Metal Finish on My Underwood M-1 Carbine
I own an Underwood-made M-1 carbine that was imported into the US by BlueSky back in the 80s. All the metal parts except for the bolt bear a rough, light gray phosphate-type finish. It's definitely lighter that the standard parkerized finish one sees on most Garands and carbines. The gun is just a "shooter," but I'd like to have the metal restored to look like it did when it came from Underwood. I don't believe this light gray finish is factory, or is it? If not, what finish would be on the metal of an Underwood carbine when it left the factory during WWII? I've seen some carbines that look blued and others that wear a black parkerized finish. Finally, can someone suggest a gunsmith who restores M-1 Carbines for a reasonable price? I currently have a nice replacement stock for the gun, so I'd only want to have the metal redone. The work also might include: 1)replacing the barrel to get rid of that danged "Blue Sky" stamp; and 2) replacing the current round bolt with a flat bolt. I know Miltech and a few other high-end firms will do the work but, again, this is a shooter and I don't want to take out a second mortgage on the house just to refinish the metal. Would appreciate any inputs, info, or recommendations. Thanks.
0
-
I have 2 of the Carbine Blue Sky and to me the stamping isnt all that bad. It is very small and barley visible on both of my carbines. If the only reason you want to replace the barrels is to get rid of the stamps, you might sand them out and then refinish it. 0 -
Most carbine parts were finished with manganese phosphate. But, some parts were blue, sometimes depending upon date of production. You might want to buy a copy of US M1 Carbines, Wartime Production by Craig Riesch, an inexpensive paperback that will help you figure out what parts you have in your carbine.
Most Blue Sky carbines were used by the Korean Army. They used & abused their guns; when the armorers ran out of USGI parts, they improvised, often making unsafe repairs. They reparked many guns, & the ugly refinish you describe probably indicates a well used gun. It definitely can't be "restored", & it may not even be worth "refinishing" due to worn parts. The only way to determine if the barrel is shot out is with a borescope & measuring with a muzzle wear gauge.
A good gunsmith will do a technical inspection (< $100) before working on your gun, & he will determine if rebuilding is feasible; USGI parts have become difficult to find & expensive. A good USGI barrel alone could cost $300-400, a commercial barrel won't be a lot less.
You might want to check out Dean's Gun Restorations at www.dgrguns.com , or Anthony Pucci at http://www.m1garandrifle.com/Default.htm . Both have great reputations & will be glad to discuss your project with you.
Neal0 -
check with CMP about a replacement barrel. they had 'em for around $175 last i checked.
tom0
Please sign in to leave a comment.
Comments
3 comments