Looking at an M1 carbine.

[wideym]

At a local pawn shop they have an Inland M1 carbine for $500. The serial number is in the 900,000 range so it was built between May 42' - Sep 43', the first production run.

The barrel is pretty bad on the outside, lots of pitting, but marked Inland 43', do it's probably in original condition. No import marks, a flip type rear sight ,the stock is in decent shape with no gouges or cracks ,the barrel band is the one without the bayonet lug, but it's missing the sling loop. The oddest thing was the push button safety instead of the normal lever type. This is the first time I've seen this type of safety on a carbine.

So what do you all think? Is $500 a good buy, over priced, or just about right?

 

[Jeremy2171]

Sounds like a real one given it's condition....I'd be all over it...

 

[RP88]

If it is an early model carbine and is in good enough shape to be restored nicely and possibly still be a shooter, it sounds like a steal, especially with matching parts. Early models in good enough shape and correct parts bring a hefty price tag about them.

 

[1KPerDay]

Get a non rusted one from the CMP IMO.

The safety is an early type. Flip up sight is early type. No bayo lug is early type. Those features may make it worth it to you. What's the rifling look like?

 

[rondog]

Buy it! It sounds like a reasonably correct early carbine. Probably a duffle-bag gun that some GI brought home and one of his heirs sold cheap for the cash. $500 for a USGI M1 Carbine is a great price anyway.

Don't forget to bring us photos!

 

[Lee Roder]

My 2.9M Inland (CMP gun) has a barrel dated 11-43. Before I'd "jump on it", I'd do a little more research. What's your barrel's date? Also, Type 3 (pre-lever) safeties can be had very cheaply (<<$10 per piece). Of course they aren't "USGI" as USGI ones command much more, same with the rear flipper sight, but who really is to say unless you have True Knowledge, I mean you could easily pay for something which isn't. Just because your dealer "says so" doesn't make it true. Of course, your dealer would never be untruthful, just sayin'. Lot of people out there like that just waiting to fleece the next naive buyer. Sad fact of life anytime there's money involved

 

[bigjohn08]

In my opinion if the rifling is decent then it's probably a decent buy for a GI carbine. I've seen semi rough Universals sell for $395 to 450 here.

 

[mm1ut1]

Read all you can about markings on the carbine. If it's a mixmaster with a bad barrel $500.00 is too much. Go to the CMP site and read about using a 30-06 round to check for muzzle wear (M2 ball ammo, not just any 30-06 round). If it is original I'd jump on it, but don't even think about resoring it. It will loose most of it's collector value. Lots of "Lightly sanded" stock owners out there kicking themselves!

 

[RP88]

they don't lose that much money on it. As long as it is light and preserves any markings, arsenal inventory numbers, cartrouches, etc. you're fine. It's when you replace parts or sand to the point where it distorts or erases these historic numbers when it's a problem. Same is for parkerizing, more or less.

 

[Jeremy2171]

Here are some early features to look for...


ignore my socks...

 

[hso]

Yep, sounds like an early setup M1 Carbine that you should jump on. A collector would probably trade a nice late model mixmaster with a perfect bore in a heartbeat.