Quality Hardware M1 Carbine price check?

[nwilliams]

I have the chance to buy a Quality Hardware M1 Carbine in very good condition for $675, should I jump on this?

I was pressed for time so I didn't have long to look at this gun at the shop but here is a list of features that I did notice:

Rock-ola marked barrel
Push button safety
Fixed L-type rear flip sight
No bayonet lug
Flat bolt
Type 1 barrel band marked UI
Two rivet handguard
High wood stock with crisp clear cartouches.
Stock doesn't appear refinished but it's in very good shape.

Unfortunately I didn't have a chance to take this gun apart to check all the internal part markings but it appears to be a decent example of an early QHMC M1 Carbine.

From my limited research it appears that QHMC only made the receivers and other parts were sourced from different companies. If this is true is there anything to look for that would help identify how "correct" this gun is? Even if it's not completely correct is $675 a fair price for a QHMC Carbine? This is the first one I've ever seen and I know they are a bit rare.

 

[FMJMIKE]

If muzzle erosion is good then BUY IT Now !!!! Stick a M1 Carbine round in the barrel. If the round does not go into the barrel all the way to the brass then it may be good to go.

 

[nwilliams]

I decided to put some money down on it. I did a lot more research and the price seems fair. I checked the muzzle erosion and it seems to be fine and the bore is shiny with strong rifling.

They also have a National Postal Meter M1 Carbine for $500 but it doesn't appear to be very correct from what I looked at. It has the adjustable sights, bayonet lug and flip lever safety. It's in very good condition and if $500 seems like a fair price then maybe I'll put some money down on that one as well.

 

[s12.aaxtell]

Definitely sounds like a good price to me. I just picked up an IBM M1 carbine a few months ago. It is hands down my new favorite gun and I love shooting it. Make sure to get a sling/oiler and some extra mags, and lots of ammo.

 

[451 Detonics]

Given the use these rifles saw finding a correct and original carbine is like finding hen's teeth. Even the ones like the Quality you describe may have at least arsenal rebuild. Given that there may never be anymore from the CMP that price is not too bad.

 

[Trebor]

Buy it before it gets away. You can always resell it for at least that much if it's not what you were looking for.

 

[lencac]

Sounds like a decent deal for someone who is looking to get into a M1 carbine. They are pretty cool little rifles. I have a like new Inland arsenal rebuild.
I know some folks like the original, so-called #'s matching M1's. For what real world purpose I'm not sure. If a person could find one that is documented as original they would want far too much money for it. And that may be a rifle that is in terrible condition. History? maybe, but does anyone know what the specific history is? Probably not, so does it matter. If it's going to be used like it's supposed to be then so much for collector value.
I'll take a like new arsenal reman any day.