Need help. What am I looking at...IBM w/ Ser.# deeply and sharply cut into stock...

[Neal Myers]

The M1 carbine was made with mostly parkerized parts, with a couple of blued small parts; the "brown" you describe IS rust, a sign of heavy use &/or neglect. It may also be a re-import from Greece. The rear sight in a bag is a sure sign of abuse by Bubba, possibly irreparable.

If the barrel is bad (worn, rusted, or pitted bore), or it is worn out at the muzzle (measured with a gauge or a round of .30-06 stuck point first in the muzzle), it will cost $350-500 to replace.

Jim gave you the possible high value; a pessimist such as myself would estimate the low side value at $200.

Neal

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[ChipS]

One source (Ruth) estimates date of manufacture in or about March 1944. I assume other references may vary a month or two. I wouldn't even consider buying it if the rear sight isn't tight in the receiver dovetail. Like someone said above, Bubba may have damaged the receiver irreparably - and that's probably the most valuable part. If the receiver and barrel are OK, I guess the value will depend a lot on the manufacture of the parts. If the parts are all IBM, or if there are some rarer parts from other manufacturers, then the value would be higher. If not it would be lower. Without more details I don't think anyone can give you a reliable evaluation. It could be worth more than $800 but, unless it is in a real 'dug relic' condition, I doubt that it is worth less than $200. JMHO