National Post Meter Carbine ID help please

A local store today had a carbine in that was a National Post Meter. I'm not really familiar with carbines, so I'm going to describe it as best as I can and I would like to see if it's an ok deal. It had an unmarked "recoil plate" (i think thats what its called), adjustable rear sight for W and E, the stock was all wood with the front hand guard having a U dimple on the sight plane and it was P marked and had "R.I.A." on it. The barrel was marked "Underwood 12-43" and it had a bayonet lug on it. I'm not sure about the bolt or trigger guard/assembly. The stoack was in very good shape as was the barrel, it had a beautiful muzzle. They were asking $895, which seems high, but I have no idea. Would appreciate some input, thanks.

That is a typical rebuild and worth $400.00 to $600.00 tops. Depending on a whole bunch of variables.

Bill is correct on the prices. What type of store did you see it? If it's a pawn shop/Army surplus type of store they often mark up prices so they have room to negotiate or just hope someone buys it at the inflated price because they don't know the market value. I've also seen some pawn shops that check high-end correct carbines prices on Gunbroker, and then they think all carbines are worth $1000.

In my area you don't find many rebuilt carbines with nice wood for $600. It sounds like it has a lot of "original" markings on it and could easily sell in the neighborhood of $750. A lot of the recoil plates are marked inside - it could still be a WWII era plate. At that price you might feel like you paid too much, but I believe the rebuilds will continue to appreciate in value. I just bought another one a couple of weeks ago myself. - Bob

I read where guys say I wouldn't pay more then $$$ for a rebuilt carbine. Then I don't think you will be buying one soon.
Some people may think, or even wish, that rebuilt carbines are only worth $400-$600. And maybe you can swing a deal with a family member or friend for that amount. Hell, I remember 1/10 of that. But those days are gone, at least in my area. I know guys who will part out a carbine before selling it for that price. And get hundreds more as parts.
Bill, tell me where you are finding carbines for that price, and I'll make a drive. I'm only 4 hours from you. Not in a gun shop, gun show, or local store as onlycrimson mentioned anywhere in my area. I have seen total trash import, rebuilt, minimal finish, stocks beat, selling for at least $600-$700. Gun shops asking $950.
I'm along the same thinking as Bob (USGI), at least $750.

I was thinking $700 was a fair price. My cousin just got a mismatch Winchester in the same condition for $700, which I thought was a fair price.

Better pick them up while you can, at the gun shows around Houston, mixmaster usually start at $800.00 and up. Any Winchester Starts at a Grand, and of course that is asking price, but they never seem to want to lower their prices.

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Originally Posted by JimF4M1s

I read where guys say I wouldn't pay more then $$$ for a rebuilt carbine. Then I don't think you will be buying one soon.
I'm along the same thinking as Bob (USGI), at least $750.

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Jim, don't misquote me. I never said I wouldn't pay more than $$$ for rebuilt carbine. There is nothing wrong with a rebuilt carbine. I merely said I thought the carbine as described as a rebuild was worth $400.00 to $600.00 tops. Is $400.00 low? Yes, it is low but $600.00 would be more like it perhaps. I saw one, I believe was a STD PRO, at Valley Gun for $625.00 just a month ago. The only difference with it was an original WWII STD PRO stock. Not much else was STD PRO however. I thought that was too much. Are you suggesting the $999.95 that Big-5 was asking is a good price? You know they didn't sell many of them at the price that is why they are always running sales on them at $699.95. That is too much also and if you were looking at those carbines and private party was selling them you wouldn't pay that much either. Jim, they are out there. Gun shows are at least $200.00 to $400.00 more in our area. I will not buy anything but ammo and small parts at gun shows. And I still stand by $895.00 as being too much for the carbine described.

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Originally Posted by onlycrimson

I was thinking $700 was a fair price. My cousin just got a mismatch Winchester in the same condition for $700, which I thought was a fair price.

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If that is okay with you then go for it. Offer them $700.00 and see where it goes. Ask the shop to gauge the muzzle wear. Does it have any import stamps on it? Look under the barrel between the muzzle and the bayonet lug and on the receiver behind the slide. Those are two places they import stamp them. Good luck and I hope you get it for what you are willing to pay.

Bill,

Now you have gotten me riled. I didn't misquote you, because I didn't quote you at all. As a moderator where do you come off saying that?

I said some guys wouldn't pay $$$ for a rebuilt carbine. $$$ can mean any amount anyone doesn't think it may be worth. There is always an asking, and selling price. Unusally not the same number.

I'm also not suggesting $999.95 at Big 5 is a good price. But it was their starting asking price if you walked in. You work it from there with what you see on the gun. Called negotiation. Because of what you said I went to two of my local Big 5's this afternoon and asked. They said they sold more then half at the $999 and went as low as $650 for the junk ones. None left.

onlycrimson said he walked into a local store. A store is always going to start at the max they think they can get. I don't care what price someone puts on a gun. If it's something you want, check it over and make your counter offer. You go from there. Sometimes you get it, sometimes you walk away empty handed. I wouldn't pass on something I wanted over $50. That only 2 boxes of ammo.

But I will quote your $400-$600 in my opinion as being to low.

Other then a private party deal $400 is too low. Even the $625 Std Prods, or discounted Big 5 at the $699.95 you mention after taxes and paperwork you are over $700 when you walk out the door in my area. That is my point. I think most reasonable, all GI parts carbines, are going to have a final purchase dollar amount around $750. Maybe you get a sling and oiler, maybe not.

Sure there will always be a great buy, they are out there. But not as common as they were even 4 or 5 years ago. Some folks may not like it, but prices keep edging up. Even a poor economy hasn't slowed it down on guns.

This is a forum asking for thoughts, these are mine. I have been doing this a long time, 37 years now. Time doesn't make me any more correct then the next guy. But it has allowed me to watch how prices have climbed from the $60 carbine of 1975 to what they are today. Just because my thoughts don't mimic yours doesn't make them wrong.

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Originally Posted by Bill Hollinger

Jim, don't misquote me. I never said I wouldn't pay more than $$$ for rebuilt carbine. There is nothing wrong with a rebuilt carbine. I merely said I thought the carbine as described as a rebuild was worth $400.00 to $600.00 tops. Is $400.00 low? Yes, it is low but $600.00 would be more like it perhaps. I saw one, I believe was a STD PRO, at Valley Gun for $625.00 just a month ago. The only difference with it was an original WWII STD PRO stock. Not much else was STD PRO however. I thought that was too much. Are you suggesting the $999.95 that Big-5 was asking is a good price? You know they didn't sell many of them at the price that is why they are always running sales on them at $699.95. That is too much also and if you were looking at those carbines and private party was selling them you wouldn't pay that much either. Jim, they are out there. Gun shows are at least $200.00 to $400.00 more in our area. I will not buy anything but ammo and small parts at gun shows. And I still stand by $895.00 as being too much for the carbine described.

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Jim, my being a moderator has nothing to do with this. And no reason to get all riled up ;)

Okay Jim. Fair enough. I see your point. You may be closer than I for I haven't bought one for a while and also, I have a license so my price will be much lower. Thanks for your input. We can't be right all the time, right? ;)

I still believe gun shops and gun shows jack prices beyond a reasonable limit though and most people who think prices are at a given level are judging off those gun shop and gun show prices.

I think it has been said best like this:

The seller will take less than he asks and the buyer will pay more than he offers.