I found a Triggerguard for my NPM

[BrianQ]

I think what Rick is getting at is, even though BrianQ says this is so, unless it's published somewhere in a book he can plop down on a dealer's counter, it means little. BrianQ knows much, but without accepted references it amounts to little more than an opinion. Newsletters, however valuable, are just a club's newsletters.
Brian has shown little to no interest in publishing a book based on his vast knowledge to be judged by the collecting community. Until that happens, his opinion is only that. Highly regarded, but nothing you can take to the bank. Or a dealer.

So let me get this straight. By your account if it's not published in a book it is just an opinion. Once it is published in a book, regardless if it is factual or not, it becomes useful, credible information. Interesting theory, as warped as it may be.

[Wulf]

So let me get this straight. By your account if it's not published in a book it is just an opinion. Once it is published in a book, regardless if it is factual or not, it becomes useful, credible information. Interesting theory, as warped as it may be.

I wouldn't give a plugged nickle for most of the crap published y so called experts in the popular books these days. Too many errors and stuff that is just plain wrong. Heck, even the humpers are writing books about legit carbine stuff now.
http://cgi.ebay.com/NEW-M1-Carbine-B...item1c177b33ae

[phil441]

So let me get this straight. By your account if it's not published in a book it is just an opinion. Once it is published in a book, regardless if it is factual or not, it becomes useful, credible information. Interesting theory, as warped as it may be.

That's correct in the eyes of the counter man down at Joe's Gun & Pawn.
He's likely never heard of the Carbine Club. Chances are he's never read anything by Ruth, Riesch or Duff.
His job is to move merchandise. If you show him a page from a book that none of us would even bother to keep then he has the information in print.
See my point?

[DaveHH]

is to evaluate the information given by considering the source. Since in one part of a factory a carbine could be assembled and in another part of the same shop at the same time a quite different gun could be assembled, the individuals who have great first hand knowledge and an ample data base available are the opinion givers to listen to. Most of the books did not have this advantage when written ("War Baby" being the exception).

[Tired Retired]

My point is based on two things. First, published material is what is accepted by both legal authorities (courts) and educational institutions as documentable information. Right or wrong, it requires someone to sign their name on it as "the expert". General knowledge and experience does not meet the same standards without the formal documentation. In truth, who does a better job of fixing your car - the young kid at the dealership with the certificates or ole Billybob who worked on your Dad's truck for years? The courts say its the kid with the certificates. I am the first to point out that many published authors don't know their A$$ from a hole in the ground. Anyone remember Dr. Benjamin Spock and his book book entitled "Baby and Child Care"? Thank you Dr Spock for ruining a whole generation of kids!

Second, if you don't like the printed books with all the errors or dated information - then put out something better. I'll buy it - so will others. Take the information to the grave with you and both my AND your grandkids will lose out.

No one has all the information, no one knows everything about carbines, and none of us were the people in the program that produced them 65 years ago. The further away that we get from 1944 the less and less accurate the information will be. Some guys have spent a lifetime learning and collecting - these carbines and their history (remembered right or wrong) will out live us all.

[BrianQ]

That's correct in the eyes of the counter man down at Joe's Gun & Pawn.
He's likely never heard of the Carbine Club. Chances are he's never read anything by Ruth, Riesch or Duff.
His job is to move merchandise. If you show him a page from a book that none of us would even bother to keep then he has the information in print.
See my point?

Then type something up on a piece of paper, sign it and hand it to him. That has about as much credibility with the counter man as something printed in a book. Remember "His job is to move merchandise." In most cases Joe the counter man will tell the potential customer what they want to hear to make the sale. Hand him any of the popular references to show he was incorrect and expect a reply similar to, "That is out dated material. This is the one you really need". (Who hasn't heard that at a gun show table before?) Now you're back to square one because, "His job is to move merchandise." Educate the buyer not the seller.

[JimF4M1s (Deceased)]

Educate the buyer not the seller.

Best line and advice in this whole thread.

[Tired Retired]

Educate the buyer not the seller.

I'll second that...