CMP is awesome.
That said, remember that right now that $650 is going to get you an H&R (post WW2), most likely with a non USGI stock.
How well are those going to hold their value as compared to an all USGI rifle? Let alone as compared to a WW2 contract Springfield or Winchester?
Perhaps if you can find an all USGI at a shop, the $1000 may be worth the investment down the road.
I do love those Korean era garands, though. And I think the H&R's are particularly nice. It's an easy decision to go through CMP if you want a shooter. From an investment/historical piece standpoint, maybe not.