M1 carbine surgery

[GarandOwner]

I have an Inland M1 carbine. I recently stripped her apart to see what parts I have that are "correct". Here is my dilemma:

I have a late receiver 4.9 mil range, but it has alot of internal parts that are Type I's and IA's. Most of the parts are inland with the exception being a Rockola hammer and a Quality Hardware sear. I am wondering if I should swap the parts and rebuild this Carbine, or if I should buy a low serial number receiver and build it on that. A shop down the street from me specializes in M1 Carbines has a 300,000 serial range receiver with the correct inland type I sight on it for $350. My question: is should I try and rebuild the correct carbine on the current receiver selling off the "incorrect parts", or sell the receiver/barrel and get the lower serial range M1 Carbine receiver.
The majority of the parts I have correspond with the lower serial range receiver.

The parts that are correct for the Later Type II/III carbine:

Receiver
Barrel
Bolt
Both front and rear sights
(all correct with the serial number)

Parts that are correct for a < 1 mil range:

Everything else (except the barrel band but If I get a new barrel that isn't that important)

So being "on the fence" in this situation, I'll ask you good people "what would you do?"

To make it fun I'll add a poll

 

[GarandOwner]

I think getting the "For collectors only" guide to the M1 Carbine has driven my crazy......to think, with my first Garand I didnt care about matching numbers. I guess the collector is finally coming out in me

 

[Trebor]

Keep the gun you have and add "correct" parts as you find them. Sell off the old parts as you replace them with new parts to fund the project. That way you'll be able to enjoy the gun while it is still a "work in progress."

 

[arthurcw]

Although I voted "who cares...", Trebor has the best idea if you are going to try to make a correct model.

We need new bumper stickers:

 

[DMK]

Keep it the way it is anyway. Some of the late parts are better, some aren't. The sight is better, the safety is better, the stronger band makes the rifle more accurate. Nothing else really matters.

Anytime I see a Garand or Carbine with all the "correct parts", I wonder why someone would do this unless you actually are a reenactor or putting it in a period collection. I mean everyone knows folks tear these things apart and swap the parts. Anyone who buys one and thinks it's all original is a fool.

 

[greyling22]

what's the going rate on a receiver these says? I've got a barrel and I'm looking at building a gun around it, bit it might be cheaper to just buy a new one. Especially if I shop at fulton.

 

[coltcollector]

Got a barrel

Sell the barrel. You'll get almost enough to buy a complete gun. I've seen them go for $300. As to swapping parts. It's fine as all parts met strict controls to be exactly the same and it's fun to make it like it came from the factory. It's just pride of ownership and a personal thing. Most all the parts cost the same, it's just chasing them down. It's easier if someone has gone to all the trouble beforehand. A $600 mixmaster is easier to find than a matching $1000 gun and it's up to you if you want to wait and do it yourself. Had at least 2 dozen carbines myself. Thought it was fun to make them correct for a while, but all hobbies pass away for new ones, like riding motorcycles. Notice the stupid grin. Down to one keeper and a matching Inland and Underwood for sale.