Our Association

The Garand Collectors Association (GCA) is devoted to the study of the M1 rifle.
It is the intent of the GCA that this site will foster interest and study on the subject of this superb firearm.

The GCA was founded in 1985 by Richard Deane of Kentucky with the goal of putting the many scattered Garand collectors in touch with each other to exchange and further our knowledge of the rifle. Today, the not-for-profit corporation has grown to nearly 13,000 members around the world, and is increasing every year. GCA members include recognized authorities on the M1, members of the Garand family, members of the Springfield Armory National Historic Site staff, and the full spectrum of individual collectors from advanced to beginner.

The GCA publishes a quarterly magazine, The GCA Journal, that includes articles and photographs of the M1, letters and comments by members, and a free marketplace section where members place advertisements seeking or offering Garand items. The GCA Journal has become the leading recognized periodical about M1 Garand rifles, its history, and the people who collect them. The magazine subscription is included in the GCA annual membership dues.

The Garand Collectors Association has an excellent working relationship with the Civilian Marksmanship Program (CMP). GCA is their largest affiliated gun club and we work closely together. They are an excellent source of M1 rifles and ammunition. Membership in GCA fullfills one of the requirements to purchase from CMP. GCA members who elect to share their information with CMP are listed in an electronic data set which is updated and sent to CMP weekly.

GCA holds an Annual Convention that rotates around the nation. It provides outstanding seminars, tours, and speakers on M1 Garand rifles, and related history. It is a great place to meet and visit with other collectors and recognized experts.

It is easy to join GCA. There is a basic member conduct and fraud policy and members must sign that they agree to abide by this policy. Annual dues are just $25 ($40 foreign) and all memberships expire on September 1 of each year. You can pay your membership with check, money order, or Visa/Mastercard.