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M1 Carbine questions

CS8161
I'm just starting my search for a decent M1 carbine. I am expanding my somewhat small WWII collection and this is a missing peace. I know a little bit about what I should be searching for, but only enough to be dangerous. I do realize that I would probably have to spend WAY over my budget to have a true "collectable". My budget is to stay under a grand, but to get the best possible "bang for my buck". I know that Rockola & Winchester are probably the most sought after of the variety of producers, with probably Saginaw & IBM in the middle and Inland bringing up the rear (at least that is my understanding as far as desired manufacturers). I know there is a couple of other manufactures which I did not include, but they are probably in the middle with IBM. I also realize that Universal was not a government contractor and was late 60's production. I also realize that Plainfeild was a post war production manufacturer and used mainly (if not all) military parts.
Anyway, please confirm my understanding on items to look for when looking at potential carbines for my purchase. I do know that I should look for a stock which has a cartouche on the right hand side of the butt. I do know that it would probably be better to have a date stamped barrel. I also know that the earlier carbines had a non-adjustable flip-up rear sight. I know that for some carbines, an import mark will be visible on the underside (if I'm not mistaken) side of the barrel. Obviously, one without the import mark would be better.
Aside from these (possible) known facts, I am at a loss for what direction to go. I realize the vast majority of carbines which I may encounter on the market today will most likely have been refurbished in some manner or another. What I would like to know is; Am I correct in the "known facts" I mentioned previously? Also, would a parkerized finish be original or a refurbish? I think refurbished, but I'm not sure. I think (?) that the original finish metal would have a darker almost dull bluing finish. Am I correct on this?
Anyway, I know this is a DEEP subject, but I would love to hear opinions based on what I have stated above. Please correct me if I'm wrong. I can take it, and want to know the truth so I can make a wise decision on my next purchase.

Any other opinions???

Thanks in advance,

Aaron
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Comments

7 comments

Date Votes
  • CS8161
    after picking up another garand and a SC 03A3 now I believe I can't live without a carbine as well..I know nothing about them other than what I read on the forums..can the experts tell me what I am looking for as far as high wood..low wood..roller safety and some of the other terms I see posted but have no idea what the difference is...thanks for your time and patience
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  • yblockhead
    I believe Inland was the only one that made the paratrooper model. I'll let the real professionals chime in............
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  • k.stanonik
    Neal or Mark will be along son and you will have your answer
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  • nmyers
    Yes, Inland was the only manufacturer of the M1A1 carbine.

    But, at that price, don't expect an all original USGI carbine (which I would expect to sell in the $2K-4K range). Most M1A1's, like most M1 carbines, have been through arsenal rebuild at least once, so it's common to see just about any manufacturer's innards in an M1A1 stock.

    No importer has been able to bring in USGI guns for > 10 years, so I would suspect that this is a mixed parts mongrel with a shot-out barrel from an old Korean import. A nice USGI M1A1 stock alone would sell for > $999, so I am skeptical of what is being offered.

    Neal
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  • dfletcher
    I own an Oct 43 made Inland that has not been rebuilt, no import mark, L type rear sight stake with no stake nor bayo lug, push button safety & thin barrel band. It is my understanding the Inland para version was made side by side with their standard configuration M1 Carbine and there's no way, other than general reference by date, to determine if an Inland started life as a para or standard model. I've poked about a bit at gun shows and have find what is being presented as original para stocks (stock alone, no gun)are well over $1K.

    I guess the question comes up, what is "original" or worth the big $$$ - a non-Inland M1 carbine that a GI popped into a para stock in 1944 or so, or a standard Inland that someone dropped into para stock just a few years ago?
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  • hedgehopper62
    The orginal mfg. is making new old stock folders for the carbine,whats not the same on them is the butt on orginal was cast with a ser.no.new ones dont have nunber,also original had rivets same as chev, brake shoes new ones are brass.tks hedge
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  • Stack
    There were two Inland production runs of M1A1 carbines with changes in the M1A1 stock for the second run.Original first production run Inland M1A1 carbines were produced from November 1942 to October 1943 and were in the 200000-900000 serial number range. Second production run Inland M1A1 carbine production began in May 1944 and ended in December 1944 and, aside from the markings, was manufactured with a low wood stock and a different contoured pistol grip. The front side of the buttplate should have the stock number B297614* cast into it. If it doesn't, the stock is a reproduction.
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