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Shopping for an WWII M1 Carbine

Ruckin69
With all the manufacturer available, which one would you buy?
Thanks for the input!
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Comments

10 comments

Date Votes
  • Spider7115
    You need to be more specific as to what you want; e.g., a shooter or collector piece. It's like asking "With all of the cars out there, which one would you buy?".
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  • Ruckin69
    Sorry, a collectors piece under $1000.
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  • givette
    quote:Originally posted by Ruckin69
    Sorry, a collectors piece under $1000.

    No such thing. If it falls into the 'collector' category (unless you hit the jackpot in your search) collectors will not touch a gun valued at 1,000, or less.

    They won't be representative. Mixed parts. And won't be in good enough condition to be considered a collector piece.

    However, if you want a gun with all 'matching' parts, you may luck onto a piece for about $750-$850. See my reply to you on your 'Inland' posting. Best, Joe
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  • Ruckin69
    Thanks for the info. I guess our definitions of shooter and collectors piece have two different standards. I'm looking for a matching parts gun in good or very good condition. Doesn't have to be pristine. I went on the for sale side of gunbroker and see them from $700 to $1000, what condition do you think they are in? Also, can I put together an M1 by buying matching Inland or other manufacturer parts and putting one together? Also, would you buy a Winchester or other manufacturer over another within that budget?
    Thanks
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  • givette
    quote:Originally posted by Ruckin69
    Thanks for the info. I guess our definitions of shooter and collectors piece have two different standards. I'm looking for a matching parts gun in good or very good condition. Doesn't have to be pristine. I went on the for sale side of gunbroker and see them from $700 to $1000, what condition do you think they are in? Also, can I put together an M1 by buying matching Inland or other manufacturer parts and putting one together? Also, would you buy a Winchester or other manufacturer over another within that budget?
    Thanks

    Item in blue, above: No problem. However, my assesment is 'on the mark' when it comes to what collectors seek. Yes, as in your own words, 'pristine'. Now..

    You can do a M1 carbine build by searching for all the correct parts, and performing the assembly. The manufacturers of the rifles really doesn't matter to most of us, but collectors will first seek Rock-Ola due to production numbers, and to Winchester due to brand loyalty.

    Go over to www.fulton-armory.com and purchase a M1 Carbine parts/historical guide [sic]. I don't remember the exact title. It will give you tons of info on what to buy, and what to avoid, when on a parts-gathering mission. Best, Joe
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  • dfletcher
    quote:Originally posted by Ruckin69
    With all the manufacturer available, which one would you buy?
    Thanks for the input!


    For shooting I would go with an Inland since they made the most. After that I think you have to decide whether you want the later or arsenal rebuilt type with the bayonet lug barrel band, adjustable rear sight and turn style safety, or do you want the earlier version with the push button safety, no bayonet barrel band and flip type rear. I have an early Inland in excellent condition that hasn't been rebuilt and paid only $599.oo a few years ago, I suppose I would have paid much more if it had been from one of the fewer produced companies.
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  • mark christian
    quote:Originally posted by Ruckin69
    Sorry, a collectors piece under $1000.


    At that price an Inland will be about your only option and even then it will take some very careful shopping. Nearly all carbines have been rebuilt, many more than once, so finding an original is almost impossible. Your next best bet is to locate one that has been restored using the correct parts. Shop around the Gun Broker auctions.
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  • tsr1965
    quote:Originally posted by Ruckin69
    Thanks for the info. I guess our definitions of shooter and collectors piece have two different standards. I'm looking for a matching parts gun in good or very good condition. Doesn't have to be pristine. I went on the for sale side of gunbroker and see them from $700 to $1000, what condition do you think they are in? Also, can I put together an M1 by buying matching Inland or other manufacturer parts and putting one together? Also, would you buy a Winchester or other manufacturer over another within that budget?
    Thanks


    There goes another definition. Depends if you are looking for an all one maker parts gun or a matching numbers gun. You will be lucky if you can find ANY maker that is matching numbers, that is all one maker, in your price range. For the most valuable names for collecting, in the matching numbers game there is Winchester and Rockola. Your best bet at finding a matching numbers gun, is local yard/garage sales, and estate auctions, and finding the treasure before anyone else does. However, though more expensive usually, the Gunbroker auctions have the better examples. But they are true investments, if you pick the right one. You have to look out for improper representation in some instances over there.

    Best
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  • xxx97
    ruck...good luck finding your carbine...amazing how much info you can get from different members here regarding the M1...
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  • ikeda
    Simple answer...Buy a Winchester, Rock-Ola, Standard Products, or IBM. Then spend the next several years looking for the correct parts to make it all "original".

    Winchester made the second MOST guns but because of the name they are collectible. Even a junker Irwin-Pederson is expensive, forget these.

    So in order of least production they are...
    Rock-Ola (cool name)
    Standard Products
    IBM
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