Why should I join GCA?

The main benefit of GCA membership is the quarterly GCA Journal.  Each full-color issue contains articles from some of the most knowledgeable people alive today about John Garand's superb M1 rifle, complete with photographs.  If you want to learn all you can about the M1, you will enjoy the GCA Journal.  Also, the GCA is largest organization currently affiliated with the Civilian Marksmanship Program (CMP).  Membership in GCA fulfills one of CMP's requirements to make a purchase.

How do I join GCA?

New members must submit an application form.  There is a basic member conduct and fraud policy and members must sign that they agree to abide by this policy.  Also, you are instructing GCA in writing either 'yes' or 'no' to release your information to CMP.  The signed and completed membership form should be accompanied by a check, money order, or Visa/Mastercard number and expiration date.

What do I get with my membership?

New or renewing members will receive a receipt for membership dues and a wallet-size membership card.  New members will also receive the appropriate back issues of the GCA Journal, a welcome letter and a data sheet for the M1.

What does GCA membership cost?

GCA membership costs $25 annually. If you live in a foreign country, the dues are $40 due to higher postage costs.

When does my GCA membership expire?

All memberships renew on September 1.  A reminder notice is included with the Fall issue of the GCA Journal every year.

What if I join late in the membership year?

No matter when you initially join GCA, you will receive one full year's worth of the GCA Journal.  Even though your initial membership may not last 12 months, you will still receive at least four (4) GCA Journals.  For example, if you join in December, you would receive the Winter issue in your new member welcome packet.  You would then receive the Spring, Summer and Fall issues as they are published.  If you join even later, say in June or July, we'll send you the Winter, Spring and Summer issues with your new member welcome packet and the Fall issue will be sent to you when it is published.

How does the CMP know if I am a GCA member?

IF you indicated “yes” on your membership application to release your information to Civilian Marksmanship Program, you will be included in our weekly file transfer to CMP.  The current GCA member roster is sent to the CMP on a weekly basis, normally this happens on Monday.  If your membership was received and processed on Friday, the CMP will have a record of it the following Monday, even before your new member packet reaches you through the mail.

How do I keep my GCA membership current?

A reminder notice and renewal form is inserted into each and every Fall issue of the GCA Journal each year.  You can renew with a check, money order or credit card (Visa or Mastercard).

You can also download the 2007 renewal form here:

2007 GCA Dues Renewal Form

What if my renewal is late?

Membership renewal is accepted at any time.  Renewing members will always receive a receipt for their membership and a membership card.  If the renewal is received so late that GCA Journals have been missed, they can still be purchased as back issues for $5 each.

What other member benefits are there?

Each year the GCA holds a National Convention, which rotates around the United States. At these meetings, members hear outstanding speakers, enjoy the camaroderie of other collectors, and get to see other parts of the country. Every fifth year the convention is held in Springfield, Massachusetts, with tours and events at the historic Springfield Armory National Historic Site. Often the conventions are held in conjunction with major guns shows. 

Additionally, GCA sponsors participation in the National Matches held each year. For shooters, these events are ideal for using your M1 to its fullest.

How do I find a past article from The GCA Journal?

To access a fully searchable Index to GCA Journal articles
visit Nicolaus Associates Garand Collectors Association (GCA) Journal Index