Yesterday at a gun show I noticed a couple of M1 Carbines for sale, but was shocked at the price the guy had on them. I asked him about it, and found out that apparently the value has increased over the years, even to the extent that the Carbines are valued higher the Garand's now? That's what the guy said anyways.
My shock at the price came because back in the 90's I bought one for around $150, not because I was looking to be a collector or anything like that, but mainly because I didn't have more money to spend on any "better" military style fun gun, and the Brady Bill was looming. I didn't really know much about M1 Carbines at the time (or since), just that they were old WWII weapons. The seller did tell me that it had been rebuilt and you could tell because it was an M1 receiver on an M2 style stock. He also told me that it had been re-imported to the US from old overseas surplus, probably from Korea. I've always been happy with the gun, It's really fun to shoot, lightweight, and very accurate. Really everything that I wanted that day, including the 30 round mags that came with it.
So, after seeing those price tags yesterday, I figured it was long past time to know more about my gun. It's been a fun day today, learning about the M1 Carbine in general, and about my weapon in particular. It's almost like I'm on the Antiques Roadshow or something, but now, just like at the end of each segment on that show, I'm hoping to know more about value. Ofc during my research I've gotten some sort of idea what these guns are going for now, but I trust the knowledge in this community and figure short of an actual formal appraisal by a qualified gunsmith, this is where I'll get the best, most updated info.
All that said, I'd sincerely appreciate peoples opinions, comments, and corrections. Good and bad. I'd also appreciate any kinds of recommendations about anything I might consider doing to maintain or increase the value not only from a collector's standpoint, but also just for fun and cool factor. I've already realized I'd better get a sling and buttstock pouch for it.
Other than that, here's what (I think) I've learned about this gun so far....
1) Clearly stamped on the barrel is Blue Sky / Arlington, VA., denoting that this rifle was indeed re-imported to the US after being rebuilt and re-parkarized. I've read that some of these deep BS stamps tended to warp or deform the barrel, but that doesn't seem to be the case on this gun as it shoots true. I've also read that the Blue Sky stamp is generally less than desirable and can affect value, although, there are some clues that the stamp is becoming more accepted as long as it didn't effect the overall condition of the barrel? True or wishful thinking?
2) Barrel is stamped with the flaming bomb mark and "Underwood 11-42" denoting an original USGI barrel made in November of 1942. I'm no expert and don't know how to properly measure wear, but when I look at the inside of the barrel, there is no corrosion or pitting, and the rifling groove looks deep well defined. Also, front bayonet lug was added after the re-fitting as barrels made in 1942 were not originally fitted with lugs. There is also a "F" stamped into the top of the barrel, just above the seam where the lug strap wraps around the barrel.
3) Receiver is stamped with I.B.M. marks (under the rear sight) and serial number, further confirming the mixed reconditioned parts. Apparently this was standard practice and affects value less than you would think. On a personal note, I had no idea IBM was a WWII rifle manufacturer. I guess at the time ALL industry re-tooled for the war effort, but it's still a cool footnote to history that I own a fighting weapon made by a computer company.
4) I also see an "M" stamped into the magazine release.
5) Looking down into the receiver from the top, there seems to be some wear on the left side, and there's a little burr that I've never noticed before that looks like it could be filed down a bit. The receiver is also a little loose in the stock, I've never noticed any kind of issue when firing though.
6) There are also a couple of pins set into the lower part of the stock on the left side, about midway down the handguard. What they're for I have no idea, I'm assuming some sort of repair.
I haven't broken the gun down to inspect the bolt or any other internal parts, so there are probably other markings I haven't seen. If anybody would like to direct me to something specific I should look at, I'll get to it, otherwise I think that's it. I'm excited to learn more, so by all means, please post your replies, give additional information, and ofc if anybody want's to throw out some estimates on value, I'm interested in anything more I can learn.
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