Cheap M1 Carbine too good to be true?

[Leif Runenritzer]

I'm thinking of getting an M1 Carbine with a folding stock ('cause that's what they have), but the $200 price is suspiciously low. When i asked the man why it was priced so, he said that it was an aftermarket M1 Carbine. I asked if it was worn out, and he told me it wasn't. I don't exactly doubt him, but $200? Not that i'm complaining, but shouldn't it be more like $300 or $600? I'm going to go back on Þursday or Friday and have a look at it. Unfortunately, i know little about M1 Carbines, and i'm no expert appraiser, either. Any thoughts?

 

[Glockorama]

$200 is pretty low nowadays. By aftermarket, is he refering to the stock? Is it a polymer choate style stock or a GI wire folder (or replica)? If the metal is in good shape and the barrel, I would jump on it.

 

[Leif Runenritzer]

It looked like a normal, old rifle to me, with wood furniture and a wire folding stock. I think he goes by a non-standard meaning of aftermarket.

 

[Powderman]

It may be a Universal carbine. They can be had for relatively low prices, but are still good little rifles.

If you have any mechanical misgivings, it is a good thing to buy with a 72 hour inspection guarantee. Then when you take possession, take it posthaste to a gunsmith for a tech inspection.

If you have any LEGAL misgivings, get the serial number BEFORE you pay. Then, contact your local PD; they can tell you pretty quick if it's hot or not.

 

[U.S.SFC_RET]

Even the replica stocks that look like WWII sell brand new for $179.00. Bore light it. Better yet use your thumbas a refractor to direct light into the chamber, just don't let the bolt hijack your hitchhiker. Jump on it.

 

[Dan Forrester]

Make sure it’s an M1 and not an M2 with semi auto parts that someone’s trying to get rid of.

Dan

 

[Trebor]

It's probably a Universal. Their carbines have a rep for spotty reliability. Some parts interchange with GI on some models. Later guns have fewer parts that interchange.

As for why it's only $200? Maybe there is something wrong with it or maybe he just doesn't have that much cash invested in the gun and doesn't realize gthat "market rate" on carbines has gone up.

I'm not a fan of Universal carbines. One of their "issues" is that there can be insufficient engagement of the locking lugs which can cause a catostrophic failure. That's a safety issue, not just a functional issue.

 

[Ghost Tracker]

Any deal that looks too-good-to-be-true...usually is. If it's a Universal, pass. If it's an Iver Johnson or Plainsfield, possibly. Just make sure you get a signed Bill of Sale from the guy if something gets legally twisted.

 

[Kimber1911_06238]

sounds like a universal to me. I had the same situation and asked about them on here. I was told to stay away and am glad that i did.

 

[USP4Me]

Are the rest of his guns either fairly priced, or overpriced? Does he charge more for say, a Glock than most dealers? I have found when someone with normally high prices is selling something cheaper than anybody else, something is fishy.

 

[MudPuppy]

I would buy a universal in "decent" condition for $200 in a half a heartbeat. Depending the type of folder, it might take even less time.

USP4Me's advice is absolutely solid though.

 

[35Rem]

I passed on a universal a year or so ago, they wanted $300, I kinda regret it.

 

[ReadyontheRight]

I would buy it for $200, but get paperwork for CYA.

See how it shoots and re-sell it if you don't like it. I bet you could sell it pretty quick here on THR.