Which carbine ?

[beefyz]

I detect a "prejudice" against some of the modern day .30 cal carbines; auto ordnance, kahr, universal etc, and maybe for good reason. I remember reading somewhere here that it was better to try & purchase one of the "authentic" carbines of their day; at least they would have some type of value. Reason I ask is yesterday I was at a gun show and saw a suppossedly brand new Iver Johnson in the box. I know that there were Winchesters, Inlands, Rockola, etc during/after WWII and if one wanted to purchase one of these, which one would you recommend and why ? In your answer please consider the possibility of a breakdown or a need for parts. Are parts still available for them and hands/knowledge out there to still service them. Thanks.

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[mpd1978]

In order to give you a good answer we would need to know what you intend to do with a carbine. For instance, if you are going to be a reenactor-one of the new Kahr guns would suit your needs. If you want one for a plinker/camp gun the iver johnsons and similar are fine-as long as you dont pay too much for one. Also realize the commercial variants have little to no collector interest and will not appreciate much. Another good plinker is a USGI rebuild, the way to go IMO for a shooter that will keep its value. As for quality of a particular USGI carbine brand, thats pretty much a non issue because of thier age. You have to evaluate them on a individual basis, ie muzzle wear and general fit and function. Lastly, there are the original and/or correct collector grade carbines that will cost you 1 or 2k minimum.
Hope this helps

Parts are very plentiful for USGI carbines, i cant speak for the commercial varients. They are easy to service and fix, and the tools arent really that much money either.

[Bill Hollinger]

Welcome to the site. I would have to say that of all the carbines out there three have a close race for that spot to me. Rock-Ola, National Postal Meter and the underdog Standard Products. The NPM is made very well and has a wonderful fit and finish to it. My .02 cents

If you are looking for a shooter then any of them will work well for you. The Inland will be the easiest to find and the least expensive.

[JimF4M1s (Deceased)]

I like the three Bill listed, might add IBM. They are all lower production runs. Of those a Rock-Ola will run the most.

Pick the one that is in the best condition, with the features you want, in your price range. Condition, condition, condition for value. But we don't always buy for resale value.

[Bill Hollinger]

That is funny Jim. I had listed IBM at first.

[painter777]

A USGI carbine for sure.
If just shooting is your main reason to purchase, I'd consider a Import to save a little $.
But have noticed lately that even Import marked carbines are fetching more $$ than they did before the CMP ran out of carbines.
Add a couple hundred and you could find a nice mixer like MPD described, without Import markings.
Parts are still around for GI carbines, especially the later-up graded parts.
Most repairs can be explained over the forum.
Reminds me of what a friend would always say when in Vegas, "It only costs a dime more to go first class"
Never sure what he meant by that as he usually lost his A$$.

Good Luck,
Charlie-painter777

[beefyz]

Very thoughtful, & thanks guys.
I guess i'd say i want a shooter. (On a sidebar, I rather routinely acquired a Springfield Garand with a production date of June '40 from a gunsmith friend of mine. Was shootin it at the range, an old timer came up to see it & when he saw I was shootin one with that date on it he flipped out! Said i should be hangin it on the wall or something.) Anyway, I enjoy shooting a .30 cal carbine ( Have a "mint" late model Universal thats been checked out for the usual problems associated with them & found to be OK at this time) but I just can't see paying $1,200 for a GI rebuild . Or for that matter, I've seen used for near the same amount and like yous have said, who knows what problems you're getting with the used. For their ages and the potential they have , I think there are alot better rifles out there for that kind of money. From what yous said above, if i ever have the opportunity to acquire one of the ones mentioned, and I know the seller, I may be inclined to make the purchase. That Iver Johnson at the show was listed at $750. Couldn't understand why somebody didn't scoff it up. Was in its original box, came with a mag & sling. Not a mark on it. The seller also had 2 others; a winchester and some other, both $1k + . Like I said, I wouldn't be comfortable paying that amount for a used carbine. Should I have got the IJ ?
They're out of business, right, so theres no warranty there either. The Kahr I think is the only one being made new today and from what I've read, its either a love it or hate it relationship.

[G26ster]

Well, as this is a "Military Surplus" forum, naturally its members will lean towards genuine USGI carbines. That said, I'm not sure where you get $1200 a rebuilt USGI. They are routinely available on many carbine forums and gun boards for $5-800 depending on condition and rarity. I paid $450 for my last one just last month. USGI Parts, at very reasonable prices are available everywhere, and only the earliest and rarest collector parts command higher prices. That said, I guess the difference is, do you want a piece of history as well as a shooter? Only you can answer that.

[JimF4M1s (Deceased)]

We do lean towards military surplus. A friend said he had an M1 for sale. I went to see it, and it was an Alpine. Passed at $300.