Fair price for M-1 Carbine?

Given the market conditions, what would you consider a fair price on a used Universal M-1 Carbine in good condition? Trying to use completed listing or even current ones on GB is useless at the moment, There is one on the used rack at a LGS marked $499, and I am not sure if I should jump on it or not (this LGS operates much like a furniture store with marked down tags hanging on just about everything).

I have looked at them in the past and they have always been on my buy one some day list

thanks

top $$$ IMHO

wait and get a USGI M1 carbine instead, Universals are post war cast receiver framed m1 sold to civilian market only and has very little historical significance. A refurbed Inland can be found all day for $550 range if you look in the right place

Thanks, I think I will pass on it then, this one was marked Iver Johnson and from my online research that would imply it was built between 1983-87

Universal carbines around here run about 400 bucks, give or take a few bucks. If it is one of the late Universal rifles with the stamped bolt carrier, put it down and slowly, no quickly run away. The earlier carbines with the GI bolt carrier are just fine. GI carbines around here run in the 600-900 buck range...chris3

wait and get a USGI M1 carbine instead

Words of wisdom here. I once owned an Iver Johnson M1 Carbine and now have an Inland USGI M1 Carbine that belonged to my father-in-law. The difference in quality (and history) is staggering.

Given the market conditions, what would you consider a fair price on a used Universal M-1 Carbine in good condition?

<$400

If there was more affordable ammo around prices may creep up.

I had a Universal M1 Carbine years ago, and while it was a decent gun in terms of fit and finish, most parts were not interchangable with a mil-spec version. I would save up and try to find an actual USGI M1 Carbine.

GI stocks wont fit most Universal M1 Carbine clones
I have a Mixmaster GI all Milsurp parts PM if interested.

As already posted PASS, Universals are the proverbial bottom of the barrel M1's. Wait for a USGI if possible. My local gun/pawn has a USGI S'G' for $999, which the owner told me was about $200 over priced. I have an S'G' already, but it's been there for nearly a year. I figure $700 for a GI maybe less. Good hunting!