I’ve owned versions from all four U.S. manufactures and my favorites are H&R. They always seemed to have the best overall quality & finish. Rumor has it that they hung a sign in the factory stating “Built it as if it was being issued to you son”. They benefited from various improvements made over the years, weren’t produced during a war (rushed production = cutting corners), and were in service the least amount of time, so less overall use.

That said, I’d look for a high number H&R or Springfield (a close second). By comparison, my Winchester and International Harvester are poorly finished, rough with far too many deep milling marks.

If in snake country find one with a floor in it. They like to come in and scare the hell out of you.

I went back in December for the first time with almost no knowledge , the staff was amazing answered any questions and the armorer there helped me pick two rifles. he looked at over 50 , using a te/me gauge before he found me two showed me how to field strip and reassemble . Check the cmp forums , they give weekly store reports and you can even give them a call and ask what they have on the racks . Don't forget they have ammo . en bloc clips, bayonets, slings there too.

I’ve owned versions from all four U.S. manufactures and my favorites are H&R. They always seemed to have the best overall quality & finish. Rumor has it that they hung a sign in the factory stating “Built it as if it was being issued to you son”. They benefited from various improvements made over the years, weren’t produced during a war (rushed production = cutting corners), and were in service the least amount of time, so less overall use.

That said, I’d look for a high number H&R or Springfield (a close second). By comparison, my Winchester and International Harvester are poorly finished, rough with far too many deep milling marks.