Late Uncles Inland M1 Carbine. Still teaching my boys.

[KneverKnew]

My late Uncle, who served in WW2, purchased this Inland M1 Carbine directly from the Government, pre CMP, for approximately $34. His son was went with him to take delivery of the M1 at the train depot. Cuz was 10 at the time. Fast forward to 2016 and cuz lends me the carbine so my then 10 year old No. 3 son could learn to shoot. Now we are in 2023 and my No. 4 son is 8 YO and once again he is learning to shoot with the same M1 carbine. I am sharing pictures here in hopes someone can clue me in on what the worth of this old family heirloom might be, not that it would ever get sold.
Best I can tell, it’s all original. Let me know if more photos are needed.
Would changing original springs out for general shooting be a good idea?

Information

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[Singer B]

Really nice rifle!!! It is not all original since it appears to have the post-war refurbishments installed. It is in terrific shape and in California that is easily $1,500. Of course, it sounds like the sentimental value is off the scale for you and your family so I have a feeling your grandkids are going to learn to shoot with that rifle!

[KneverKnew]

Thanks! Yes this rifle will be in the family for a long time hence. Still shoots great.

So please educate me. What would be the post war enhancements you mentioned?
And should I get new springs for shooting?

[KneverKnew]

Another question. I also have maybe a dozen original 15 round magazines that are heavily rusted. Any good way to remove the rust without damaging any remaining finish?
I have a couple gallons of Evaporust. Would that be an option or would it remove the bluing?

[W5USMC]

If the carbine shoots and functions as it should then leave the springs alone.
As far as the upgrades Singer B mentioned. 1st off your stock has a Rock Island Arsenal rebuild stamp which indicates a post war rebuild. It has an Underwood barrel, Inland used Inland barrels. It originally would have had a push safety and a type 2 barrel band, you have a flip safety and a type 3 barrel band.
I am assuming that your serial is 5171??? and not 5171??.

[jimb16]

Value depends a lot on where you are. The lowest I would put on it is $1300. And in a few areas, it could go for as high as $1600

[Singer B]

To add to W5USMC, your rifle has the repalcement adjustable rear sight. Inland made more M1 carbines than any other manufacturer so they don't have much of a "rarity" value as far as M1 carbines go. I also agree with him reference the springs. If the gun works fine, then let it be!

[W5USMC]

Actually, believe his rear sight is possibly correct. There was mixed use of all the rear sights in this serial # block and the stamped I.R.CO. 7160060 sight was used by Inland starting somewhere around 5131xxx.

[CINDERS]

If they are a blued finished then stainless steel wool and (I mean stainless not the steel wool) can of WD40 or RP7 spray over the mag then rub with the Stainless steel wool rag it off and repeat.
I have never tried this method on Parked actions or mags but it works well on blued parts and wont remove the bluing, so I suggest if you do do it in a small inconspicuous spot and see result.
(An old WWII armourer told me this method.) RIP Jack McCormack a good friend.

Otherwise someone else may have a method for parked mags.

Don't try the soap filled stainless ones either.

[Singer B]

Actually, believe his rear sight is possibly correct. There was mixed use of all the rear sights in this serial # block and the stamped I.R.CO. 7160060 sight was used by Inland starting somewhere around 5131xxx.

Thank you, I didn't know that!