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M1 Carbine Newbie help.
donkeypunch0420
Member Posts: 2 ✭✭
Hi all,
Im a little new when it comes to collecting surplus rifles, so would like to hear some of your expertise. My local gun store has a couple of M1 Carbines, one Inland, the other IBM. Both are the same price at 750 bucks. I have not yet examined them by hand, but am told they are both about 80% condition. What should I look for when examining these carbines? I understand those which have been imported command less of a premium. How can I tell if these have been imported? What else should I look for in order to tell if this is a fair price? Thank you all in advance.
Im a little new when it comes to collecting surplus rifles, so would like to hear some of your expertise. My local gun store has a couple of M1 Carbines, one Inland, the other IBM. Both are the same price at 750 bucks. I have not yet examined them by hand, but am told they are both about 80% condition. What should I look for when examining these carbines? I understand those which have been imported command less of a premium. How can I tell if these have been imported? What else should I look for in order to tell if this is a fair price? Thank you all in advance.
Comments
It's difficult to describe all the things to look for in evaluating any unknown carbine in a gunshop. Odds are not in your favor, especially since you are starting off at the high end of the price range for a "shooter", & low end of condition.
An import marking is the importers name, city, & state; it can be anywhere on the barrel or receiver, even under the wood line. Most often it is on the bottom of the barrel. If you see the words "BLUE SKY", walk away. A good gunshop owner will field strip the carbine for you.
Replacing the barrel will cost $300-400, so that is the most important part to evaluate. Take your borelight, flashlight, & Muzzle Wear gauge. If you don't have a MW gauge, use a "poor man's" MW gauge: a single round of USGI .30-06 M2 ball inserted point first into the muzzle. Measure how much copper jacket shows when you do this; 1/4" = almost new, 1/8" = decent, 0 = shot out. Also, look closely to be sure the bore is round & sharp at the muzzle, & that it hasn't been peened. When you examine the bore, be sure that it isn't bulged or flattened anywhere, & that it is free of rust & pitting.
Be sure to get a warranty that gives you enough time to shoot it.
Neal
New to the forum, was wondering why you say to stay away from "blue sky" carbines. I have a Rockola with blue sky on the barrel. Has been a reliable gun for many years. Let me know what I'm missing?
Hey NMYERS,
New to the forum, was wondering why you say to stay away from "blue sky" carbines. I have a Rockola with blue sky on the barrel. Has been a reliable gun for many years. Let me know what I'm missing?
Givette here: hope I can put in my 02c...
Blue Sky has a bad rep, 'tis all. You have enjoyed years of trouble free service. "Dodged the bullet", if I can use the metaphor.
Not to worry, you got one of the good ones (item in blue above). It's a crap-shoot, but you came out on top. Best, Joe