Missed out yesterday BIG TIME

[High Planes Drifter]

Boy did I miss out yesterday at the gun show, and Im still upset. I brought 300 bucks in cash with me, with the intent to buy an AR lower reciever and maybe some wolf .223. I found a DPMS reciever for $125.00, put the money down & filled my paperwork out. Well, while Im waiting for the -Go Head- from the ATF I start looking around at nearby tables. Here's where I just about had a heart attack :

The guy at the next table had an UNISSUED Universal M1Carbine for $400.00 Cash no tax !! I swear, Im not lying - this gun had never been shot. It looked as good as a brand new Auto Ordnance carbine. I had been wanting one for some time now, but had never seen a surpluss model for under 500 bucks. This gun was immaculate, and the guy was selling it for 400.00. OMG , I almost fell out. I pulled out my debit card, and hauled butt to the ATM inside the convention center. Just my luck, it was broken. I run back to the table I bought my lower at; my paperwork cleared just as I got there back. I went to ask the guy with the carbine if he would hold it for me for 1 hour, only to see someone else pulling out the cash for it.. I knew it wouldnt last long. Rarely do I ever see deals at the gunshow, and the one time I dont bring sufficient cash with me, the best deal I'd ever seen comes along. God, I could just kick myself.

 

[Dr. Tad Hussein Winslow]

Hmmm, is a Universal really worth that much, even new condition? Just doesn't sound that great to me....it doesn't really have collector value, not being USGI, so what does it matter that it's new, really? I don't think you missed that much...but, sorry to hear it.

 

[highorder]

I hate it when that happens...

I missed out on a 5" S&W 27-2 for $400 with box, papers, and sight screwdriver in a similar fashion...

 

[High Planes Drifter]

Hmmm, is a Universal really worth that much, even new condition? Just doesn't sound that great to me....it doesn't really have collector value, not being USGI, so what does it matter that it's new, really? I don't think you missed that much...but, sorry to hear it.

Well now, the guy selling it told me it was USGI.

Unless Im missing something? Admitedly, Im not an expert on this. Is a Universal like an Auto Ordnance ; more of a clone, than the real deal?

 

[Hoppy590]

Universal is a commercial brand not a US Mil rifle. it may have been made from Milspec or surplus parts

 

[dogrunner]

Universals were NOT military issue..........you didn't lose anything. If you want a REAL Carbine, check out the sales at odcmp.com.

 

[Hoppy590]

double tap

 

[High Planes Drifter]

Well I feel alot better now guys. Thanks.

 

[RP88]

did you see the M44s that were hand-picked by the Russian Czar for 300 bucks? If not, then you REALLY missed out!

 

[Jason M]

Universal is not GI issue as they said. Earlier models of Universal M1 carbines were put together from old GI issue guns and parts (~1968-1970-ish). Anything later will not have any parts compatability and is not a GI issue piece whatsoever.

Another slimy gun show pawnmaster trying to sell his bags of crap as gold.

If I were you, seriously, I would stay away from gun shows when buying guns.

Jason

 

[Ian Sean]

The "gun gods" were looking out for you. Universals are a crap shoot, most work ok, but you never know, $400 is a bit high.

did you see the M44s that were hand-picked by the Russian Czar for 300 bucks

Naw, it was a 1903 that Alvin York used to shoot an apple off the Kaisers head for $1500.

If I were you, seriously, I would stay away from gun shows when buying guns.

Seriously, I have bought many of my guns at shows, granted the shows here in PA are pretty good, know what you want and the going prices and don't be afraid to make an offer. All a dealer will say is "no". I have gotten some decent deals over the years myself.

 

[vzenmn]

That guy who beat you to it saved you a lot of greif.

Universal, Iver Johnson, and Plainfield (there may be more) are all copies. I seen people many times try passing them off as USGI and wanting a lot of money for them. And have seen a few people take the bait. Doing your research can be really helpful.

I don't know about Universal but I have a Plainfield which I think was made when they were bought out by Iver Johnson. I got it for around 250 dollars last year after some trading and dealing. It looks real cheaply made and required a few modifications but it is a good accurate gun. Something I can use and don't have worry about lossing collector value if it gets banged up a little. The only thing it doesn't like is my 30 rd mags.

 

[lionking]

just scanned gunbroker out of curiosity.Over 10 of them for sale,some at reasonable prices ,some who knows because the reserve wasn't broke and some down right over priced.


Seems almost nobody wants less than $350.I dunno,to me a Universal or any carbine not military is not worth more than $300 but I guess some are trying to get more.I guess they'll have a comeback like "well you'll pay double for a beatup GI one" but I don't see it that way.


I have one I bought used for $250 from a friend,reason I bought it was for a plinker I could use and abuse.It isn't accurate,but it will blast a milkjug at 50yds most of the time and a decent amount of the time at 100yds.

A brand new Universal for $400?Not a "bad" price for what I just saw on gunbroker but not a "OMG" deal either.


IF you are going to search for certain military surplus,best to learn a bit about them first otherwise you'll fall for the "it's all original GI bringback from WW2" BS.