Winchester Blue Sky import

[Aragorn243]

I do go to gun shows and look. They all seem to be in the $900+ range and I can't afford that. I unfortunately don't have any friends other than you guys that I could go with or ask. I seem to be alone in my insanity locally.

The Winchester guy never got back to me but I received a second offer this afternoon, with pics. The rifle I'm offering as a trade is a new in the box Marlin 1895 Cowboy in 45-70. They are currently going for around $900 but I don't have that much in it. The person making the offer is within easy half way distance driving time:

M1 Carbine Inland manufacture.
100 rounds of Remington 110grn ammo. 50FMJ and 50SP.
1 sling and oiler .
1 15rnd USGI mag.
1 30rnd mag.
3 stripper clips w/spoon

Described as:

Approximately 70% original finish no pitting or rust. Bore is clean, when you put in a .308 bullet it does not go more than two thirds down. it is 5.5 million range that would put it in 1944 production. It is in post WWII configuration all parts appear to be US G.I.overall condition of the rifle is good the two biggest detractors of the rifle would be it has a Blue Skies import stamp on the left side of the barrel and a thin crack running several inches on the right side of the stock.

Crack appears to be on the right side just in front of the magazine. Stock looks to have a US ordnance stamp. From the photos, finish looks more like 50% to me but I'm not admitting to being a great judge of that.

[Claven2]

Some people won;t like that import stamp, but honestly, it doesn't look that terrible to me. The stock is a nice early one, and I think that crack could be easily glued to look invisible. Ask for a 3 day mutual inspection, and when you get the carbine slug the bore looking for a tight spot under the roll stamp. If the slug pushes through with no resistance, it should be fine IMHO.

[painter777]

Here's a Comp:

M1 Carbine .30 US Military Saginaw SG and Q-RMC : Semi Auto Rifles at GunBroker.com

[imarangemaster]

Welcome to the forum! I think you did well. Marlin Cowboy 45-70s are a niche market. When SASS decrease in popularity (as it is already. I started in SASS in 1994. It was at it's zenith in about 2004, but has been decreasing in popularity ever since), the Marlin will tank in value. The USGI carbine are gaining value 70 years later! Besides, the ammo, mags, sling and oiler are worth $100 if you bought them seperate.

[Aragorn243]

He sent me a further photo with a straight edge on the outside of the barrel and it isn't showing a depression.



Barrel appears to be 9-44.

I'm asking how it shoots.

Painter, the comp you listed looks nicer but the guy says the bore is shot out. Are 308 bullets the same diameter as the 30 carbine that it can be judged by that test?

I looked up the bullet sizes and they appear to be the same so it doesn't appear the barrel is shot out.

[imarangemaster]

Well, maybe it is not shot out. When the muzzles got worn, some were counter-bored. You could ask the seller for a better picture of the muzzle from an angle to the front. The one you posted is probably a ME of 2-3.

[Aragorn243]

Sorry, This one doesn't appear to be shot out by the bullet test. The comparable M1 on gunbroker is the one that was shot out. The seller said the bullet went all the way in and was a bit loose.

So the big question is, would this be a good trade for my 1895 Marlin. He says he never shot it but says I can inspect it thoroughly before making the trade. The crack I can fix, done that before. I just don't want to trade under what my rifle is worth, at least not significantly under. If I'm reading you guys right, so far the consensus seems to be this would be a good trade? The only accessory I have for an M1 right now is the canvas bag. I like that this one has most of it's accessories.

[Mikesm44]

This is my Inland for comparison. Ye Olde Gun Porn (Blog) I bought it about 3 months ago for $650. The I-cutout stocks seem to be a little rarer. If you are doing a straight trade it may be worth your while, as the carbine will increase in value over time, but if you are paying $900 cash I'd try to get it to come down a little. The rifle in the pictures looks to have little finish left. There are certainly better ones to be had but it does look like a serviceable shooter.

[vintage hunter]

If your worried about the import marking damaging the barrel get yourself a pair of calipers and measure the OD around the stamp to see if it's egged or just look down the bore after a good cleaning. If theres any damage you'll see it right off. A straight edge is a precision tool and with me being a Millwright and all I couldn't help but laugh at the photo of the well used drift punch laying on the barrel. Some straight edge.

[phillydude]

That blue sky's stock may be worth more than the action