Another thread I started and never posted in...
Way back in 1984 in the dark days before the internet, you learned of something in one of two ways. You either read about it in a book, magazine, or newspaper. Or you heard about it word of mouth from friends or someone you spoke to at a show or gun shop.
In this case, I read in the American Rifleman that qualified citizens could buy an M1 from the gov't for the sum of $165. At the time, a nice gun show M1 was $500, so this was a really good deal. ($165 adjusted for inflation is $528 today. $500 is $1602.)
So, the quest began to learn what, where, how, and why and acquire one of these bargain priced M1's.
First step, get the application packet from the DCM with the instructions and requirements. Then collect all the documentation required.
Then find out where and when I needed to go to satisfy the shooting requirement.
I won't go through all the line items as a lot of it has changed in 40 years, but let's just say it's easier and more streamlined a process now than in the old days when everything was in black and white and snail mail was the only game in town. You had to sit down and type or write out a letter requesting the desired info/forms. Then put a stamp on it and mail it. Then wait. None of this email response the next day with a pdf of all the docs. Your ass had to wait for it to come in the mail...for weeks.
Back in those days, there was a list of clubs and state shooting associations for each state and contact info in the back of the Rifleman. You had to call the number and ask all the questions. I asked the man what I had to do for the shooting part and when and where to go. Turned out, they were holding an M1 Clinic that June which was a couple of months away. This clinic provided everything a new shooter needed to get a taste of the game. The DCM provided LC Ball ammo, the club had DCM issued rifles for the students to use, coaches were there and provided gear in addition to instruction. All I needed to do was bring my happy ass to the range and pay the modest entry fee.
Long story shorter, over the course of the next few months I managed to fire all the required shots and have them documented. Got all the other paperwork requirements satisfied, money order for $165, finger print card, etc. and mailed off the packet to the DCM. Then wait.
One year later, the mailman rings the doorbell and hands my mother a long box from Anniston Army Depot. Inside was a H&R M1 in nice, but not new condition.
I continued to compete because I liked it. In 1986, I got to go to Camp Perry on the club rifle team. It was a great experience that is somewhat diluted today. It was great while it lasted though. I went to Perry every year with the team until 2000. Lots of memories and friendships.
The quest for Distinguished Rifleman and Presidents Hundred has been discussed in another thread. It took me until 1993 to become Distinguished, and 1996 to make the Presidents Hundred. My Distinguished number is 1083. The Distinguished program was started by the Army in 1889. Civilians were allowed to compete starting in the early 1920's. So, it took 70 years for that many civilians to earn Distinguished Rifleman status. About 15 per year with time out for WW2. My two accomplishments.
Of the two, the Presidents Hundred is harder to earn, and more prestigious. 30 shots total. No sighters. Iron sights back then. This was before AR's entered the chat, everyone shot M14/M1A and few with M1's. You better know your zero and be able to call the wind well.
10 shots slow fire standing at 200yds.
10 shots rapid fire prone from 300 yds.
10 shots slow fire prone from 600 yds.
It's the top 100 shooters period. Classification does not matter.
Your competition is:
The US Army Marksmanship Teams (2)
The US Marine Corps Marksmanship Teams (2)
The US Navy Rifle Team
The Army Reserve Team
The Marine Corps Reserve Team
The Navy Reserve Team
The Service Academy Teams
And the best civilian shooters in the country.
In the 15 years I went to Perry, I made the cut one time in 1996. I was #93.
Some dust collectors I have around the house.
AND we didn't pay a dime for ammo! 
And an M1 Carbine. I'll elaborate at a later date. Just want to get you all jelly and end this thread... 
