M1A1 Questions/Dilema

[Benton Quest]

OK, so here's the deal:

First off, let me disclose, I am not an expert, nor do I play one on TV. That being said, I have an early, high-wood, two rivet M1A1....It has been in the family long enough, that I know it is not a fake. It's got all the right features and markings, as well as the imfamous B297614* drawing number, yada, yada, yada. I even have the Atlas Awning canvass scabbard that it came in.

Now, in this nice stock sits a Quality Hardware action with Rock-ola barrel. The rest of the parts are a mutted up mish mosh of vendors. Of course, we all know, that it's supposed to be an Inland, with a serial range from 200,000 to 700,000 (I think)....with the early sight and push-button safety.

No such luck. It got what was probably a Korea-era re-armoring, where it became a mutt. The QH action has late model features, and the weapon has the doomed bayonet lug. In the re-armoring, they also installed the handy-dandy M2 cut in the stock. Why they did not remove the high-wood at that time, I do not know.

So, here is the question...I have been thinking about getting a proper Inland and making everything as the Carbine Gods once desired. Or, should I just leave well enough alone, understand it is a piece of history (actually, a very early Vietnam bring-back...go figure) and move on with my life?

Keep in mind, I don't plan on selling it, so I am not looking into duping a buyer into thinking its all legit....I would just like it all to be "correct". But, I do not want to take one step forward to take two steps back.

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[JimF4M1s (Deceased)]

If you are just going to keep it and enjoy it, I would leave it alone. You know the history, why change it?

It would cost a lot to get a low number Inland with correct parts. And high wood or not, the M2 cut will always be an issue.

If you wind up selling it down the road, I would look for a average M1 stock for the metal. Then sell the M1A1 stock separate. You would probably make more that way.

Have fun with it.

Jim

[BrianQ]

I’d leave it as it is. With the cut for the selector lever the stock is only “proper” for a rebuilt carbine anyway.

[jimb16]

Here's another vote for leaving as is. Its part of the history. It is a real M1A1 just as it is. It just isn't as manufactured. An as rebuilt M1A1 is just as legitimate as the as manufactured one.

[zertouche]

They are only original once. This includes replaced parts and modifications. Once one starts swapping parts, there is no guarentee the new parts are the real deal. None at all. Humpers of fake parts are very busy and will go to any length to make a part that will separate you from your money.

If these old things could talk they would say "I yam what I yam, and thats all what I yam".

[Benton Quest]

Well, it seems like the old gal is going to stay as is. The crowd has spoken. In reality, after all these years it would be a crime to start breaking up the parts I know to at least be legit. In a way, I guess the M2 cut really seals the deal. It is what it is....

[frankderrico]

Amen.....Frank