Same here. I can't believe how many people I've seen whining about the price - comparing them to the $400 Tisas and RIA.
Well, not long ago I bought a new E-series S&W 1911Sc (round butt, scandium frame, night sights) for $20 more than a CMP Service Grade. And bought a barely used Les Baer for even less. Deals like that don't come around every day, but then again, neither do CMP 1911s. But I have a
real good idea which gun would be at the bottom of the heap if you actually wanted to shoot it.
Since I'm not into buying CMP firearms to
potentially resell them at a profit, I'll pass on a pitted service grade, or the pitted and rusty lower grades. ESPECIALLY with all the hoops they want you to jump through.
But for those who do want one, I certainly wouldn't stand in their way - I hope they enjoy their piece of history and that whatever they get is better than the grade description suggests.