My First M1 Carbine, Opions Wanted

[Mikesm44]

Looks at a glance in original configuration, but others have brought up considerations. Would be interested to see more and clearer picture of all marking on the rifle when you get it to give a real evaluation.

Was the price high? It depends. Could you have found this exact rifle for less? Probably, but only if you really wanted to search. 2 years ago I bought a similar one for $700. Will that ever happen again, doesn't seem like it will. Could you have found one for a little less? Probably. In this condition I have seen them usually around $1,600- 1,800 at physical gun shops and also at gun shows, but can they run up to $2,000? Yes, easily so not the worst price. Nothing on it screams, "this was a terrible mistake." But kind of hard to tell everything from the photos. For that price, personally I would like to look at it in person first, but like I said it will probably function fine and it is far from the most blatant misrepresentation. I would guess someone had a rifle out of original configuration and bought parts to "return" it and that is how this one came about.

[Bubba-7]

Well 320, I had this one on my watch list. Just too rich for my retirement budget.
I just reviewed the auction pictures again and the only thing I see is the later slide not being correct. If I have the correct one I would trade with you.
Although there looks like type 3 band marks on the nose of the stock, they do not go far enough past the end of the band spring to really be from a type 3 band. Like the type 1 band was tightened down not all the way on the spring. The rear sight looks right, I have not seen a "S-" faked. And it's to the left, correct. Even the recoil plate screw is typical Inland machining. Which is different from all the others. I think the hammer spring could be correct for a late 1943 carbine. I think there is an IO in the sling well lightly struck, top center where they usually are.
But what do I know. I did learn all "Uncle Bubba" would learn me, you know, which was not much, except which end to point when pulling the trigger and how to put bullets in.

[jimb16]

I can barely list all the things wrong with that carbine! Fake rear sight, wrong slide, wrong front sight, repark just for starters. That is a very poor restoration, plus he's trying to us Harrison's book for "correct" parts! How bad can it get????

---------- Post added at 07:08 PM ---------- Previous post was at 07:01 PM ----------

Bubba-7. There are a bunch of faked S~ sights around here. If I'm looking at the front sight correctly, it belongs on a QHMC, not on an Inland.

[JimF4M1s (Deceased)]

Guys,
Jim, could you elaborate on your statement, I'm just trying to learn; "Looks like it has some fake parts. And parts not consistent with the serial number. The rear sight shows more wear then the receiver. Looks like a later slide then the serial number". Fake parts gives me stomach knots.Tom

Tom,

Without holding it, I question the barrel band and leaf sight. The slide should be a type 4, it looks like a type 6. Angled forward. He doesn't show the arm joint. That serial number should have a type 1- 22 coil hammer spring. Looks like a type 2. Notice the lack of a picture on the sling. One showing the bolt open looks to be a D-clip. Should be a C-clip. That could be a $75 difference. You can easily see a shadow on the front of the stock as well as indents in another picture that looks like a type 2, maybe type three band was on it at some time. A person can change a barrel to get rid of the shadow there, hard on the wood. I noticed there was not a picture of the top of the trigger housing so we could see the hammer marks. Is there just one?

I have the Harrison book. There are quite a few errors in it. I might suggest getting a different reference.

I know it is disappointing, but you asked. My opinion it is not an $1850 carbine.

Use your three days to check it over, post pictures here if you want.

[DaveHH]

Around here at a gun show this carbine would be asking $1500 or so with no statements about what it was. Would it sell? I don't know. It is just the part swapper game. I know I'd be very upset about anything fake on it. Makes a good case for steering clear of early carbines unless you really can vouch for the seller.

[ChipS]

320th

I agree with the forum that the carbine is a put together piece. Many parts appear to be original and appropriate for the time period and some are probably not. There are a lot of things that don't look completely right, or original WWII manufacture. I don't want to pile on but if it were me I would try to get my money back. I think the stock is very nice and may or may not have been sanded a little at some time. We don't know if there has ever been a later replacement adjustable rear sight staked into the receiver (a serious value detractor) because the seller doesn't give us a good look at that view. Because of the nice stock I would be comfortable at about $800 without better pics of the receiver rear sight mounting area. JMHO ChipS

[painter777]

At first glance the CC looked to be the early Big Wheel Q-RMC......... But that wouldn't explain the Circled P proof on the bottom of the pistol grip.
Just the angle I guess, making a Inland CC jump out at me.
Not feeling sharp after being snowed in for months.

Enjoy this carbine as a shooter. A lesson you'll continue to learn from. IMHO you got off much cheaper than those dropping 5K+.

VR,
Charlie-Painter777

[imarangemaster]

Welcome to the forum! One part that is not correct is the slide. It is a late 1944 Type V slide. I had a 1943 all original Inland I sold last year for $1450.... It was original and un-refinished. Unfortunately the M1 Carbine market is still a hot bed of fakers. I am not a collector, and defer to others on this list to keep me out of trouble.

[320th INF]

Guys,

This will not be my first M1 Carbine anymore. After looking at you responses I told the seller not to ship. Too many thing seem to be incorrect. Thanks for saving my a##

Thanks for your years of knowledge and incite. I'll be back, just smarter now.

Thanks,

Tom

[JimF4M1s (Deceased)]

Guys,

This will not be my first M1 Carbine anymore. After looking at you responses I told the seller not to ship. Too many things seem to be incorrect.

Thanks, Tom

Tom,

PM sent.