I am having a difficult time trying to decide whether I should let this beauty go. From the research I have done, it is something of value to those who want a piece of WWII history. I was hoping that someone could help me with its current value. It used to belong to my grandpa and I have had it now for several years but it just sits in my safe unseen and untouched (except to clean it). Is this something that interests anyone?
Underwood 30 M1 Carbine
- Thread starter Blinken
- Start date
- Status
Sam1911
Moderator Emeritus
Yes, there are lots of folks who really appreciate those guns. I have one passed on to me by a family member as well. I don't shoot it terribly often, but it is a fantastic gun for many uses.
How is it that you feel the need to get rid of it? Can you not see a time when you would appreciate the gun for what it is (a fast, light, easy to shoot and very capable defensive carbine which is also nearly perfect for instructing smaller statured shooters), or for the historic value, or for the tie to your grandfather?
While there were a lot of M1 Carbines produced, they are becoming more scarce all the time and the prices are increasing. Selling a quality firearm that was passed down to you is almost always a negative thing in the end. Lots of regret and little benefit.
What will you do with the $500-600 you might get for it -- what, that will give you a useful weapon, a good trainer, a piece of history, and a connection with your grandpa?
-Sam
How is it that you feel the need to get rid of it? Can you not see a time when you would appreciate the gun for what it is (a fast, light, easy to shoot and very capable defensive carbine which is also nearly perfect for instructing smaller statured shooters), or for the historic value, or for the tie to your grandfather?
While there were a lot of M1 Carbines produced, they are becoming more scarce all the time and the prices are increasing. Selling a quality firearm that was passed down to you is almost always a negative thing in the end. Lots of regret and little benefit.
What will you do with the $500-600 you might get for it -- what, that will give you a useful weapon, a good trainer, a piece of history, and a connection with your grandpa?
-Sam
OpelBlitz
Member
I really wouldn't give that up, especially if it belonged to your grandpa. Especially since it's an M1 Carbine. 
Handgunner
Member
- Joined
- Oct 19, 2008
- Messages
- 197
I really wouldn't give that up, especially if it belonged to your grandpa. Especially since it's an M1 Carbine.
^^^ Listen to this.
M2 Carbine
member
The only way I'd part with that rifle is if someone managed to steal it from me.
XxWINxX94
Member
I don't think you should get rid of it. The M1 Carbine is quite a rifle, and is one of the most fun to shoot. If you've never shot it, buy some ammo and shoot it, ASAP!
I've never heard of an Underwood carbine, nor am I an expert on the gun. Most of the more common names are ones like Inland Division and Rockola, so your piece might be worth a little more.
I've never heard of an Underwood carbine, nor am I an expert on the gun. Most of the more common names are ones like Inland Division and Rockola, so your piece might be worth a little more.
Maverick223
Member
Underwood is not especially rare (one of about 0.5M were made), but not one of the more common ones (GM or Winchester) either. It isn't worth a whole lot, but it is ever increasing, I would estimate the value at about $650.00 (at best) if in good shape. There has been no better hiking, camping, carry-along rifle devised IMO. It is lightweight, is extremely controllable, points very well, has good sights, carries well, has readily available magazines from 5-30rnds (I prefer 15s for carry and defense, 30s for plinking at the range, and a 5 for hunting), is very well made, has loads of history (mine likely went to the east in WWII, Korea, and Vietnam, before winding up back stateside), very reliable, and shoots a round that is the perfect combination of power and lack of recoil (roughly equivalent to the .357Mag.)...other than that it is a horrible rifle. Add in the fact that it was owned by your grandfather, and there is no way in hell I would part with that rifle.
Tim the student
Member
If it was your grand-dad's, I hope you don't sell it.
You can get a rack grade from the CMP for around $479, for whatever that is worth. Condition and certain features will affect its value.
You can get a rack grade from the CMP for around $479, for whatever that is worth. Condition and certain features will affect its value.
rellascout
member
Anyone attempting to give you a value of this gun are doing you a disservice IMHO.
These guns are worth as much as you can get someone to pay. What someone will pay is dependent on what you have. Its condition, its correctness, its serial number range and its providence.
The more accurate or true to its original form the more it is worth. Without pictures a full break down of the gun including the markings on all parts no one can tell you what it is worth.
All that said its a piece of history owned by your grandfather. Keep it. It should be worth more to you than anyone else.
These guns are worth as much as you can get someone to pay. What someone will pay is dependent on what you have. Its condition, its correctness, its serial number range and its providence.
The more accurate or true to its original form the more it is worth. Without pictures a full break down of the gun including the markings on all parts no one can tell you what it is worth.
All that said its a piece of history owned by your grandfather. Keep it. It should be worth more to you than anyone else.
Dr. Tad Hussein Winslow
member
- Joined
- Nov 14, 2007
- Messages
- 13,146
Whatever it's worth now, it will be worth even more 10 years from now, and even more than that (by a significant margin) 20 years from now.
In very good or better condition, without importer stamps on it, and matching or mostly-matching parts (or at least "correct" frankenstein parts for an Underwood), it could easily fetch $700-800 or more, perhaps as much as $1,100 or so in outstanding condition. More like $500-$650 in lower conditions, and/or with import marks, and/or with non-correct parts.
I too wouldn't sell that for anything, let alone if it had belonged to my grandpa!
In very good or better condition, without importer stamps on it, and matching or mostly-matching parts (or at least "correct" frankenstein parts for an Underwood), it could easily fetch $700-800 or more, perhaps as much as $1,100 or so in outstanding condition. More like $500-$650 in lower conditions, and/or with import marks, and/or with non-correct parts.
I too wouldn't sell that for anything, let alone if it had belonged to my grandpa!
Uncle Mike
Member
two words for ya'....keep and it!
I inherited an Underwood made Carbine from my uncle. He brought it back from the war. It shoots well. I have no intention of ever selling it. I would like to play with a red dot on an Ultimak barrel mount, but I don’t think I should mess with a good carbine, so I may get a newly made one to play with.
Maverick223
Member
It is an easy swap, no cutting, drilling, or other permanent modifications required. Go for it, and you can easily swap it back if you change your mind.
- Status