Does anyone know where the best place to send my friends M-1 carbine to be reconditioned? Mine is in pristeen shape, but his kinda needs some rework. Any answers would be appreciated.
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Does anyone know where the best place to send my friends M-1 carbine to be reconditioned? Mine is in pristeen shape, but his kinda needs some rework. Any answers would be appreciated.
Refinishing a carbine is generally not good for it's value. It depends entirely on what he has and whether or not it has original finish.
Most carbine problems are easily solved. You should be able to cure the problem yourself without the need for "reconditioning".
If it is pristine, DON'T mess with it. It is worth more that way, even if it is a GI mixmaster, than a refinished one. People search for years to find a a pristine original.
I've never used them, but you might want to check out Fulton Armory and Miltech. They both offer reconditioning services. I just looked at the Fulton website and they guarantee 2.5 MOA accuracy on their carbines if you use Hornady match ammo. - Bob
Thank you all for a quick reply. Like I said, it is for my friend. He shoots his a lot and it is in need of refurbishing. Mine is fine. It is an Inland, made in Oct. 1944 all original. I think I will keep mine like it is. But, my friend wants to have his refinished and cleaned. Wood is still good, but it really needs some TLC. Again, thanks. WG
From reading several forums, these all have good reputations for quality work. Cost/value is in the eye of the beholder.
http://www.dgrguns.com/
http://shuffsparkerizing.com/
http://www.jamesriverarmory.com/
http://www.fulton-armory.com/
When any collector sees a nice finish on a firearm the first thing they do is look for evidence of a reblue. Take one of Mr Peppers nice pistols and refinish it and the value drops like a rock, probably 80%. It is an irreversible act, you can never go back to original. I understand that some folks cannot stand a firearm with any cosmetic issues and they are welcome to ruin any gun they own. A 60 year old patina of dried cosmoline, years of linseed oil and sweat looks great on a rifle in my eyes.
On a gun show a few weeks ago there was a guy that brought an old Winchester lever gun in to be appraised. It was a beautiful rifle with amazing case hardened finish. It was determined the rifle had been professionally refinished and whoever did it did a beautiful job on it. The appraiser said in its original finish the rifle would have been worth $50,000.00! As it sat, it appraised at $8000.00. Still a healthy chunk but nowhere near what the original finish would have brought.
I agree with Dave, try and your buddy out of it.