[Eric of Indiana]

Went to a gun show today, and saw a pretty wide spread of prices on M1 carbines. $995 for a Rockola or some similar name. Two Quality Hardware Carbines with full stocks for $850, and one with a folding stock for $775. A mixed parts gun that the dealer said was an Arsenal rebuild for $500, and one marked M-2 Carbine that the dealer wanted $3200 for.

This was the first trip that I've actually looked at M1 carbines, and I figured out that I have no idea what I should be looking for. I just want a shooter. I'd love it if the gun was carried onto the beaches of Normandy, but it's not important enough to me to spend any more money on it.
Eric

[Cliff C]

Eric - M1 Carbines were produced by 11 manufacturers. Inland mfr'ed the most with over 2 million and Irwin-Pederson the least with 32,000. Only 228,500 were mfred by Rock-Ola (a juke box company!!).

For the full list of mfrers check here (http://www.bitting.com/cc/carbnos.shtml).

The M2 was a select fire version.

Obviously, collectors covet those mfr'ed in lesser quantity.

In your case, since you want a shooter, the manufacturer isn't of much importance. You should be able to find a decent shooter for around $500.00 - the trick is to be able to accurately assess the mechanical condition of the critter.

Another alternative is Fulton Armory (http://www.fulton-armory.com/). $800.00 will get you one that has been expertly rebuilt and reparkerized and ready to run. It may seem a little spendy, but no more so than buying a new 1911 clone.

HTH.

Cliff

[dinosaur]

I`ve seen quite a few at gun shows recently. I`m not interested right now but they can drive you nuts looking at them. :D

[Col. Mustard]

In case you missed my post a few weeks ago, I had a reproduction M1 Carbine follow me home from a gun show. Manufactured by Israel Arms Industries to mil specs, it goes for about $425... It's new, so I didn't have to worry about assessing its condition. If you just want a shooter, and don't need to sit up late at nights listening to its war stories, there's another option... :rolleyes:

[Bubba]

Wow... thanks for that link. My Postal Meter is one of only 400,000 or so made. That $35 investment back in 1976 is looking better and better all the time. :D

I'll be bringing it for you to try out Eric. It is a lot of fun.

[Gunslinger]

Foxfire was looking for one for his dad shortly before Christmas last year. I did some digging in Gun List and located a dealer that has them in every condition from every manufacture with prices reflective of each criteria. I'll dig back in Gun List and see what I can find but you might also want to talk with foxfire at EOSMII and find out what kind of service he got from the guy on his. The dealer was in Texas if I remember correctly.

[Eric of Indiana]

Thanks for the help. I'm in the process of trying to figure out what my next purchase will be. I've got it narrowed down to an M-1 Carbine, a Marlin or Winchester .30-30 lever action, or an AK-47. :confused: Eventually I will get all of the above, but it's just a matter of which one first.
Eric

[Gunslinger]

I just received a "Shooters" flier in the mail from Sportsmans Guide (http://www.sportsmansguide.com) with USGI 30 round M1 Carbine mags still in the wrapper for $19.97. I'm not familiar with the prices on these but that sounded like a good deal to me.
Eric, wait til you try my 1894 Marlin chambered in .44 magnum. I've also got a model 94 Winchester in .30-30 you can try out. Personally I don't much care for the Winchester action.

[loknload]

I recieved my new SOG paper yesterday and they have original M1 Carbines listed, All in very good condition with 1-15 round mag.
Rockola Reciever...$795.
Inland Reciever...$695.
IBM Reciever...$695.
National Postal Meter Reciever...$695.
I do believe I have seen M1 mags advertised cheaper in SGN, new in wrapper, but My current addition is at work. :rolleyes:
SOG had a lot of other good buys this month
But you must keep in mind that these are dealer costs.
Post War Walther P38... $395.
PJK Hi Power 9mm (Browning Clone)...$189.
Talons...380 $99. 9mm $109.
Star Md#B 9mm...$189. This is a C&R gun
S&W Victory Model...$189. C&R gun
Colt Ballester Molina...$239. C&R gun
Steyr M95 S 34 Rifle...79. C&R gun
Enfield Jungle Carbine(original)...$189. C&R gun

Those are just a few many new and used guns available if you have the proper licenses ;)

Just thought I would share some of them :)

[stu]

I was looking at a Universal M1 today that was priced at $229, in about 80-85% shape. But bought another pre ban mini14 instead. :D