Which are the "good" M1 Carbines?

[DMK]

Anybody have a guesstimate on what a run of the mill service or field grade Inland might be from the CMP? I know that's like asking, "Is it going to rain on New Year’s 2007?" But ever since I got the email from CMP, I'm in a mind to speculate.

It's impossible to say. However, I don't see any reason why they should sell for any more than 1903s or Garands in equal condition.

CMP is currently selling 1903s and 1903A3s for $500-575, but they are very limited in number. In the past they were priced closer to Garands at $400-450 (and the '03A3 I got "at the bottom of the barrel" last year was really nice, I'd be thrilled to get a carbine is that condition). Orest said they had a substantial number of Carbines, enough to last them one or two years. I'm sure he's well aware how quickly these should sell.

[arthurcw]

Orest said they had a substantial number of Carbines, enough to last them one or two years. I'm sure he's well aware how quickly these should sell

.


I saw the "substantial number" part. I guess I missed the "one or two years" part.

I think I may wet myself.

My Garand is in the mail. I waited too long to get that one and I'm not making the same mistake again.

[Sistema1927]

I am going to go out on a limb here on 1/2/2007 at noon MST and make a prediction.

I predict that CMP will sell run-of-the-mill "service grade" carbines for $450. "Rack grade" for $350, and stripped receivers for $150.

Anything "special" will be reserved for auction.

[Father Knows Best]

My prediction would be in line with Sistemas.

I don't understand what the concern is about resellers, though. If you want one, order one and you'll get it. What does it matter that someone else orders more with the intent of reselling a few? It gets them into the market quicker in a way that more people have access to them. If they overprice them, either they won't sell or they will, but you'll still be able to get one for whatever CMP's price is just by going to CMP.

[Eightball]

I heard that the exact number of carbines is close to 35,000. How would that be a "one or two years' supply", with all of us drooling already?

[arthurcw]

I don't understand what the concern is about resellers,...

FNB: As said before, I missed the part about "one or two years" worth of stock. Resellers swooping in and buying up rifles in quantity to resell them at inflated prices would be a very worrisome if the CMP was only going to have a few rifles.

A "Substantial number" is a rather relative term and I could see that being dwindled down to nada in a few months. But enough stock for at least a year; that would make it very hard for resellers to gouge all but the clueless.

...Now someone else can start another thread about the CMP, Resellers, and ethics of using (abusing) the CMP.

[Blackfork]

Up to a couple years ago the CMP offered carbines to clubs only for 500.00 bucks a rifle. Few takers.

[Gator]

Few takers

But there were enough takers since they sold out!

[Blackfork]

They dropped the price to 350.00 and let individuals buy them through the clubs. They went like free hotcakes on a cold morning.

If you want to learn something interesting, learn about the M1 carbine. It's fascinating! Winchester, IBM, Saginaw Gear, Inland, Rockola, Irwin Pederson, and others were licensed to make them and all made a few or a lot. Inland made the most, so they are regarded as the most common and least valuable.

The last ones the CMP sold had been re-arsenaled in 1953 and stored since then. They had many early features but no flip sights. All of them had early barrel bands though, some had high wood stocks, lots of cartouches, et, et. Much fun. Great condition when you cleaned them up. I got several. Had some beautiful high wood stocks on two, flat bolts on most. I swapped parts to make them as consistent as possible.

I think these carbines are going to be priced 550-600.00. I think they will be a deal.

[Father Knows Best]

Originally Posted by DMK

Speaking of upgrades, does anybody have a list of all of the post-war upgrades?

Well, I'm home, and I have in front of me my treasured copy of The M1 Carbine Owner's Guide, by Scott Duff. It's a great book that I highly recommend to anyone interested in the M1 carbine. As for modifications or "upgrades" he notes that many of them were purely dimensional and are not obvious upon casual inspection. There are, however, 12 major "production changes" that he lists. They are:
1. Rear sight changed from two-position flip to windage and elevation adjustable Garand-type peep
2. Front sight changed from forged and milled to stamped and brazed
3. Operating slide revised in shape
4. Bolt changed from flat to round
5. Trigger housing changed from forged and milled to stamped and brazed
6. Hammers changed from "dogleg" to "straight"
7. Magazine catch changed to improve retention (and later to hold 30 round mags)
8. Safety changed from push button to rotating lever
9. Stock changed from "high wood" to "low wood"
10. Stock oiler slot changed from I shape to oval
11. Handguard changed from 2 rivets to 4
12. Front band changed from narrow to wide, and to wide with bayonet lug

[Eightball]

...Now someone else can start another thread about the CMP, Resellers, and ethics of using (abusing) the CMP.

No need--it's illegal. Check your CMP documentation. Ah, nothing like a FEDERAL offense, because you feel like ripping off clueless consumers (or people who weren't able to buy one of the rifle you're selling, because you bought them all ).

[DMK]

Thanks for the list Father Knows Best!

I need to get a copy of that book.

[lionking]

I guess this means Im going to have to put together a "carbine in action" thread?

fact is,when I was gathering photos for the "M1Garand in action" thread most of the WW2 photos I found included carbines being used.Actually a couple photos accidently made it to the Garand thread.

thanks FKB,my Duff book is packed away after I cleaned up the house for selling,I remember reading that manufactures sometimes used each others components to finish for delivery.

[buzz_knox]

How does one become eligible for the CMP sales program?

[Manedwolf]

There's just something cool about the ones made by the Rock-Ola jukebox company.

After all, it's a WWII carbine with "ROCK-OLA" stamped on the reciever.

And I had no idea IBM made them, too.
Hey, at least it wouldn't crash...

[alamo]

How does one become eligible for the CMP sales program?

http://www.odcmp.com/Services/Rifles...quirements.htm

[mustanger98]

Getting eligible was so easy I could do it... and I did.

IBM made them, too.
Hey, at least it wouldn't crash...

That's the truth... speaks well of the Carbine and ill of the computer.

[hueytaxi]

I carried several M-1 and M-2's in another country at another time. Loved them. Bought a cheap Universal when I got out of service. Sold long ago. Found you could not leave a magazine loaded or it would lose strength and misfeed. My only negative experience with the carbines.

[Bwana John]

Probably the Paratroop ones or the Full Auto version.

Actually I have found that the select fire M-1s can be worn out. Ive had bolts and op rods just disesemble themselfs while on the line, from worn out oprod raceways.


(Yea I know, but there are MANY M-1 marked receivers that were converted back and forth from semi to select fire, and back to semi)

[Eightball]

Originally Posted by lionking

I guess this means Im going to have to put together a "carbine in action" thread?

Would you, please?