Your Thoughs on a retro "rebuild"

[Mott]

I have the same feelings as you seem to have, thus my hesitation to "fix" the IBM I have and the post to the Forum. The CMP IBM carbine I have is "perfect" as it is. I too like and appreciate the late features. There is just this nagging urge, if you will, to have one that is as issued in WWII. I need to think on it some more and make a decision. I have a "few" nice CMP examples perhaps acquiring another "original" is not so bad (elbow in ribs). I mean is there really such a thing as having too many carbines? I say loudly NO!
Has anyone dealt with Mr. Hadley lately? I purchased a nice IBM from him some time ago. I am not sure he is even in business anymore.
Finally, thoughts on Riverbank Armory for parts? Reputable?

Thanks again gents!
Mott

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[phil441]

First of all, Welcome to the group!

"Finally, thoughts on Riverbank Armory for parts? Reputable?"

Most of us here have our thoughts about George, AKA Riverbank.

May I suggest you spend some time researching the forums before spending your money there?
In the meantime, enjoy what you've got.
Just a thought.

Phil

[Milsurp Collector]

I have the same feelings as you seem to have, thus my hesitation to "fix" the IBM I have and the post to the Forum. The CMP IBM carbine I have is "perfect" as it is. I too like and appreciate the late features. There is just this nagging urge, if you will, to have one that is as issued in WWII. I need to think on it some more and make a decision. I have a "few" nice CMP examples perhaps acquiring another "original" is not so bad (elbow in ribs). I mean is there really such a thing as having too many carbines? I say loudly NO!
Has anyone dealt with Mr. Hadley lately? I purchased a nice IBM from him some time ago. I am not sure he is even in business anymore.
Finally, thoughts on Riverbank Armory for parts? Reputable?

Thanks again gents!
Mott

I think if you save up your money and get a legit original World War II configuration carbine, the urge to "fix" your other carbines will miraculously dissipate and you will have a new appreciation for them.

When I decided I wanted a Kar98k, I bought a "Russian Capture" (RC) Kar98k because they were easy to buy and affordable (just like CMP carbines), and matching number or mostly matching non-Sovietized Kar98k's seemed way too expensive, hard to find, and just unobtainable (like original World War II carbines seem to be now). But I wanted my RC Kar98k to be more "correct" (German) than the Sovietized mixmaster that it was, so I did what many people do: removed the Russian shellac from the stock, and bought replacements for the locking screws and cleaning rod that the Soviets removed and melted down. I even bought an ex-Norwegian Surrender Kar98k stock that had the "correct" Waffenamt stamps for my rifle.

But with time and patience and searching I began to get matching and mostly-matching non-RC Kar98k's, and my desire to "correct" my RC Kar98k completely disappeared. I removed the cleaning rod and locking screws I had added, because it is "correct" for a Russian Capture Kar98k to not have them. I am even going to re-shellac the stock because that is the "correct" finish for a Russian Capture Kar98k. Now that I have German configuration Kar98k's, my first Kar98k will take its rightful place in my collection as an example of a Russian Capture Kar98k. If I had just been more patient and left it alone, I would have had a 100% authentic Russian Capture Kar98k and all the money I wasted on the extra stock, cleaning rod, and screws.

Russian Capture Kar98k's and mixmaster carbines: they are what they are, and can be appreciated for what they are.

I have a World War II-configuration carbine, so I have no desire to downgrade/backdate my shooter CMP carbines. They are perfect examples of Korean War carbines (and I'm currently reading a great book about the Korean War) and I even upgraded them further with Type 5 operating slides (based on a recommendation posted by Newscotlander) and round bolts. I shot three of my carbines tonight to zero the sights. With my CMP Winchester I put the first five rounds in the black at 50 yards but to the left of center. I adjusted the windage one click right and the next five shots were in the bullseye. That's what these CMP carbines are: great shooters that also have history just the way they are.



Riverbank Armory? That's exactly how you end up spending a lot of money for fake parts in my opinion. Here's some interesting reading

CMP Discussion Forum - Riverbank Armory parts
CMP Discussion Forum - I got burnt hard by him
CMP Discussion Forum - Riverbank Armory carbine parts

[dbarn]

Cast my vote for leaving your present IBM as is. As stated above it would be difficult to match wear patterns even if you are able to find the correct USGI IBM parts. In regards to Charles Hadley, I have not had recent dealings with him but have had two carbines in the past that were described by him as completely original, only to find out later they were put-togethers with fake parts. Be careful who you deal with in regards to "original" carbines and parts. Many of us have learned our lessons the hard way.