DRs. with little weld. I have many M-1
parts to complete a rifle, I do not have any receivers. I am very interested in purchasing the receivers, or completed rifles!.
Would like to see some form of a CMP engraving near marker/serial number to identify the firearm as a “reclaim.” CMP provenance might be lost easily/intentionally, leaving you to “buyer beware.”
I think this is a wonderful thing. Some may disagree. I’ve been affiliated with the CMP since the early 1990’s (back when the Danish Rifles were available for $300 and looked down upon by ‘collectors’) and all this time have been fortunate enough to have gotten several M1 Garands, an M1 Carbine, and a couple of 1903’s back when they were available in small numbers (about 15-20 years ago). Over these many years, I have seen some of the drill rifles, and thought it was a pity that these were not ever going to be returned to functional service. I am so glad to hear a reliable and safe way to bring them back has been developed! How soon can we expect to see some of the M1903-A3’s become available?
I agree fully. This is a wonderful initiative by CMP leadership…. Please keep it up.
Many of the “reclaimed” rifles only have minor welds on the front of the receiver. These rifles are easily returned to what you are calling functional service. Most were blank firing rifles used by VFW, AL and Honor Guards so the rifles were still being fired with blanks. As far as the 1903A3 rifles they are in the final stages of testing and should be available soon. We will update the sales page when we are ready to release them. I can also say that from the testing that a 1903A3 is a lot stronger than I thought it was.
This is awesome, thank you so much for driving this initiative! I missed the sales windows on the 1903’s many years ago when they were being offered (family financial limitations). Hopefully I will be able to afford one now when they are made available for sale!
Can you make faux 1903A4 with the reclaimed receivers?
What exact is “reclaim”? What did DOD do to these? Cut, weld?
My local American Legion has a dozen M1 that were issued a few years (by Anniston?) for firing party. Seem fully functional (blanks) so I assume bore is original. I don’t recall and other evidence of demil. I think our 1917s and Springfields all were at some point sent back in.
Those rifles are US government property and may only be returned. Selling them is theft.
Most of the rifles used for this project had only small tack welds holding the barrels to the receiver. I had always heard that welded rifles were not good to use. But with the inspection, repair and testing that we have had done on these rifles it puts many of those “myths” as being not true. You will still be able to see some evidence of the repairs, but these have no effect on the function of the rifles.
AL/VFW rifles used for firing (blanks) are generally not considered drill rifles; they are just rifles that a blank adaptor has been screwed on, no actual modifications. CMP has been selling these (as fully functioning rifles, because they are) for years.
Drill Rifles refers to rifles that have been made unfireable by one or more of these steps:
-Firing pin broken oof/removed and firing pin in bold welded closed.
-Cut off (1903s/A3s) welded (it may be operated, just not removed)
-Tack weld securing barrel to receiver
-Barrel destroyed by driving/welding a steel rod in the chamber, and often a torch cut through bottom of the barrel.
Receivers that have been cut in half (torch or metal shear) are referred to as “demills” and are not what CMP is discussing here.
Over the last few years, I have very carefully restored, for my own use, a small number of these rifles, purchased from the CMP Camp Perry store. I found that in no case had the demilitarizaton process compromised the safety of a properly restored rifle. I’m guessing that some right-thinking person at CMP assumed that they might be restored, and did not put on the sale racks any that had been so badly damaged that restoration would still present significant safety problems. So guys, don’t be afraid of these. They will have been professionally done, and tested/examined by CMP smiths who know what they are doing. The only question in my mind is whether CMP will be able to deliver these rifles at a price in keeping with the cost of the work necessary to build the kind of rifles I have made for myself. If so, do not be afraid of buying one, if affordable.
Christian, Very well stated, I also purchased the driil rifles at the time from CMP camp Perry. I found them to be very easy to refurbish for my own collection, I had no issues with any of them. I still have many Garand parts and hope to get a few receivers to utillise some of these parts that I have amassed over the years of collecting them.
You (and I, and many others) restored a drill rifle, not a demilitarized rifle.
Demils, as they often are called, have the receiver cut in half (usually twice) using a torch or metal shear.
While some have “restored” demils by welding several parts together, with varying (often poor) degrees of success, they are generally frowned upon in the shooting community (and ignored completely by collectors) and usually disqualified from any organized shooting events (CMP included).
Restoring drill rifles has been popular for years, as it is withing the realm of many hobbyists and generally results in a fully functioning accurate rifle (if reasonably and properly done). Several commercial companies have also restored and sold many of these, successfully over the years.
I would love to purchase one. I hope the cost will reflect the difference between a like new vs reconditioned one.
The prices will be held the same as any rifle in our inventory. We are making no changes in prices or grades as these rifles have been tested more than any rifles the CMP has sold.
This is an excellent idea. I think it would be best if they are clearly identified as being built off a recovered receiver however.
Reclaimed rifles, that’s just dumb. No thanks.
I think I speak for many folks when I ask that you do denote on hang tags & certs that these rifles are recovered drill rifles. The shooter segment of your community will not mind and the collectors would appreciate the transparency. I know you said you won’t but I believe it is worth reconsidering. Thanks for all you do!
I agree with that 👍🏻
I think the decision not to mark or segregate the former drill rifles is not right. It would be like buying a car, sight unseen via mail order and learning after the fact it has a salvage title. While I have full trust in the receivers being safe this should be included in the information received with the rifle.
We looked at that option. In all honesty it would lead to a great increase in inventory storage and tracking. With the testing and inspection of these rifles we decided to allow them to go into the normal inventory. If it makes more of a statement of our trust in these guns “A Reclaimed Rifle Will Be My Next Garand”. The ones we are working at this time are some of the best looking receivers that we have came across in years.
I do not think the issue of trust is a concern (to most; I know some will always see this as blasphemy!).
The concern seems to be that if these are indistinguishable from other, non-drill rifle receivers it will cloud the overall market in terms of value and collectability issues.
If a company remanufactured demilled (torch cut into 2 or 3 parts) receivers and sold them with no indication they were so restored I suspect CMP would not support this any more than the rest of the community. Sure, that is a different process, but I think the similarities are clear no matter the engineering soundness.
As a frequent CMP customer I would have no problem receiving a CMP-certified (so to speak) restored drill rifle, but if it is not specifically marked I will probably decline.
I see this as nothing to do with safety or trust, 100% related to ethics and integrity.
Others may not agree with me of course.
I 100% agree with they need to be marked somehow as reclaimed.
Will they be sold under a seperate category for those that do not want a reclaimed drill rifle?
No. These rifles will be combined with all the rifles in our inventory. From the test results and personal experience I will actually be purchasing one of these rifles.
Im sure they will be fine to shoot. I choose to not want one how can I make sure that I don’t receive one via mailorder?
At this time all orders received before 5/5/2025 will be filled with non reclaimed rifles. After that the rifles will be luck of the draw.
Sounds good to me. Please save me a reclaimed 1903A3.
I’ve received several firearms from the CMP and have yet to be disappointed.
–Thanks!
I think this is a great idea and it makes perfect sense, why scrap these receivers when they can be safely recovered and used for generations.
I strongly suggest you consider marking these in some manner to identify them as CMP reclaimed drill receivers. It will segregate them from other, less engineered recoveries and of course from unblemished receivers in general. A simple “CMP” stamp may work, there are many easy solutions.
While these are intended to be shooters they will enter the overall market which includes collectibles as well as shooters and this reactivation is a significant event in the rifle’s history that should not be hidden.
The reclaimed rifles hold a special place in my opinion. They were used to honor fallen Americans. Stamping the rifles or marking them in any other way would be a difficult process.
Thank you for the reply. I do not take any added labor lightly, as these must be profitable. But a simple unique stamp added somewhere during the other metalworking could be done at minimal cost.
In no way do I think these receivers will be substandard (I have several CMP-purchased 1903 drill rifle projects I have no intention of getting rid of myself), but I do think the overall CMP as well as milsurp (shooter as well as collector) market would be best served by a unique identifying mark.
As seen in many discussions already some people confuse this with “rewelds” (receivers made from welding 2 demilled halves together). And I am sure there are some really poor/potentially unsafe reactivated drill receivers in circulation.
To be clear, personally I would welcome these in my (extensive) collection.
I would expect a “CMP recovered drill rifle) would be worth more (and considered “better”) than one I reactivated, not that value is the only factor.
It would be easy to state on the certificate. Also, just like when you send in the $25 and have CMP research if it was sold through them they tell you the grade. Seems like it would be easy to categorize them as such. It’s not that difficult.
Will the M1 receivers be available for sale separately?
We are considering all options that may be of interest to our customers, including sales of stripped receivers, but initial production and availability will be limited to the assembly of complete rifles. Decisions and announcements about any other configurations will be publicized at a later date.
Thank you,
Christine Elder
CMP Communications Manager
As a lover of historical firearms I would much rather see these be restored than rot or be destroyed.
However as a picky collector I urge you to reconsider adding a arsenal mark denoting a reclaimed CMP rifle.
It’s already hard to determine originality and I see these getting cobbled up by the unscrupulous to sell to the less knowledgeable as fully original rifles.
I think over time the CMP arsenal mark will be a collectors in itself. If nothing else it makes plain this important event in the rifles life.
Thanks for all you do!
I would like to be placed on a list to receive the refurbished receivers when they become available, I even may want to purchase the completed rifles!
Harry,
Sign up for our Sales email updates if you haven’t already – visit https://thecmp.org/news-media/emailarchives/email-signup/.
Thanks,
Christine
Would like to be on availability mailing list
Paul,
We don’t have a mailing list but we do offer an email list to receive our updates. Please visit https://thecmp.org/news-media/emailarchives/email-signup/ and select the email lists you’d like to join.
Thanks,
Christine
I hope they will be easily identifiable from non reclaimed rifles so they will not be passed off as non repaired by unscrupulous characters.
When will these be available and what will be the price point?
The first shipment of the rifles will be leaving the armory on or about May 13, 2025. The prices will not be adjusted from other grades.
I have a drill rifle. Is it possible for individuals to send their drill rifles to the companies who restored the guns for the CMP and have our gun restored?
Can you share that info with us?
Carried a eddystone 1917 and 1903 in military school back in the later 70s . Would love the chance to own one of the m1 or 03 . Memories, had a chance to shoot a 17 it was a sure packer . Would love to own either or both.
I should like to know this too John!
At this time we are not offering that service. It could however be an option in the future. I will forward your question to the Custom Shop.
send data when available for purchase.
James,
I added you to our Sales email list.
Thank you,
Christine Elder
CMP Communications Manager
I’d love to be added to the sales list also! Thanks!
Ian,
Please visit https://thecmp.org/news-media/emailarchives/email-signup/ and select the email lists you’d like to join.
Thanks,
Christine
So will we still be able to buy drill rifles still inop? How about 1903 drills in stores. We like to do our own work.
Smag~
Will 1903-A3 receivers be avalable for sale, or just rebuilt rifles?
Mark,
We are considering all options that may be of interest to our customers, including sales of stripped receivers, but initial production and availability will be limited to the assembly of complete rifles. Decisions and announcements about any other configurations will be publicized at a later date.
Thank you,
Christine Elder
CMP Communications Manager
Can’t wait for these to hit the racks. Eagerly anticipating.
Makes no sense to me. It will add cost to the receiver, and will have to be sold at a discount over regular M1’s. CMP will undoubtedly sell them with new Criterion barrels, and therefore will be nothing more than shooters and not collector guns. CMP already sells M1 drill rifles at an absurd $400, I believe. So we will add $100 or so the the receiver, add a $200 barrel and other unusable parts. How is this better than a field grade at $750 or whatever they sell for now?? The math just doesn’t work.
The supply of untouched receivers will dry up eventually. This might be a sign that they need a new alternative source for rifle receivers. I doubt it’s a cost saving measure. It’s to increase the supply by any means necessary.
A better source of supply for historic US military rifles would be to work with congress and the new ATF leadership to develop an approved process to make available the M14 rifles that the military still has large numbers in storage. These have been blocked by the ATF’s assumption that all M14 rifles were in fact machine guns and that “once a machine gun always a machine gun” — neither of those assumptions are valid.
Tom — we are working it hard with this administration. It’s my number one priority. More to follow when we have something to share.
We are also still working diligently on repatriating US Garands and Carbines that were granted to various countries many decades ago. We have all irons in the fire!
Great to hear that, please keep up the great work.
Ross and Brandon — thank you for your comments. From the CMP point of view we have two distinct but interrelated missions. The first is everything we do in the firearms training, education and competitions space. Our goal there is to grow shooting — including both recreational shooting and the segment of shooters interested in our competitions. And of course with a focus on youth. This mission flows directly from the CMP enabling legislation. The second mission set is everything we do with gun sales – restoring historic .22 and .30 caliber rifles and M1911 pistols; ensuring their functionality and safety; and preparing them for sale. This is the economic engine that allows us to conduct literally hundreds of annual events and I believe importantly gets these historic US firearms back out to the eligible US population — this is without question a mission critical part of what we do. With this as context and background, about a year ago we examined the many thousands of M1 and M1903/A3 drill rifles on hand in CMP warehouses and assessed that a significant percentage were salvageable. We confirmed that with rigorous testing which we’ve shared in a very transparent way in the communications that went out this morning. Yes — it is expensive to do all this and most of these reclaimed rifles will get new Criterion or Faxon barrels. But we absolutely believe this is the right thing to do. And we hope that most of you do too! The alternatives of continuing to just store them or worse destroy them were clearly not consistent with who we are as an organization.
Agree one hundred percent. After the repair process described, these receivers are functionally new and are gauranteed to be better than a off the rack rifle.
Absolutely agree with the points made. You are on the right track on reclaiming drill rifles that can be salvaged. Keep up the good work.
Yes!!! Grear idea!!! But they need to be marked somehow as reclaimed.
I may have overlooked this but is there a time frame on when these might start to be available?
Bill — They will be for sale almost immediately. We wanted to be transparent and get all the info posted prior. Thank you.
Excellent!!!
My years of Army/Navy JROTC Color Guard and Drill Team participation with M14s & M1903A3s sparked a longing for just such a Rifle of my own. This is exciting and most welcome news! I have fired other CMP 03/03A3s, and now I may be able to acquire my own.
Simply Brilliant!
Will CMP permit these to be used in official matches? So far they have ruled out use of rebuilt former drill rifles in competition.
Great question as I was wondering the same thing
Sir,
If you review Rule 5.2.2 in the CMP Games Competition Rules, these restored drill rifles are legal M1 Garand rifles.
a) All as-issued military rifles must be rifles of the type that were commonly issued to U. S. Armed Forces or to foreign military personnel;
b) The rifle must be in as-issued condition, with a standard stock and sights;
c) The rifle must conform to the weight and dimensional specifications of standard-issue service rifles.
While provenance as a reclaimed drill receiver will not independently disqualify any entry from competition, our inspecting Armorers will examine the firearm before any CMP event and determine whether it meets their safety inspection criteria.
Thank you,
Christine Elder
CMP Communications Manager
If I can pile on . . . the bottom line is we are fully confident that all CMP reclaimed drill rifles sold as part of this program comply with rule 5.2.2. and will pass our armorers safety check at competitions. We wouldn’t sell them to you otherwise.
Reclaimed drill rifles coming from other non-CMP sources — can’t vouch for them.
I competed in last years GSMM match with an ( Arlington ordnance) M1, some know the story behind those rifles, for the first time in years , didn’t do half bad . I made mention of bringing a rebuilt 03a3 ( reputable gunsmith build), and got a sideways comment from , I believe your lead armorer that when they saw it was a rebuild I couldn’t use it. The old rumormill , i get it. So I felt a little disheartened with my ” sub premium M1″ and rebuilt 03a3. So imagine my confusion/excitement when the announcement of these rifle rebuilds. Thanks
This is great that lab testing was done to prove that these guns are indeed safe.
CMP, if you already have your welder out, I wouldn’t mind picking up a lugged M1 receiver…. Just saying
I did mine about 15 years ago with a USGI Remington two groove barrel, and an aftermarket C stock. The accuracy is unreal with match grade ammo for distance. Ball ammo, great! Very pleased.
Cool, when M14
Never. The ATF has already confiscated M14s that were welded together from 2 halves as semi-auto guns (like an M1A). They say once a machine gun, always a machine gun.
You’re right about the current law. However laws can and do change. I remember the first time I stood in a courtroom and had a judge tell my client that they could smoke medical marijuana, but couldn’t drink beer.
In Canada they used to weld the selector lock and grind off the trip lever on the sear of M14 triggers. Then they were just like any other rifle. Most were Israeli surplus.
Great news!
excellent idea to have more of these historic, shootable rifles in the public’s hands! another chapter in CMP!
We think so too!
I think this is a great idea. It will put more vintage rifles into the hands of our youth, competitors, and collectors.
I reactivated in M1903A3 drill rifle several years ago, and have been shooting it in vintage sniper competition with no issues whatsoever.
I have a rebuilt 03A3 reciver the CMP assembled for me new barrel, new stock. It is a looker and a tac driver. It will easily outshoot my original like new 03A3 rifle. I’m a shooter not a safe queen guardian. That’s what the CMP is about. Teaching our youth how to shoot. Not drooling over safe queens. Get them involved in competition. 👍🇺🇸
Concur! I will buy the offered 03A3 with confidence and enjoy it.