ok, Let me throw in my two cents...

Mike, first question is what do you want the carbine for? Collectability? Shooting (as if you need another one for that)? Fill a hole in your collection?

Let me throw another consideration you have that we don't here in the states. Its your gun importation law. If you do not buy them, someone else might just so they can destroy/trade for a more modern "assault" import.

In your case, you know that these will only go up in value in NZicon as they become more scarce in time. You will get anything you can put in back to you in the future. Yea, I know you are as broke as the rest of us, but you have a chance to actually save these from being chopped up.

As far as which ONE? i would say which ever ONE you think will be worth the most in the future. Your market in NZ is much different that ours here in the states.

BTW, the M1A1icon (1246) is a fake stock.