To sell or not to sell - Early Model Universal 30 Cal Carbine with GI Parts

[Bob Smith]

Hi

I have an early model 30 cal carbine made by universal. It is sn 228XX and is in great shape. I have not seen many serial numbers out there lower than this one. It had hardly been shot, is in excellent shape, and has all of the GI surplus parts in it. Can anyone tell me what this may be worth? I know the Universal's that were made after the GI parts ran out are not worth much. The barrel is stamped Universal Hialeah, Fla. Also U.S. carbine Cal .30 M1. It is a really neat gun, and if this will go up in value over time due to the GI parts, I will probably keep it. Thanks for any info you can give me.
Any help is appreciated.

 

[tkopp]

While the GI spec helps, the Universal name will hold down the resale value. You're probably looking at about $500.

 

[Bob Smith]

I figured that may be the case. Should I replace the barrel on it?

 

[paulo]

I wouldn't do it just to increase its resale value if thats what your thinking.

 

[Orlando]

The market is flooded with real USGI carbines now and good ones can be found for $500.00 -$550.00 . I would think you would have a hard time getting 5 bills outof yours

 

[Izzy77]

its true, CMP is selling IBM's and Inlands for about that price. Keep it and enjoy.

 

[7.62 Nato]

I picked one up this past year for a bit less than that. Take it out and enjoy shooting it.

 

[Maverick223]

I wouldn't sell it. The old ones are alright, the new ones are junk IMO. Neither will get you the price of a good USGI. Keep it, it should perform just as good as the USGI examples. If you decide to sell, you are looking at about $400.00.

 

[Bob Smith]

thanks everyone for your input

 

[tkopp]

Will depend on your local market, of course. Here in Seattle an m1 carbine goes for $700 and up, while a Universal of later make (with sporter stock and broader trigger guard) goes for $300.

 

[GRIZ22]

Should I replace the barrel on it?

Why? You say it is in great shape.

IIRC the Universal has a cast receiver. Attempting to change the barrel may damage the receiver or so I've been told.

 

[Bob Smith]

I was only thinking of changing the barrel due to the universal name. It seems that most say I should keep it and enjoy it. I think that is what I will do, though I may not shoot it much to keep it in the great condition it is in.

 

[devildog32713]

Shoot it man! I love those carbines, they are simply amazing, I get to shoot my Grandfather;s, and I love it, getting to be a crack shot with it too, he has taught me to dissassemble it, clean and oil it, and reassemble it with a can of oil, a dime, and a rag on a stick.

 

[Maverick223]

...I may not shoot it much to keep it in the great condition it is in.

Shooting it won't hurt a thing. Your barrel life will be measured in tens of thousands of rounds, so I wouldn't be too concerned about it.