HELP -- USGI 30rd M1 Carbine Mag's

[DICKX]

HI,

You guy's have helped me out in the past, now I need your expert opinion again.
I have a chance to buy a couple of USGI 30rd M1 Carbine Mags.
# 1 SEY split back Mags
# 2 A.I.marked Mag shows more finish wear.
# 3 "J" marked Mags from the 1960's in real nice shape.
# 4 SEY Hardback in nice shape.

# 1 & # 2 almost same price, # 3 is a little cheaper but I already have 2 of these.
# 4 is $15.00 more because they are harder to come by.

Which one to buy.
Any advice would be appreciated.
Dick

PS
The M1 Carbine that I had asked you about 2 1/2 years ago. ( I think )

I called him up a month ago and he still had it. I meet with him and got it bought for $600.00. Was inport marked but had a SG receiver and is a mixmaster but in good shape.
I have it tore down now but will get pictures for you in the near future.

Information

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[USGI]

Dick: If you intend to just buy one, to me it would depend on whether you intend to use it in your Carbine, or want it more as a "collectable." Mags #1 or #2 would fit the bill for both. In my opinion, #3 would be more for shooting, but will probably increase in value over time. If you are looking for the "collectable," I would go for the Hardback. They often sell for over $100 if in nice shape. Saw one on eBay lately with rust spots - asking price was $165.
Decisions! - Decisions! Sounds like you got a good deal on that Carbine. - Bob

[JimF4M1s (Deceased)]

$15 more from what starting point. Though if your only buying one I would take the hardback.
If the price was right I'd get #1, #2, and #4.
I've had poor reliability with some J mags. Because I have many of the others I shy away from them. I know others who have been happy with the J mags.

And I think you did OK on the carbine at $600. Make sure it has the late mag catch if your getting the 30 rounders. If not they are a low cost item, even the marked ones.

[jimb16]

I'ld go with the hardback too. Generally speaking, they are reliable shooters. And the value won't go down unless you really abuse them.

[imarangemaster]

Hardback. They are just "COOL!" and more collectable. The SEY and AI splitbacks next. Js would be last. I have some Js and OKays, and they work well for me, though I got some Js that were counterfeit from Cheaper Than Dirt a number of years ago. They weren't even good fakes. I returned them for a refund.