ARGH, If I wasn't broke! Late Inland

[imarangemaster]

I was at a BIG 5 in California, and saw an M1 Carbine on sale for $699. Asked to see it and was dumfounded. Late Inland, serial number 6,34X,XXX or something close. IA type III band, Type III rear sight (looked original staking), condition of metal was about 85-90%!!!!! The bore was gorgeous, and the end of the lands good at the muzzle end. The barrel was inland with " -44" date, as first digits faint. It was a CAI import from Israel, as it had the Mash Az style serial number stamped in the left side of the buttstock like the underwood I had. It did have a flat bolt and early slide, however, But I have a late slide and bolt (both Inland) that would go perfect.

Two problems: I'm broke, and I don't have a California license yet!

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[Midmichigun]

WOW! Sounds like you are letting a deal slip through (mind you, I am a Newb at carbines)!
Over here, I haven't seen any M1's at chain stores 'cept for the one that I snagged at our version of Big 5.
I was down on the job front, so I opted to do a layaway... just to lock it in place while I looked for funds... 30 days to find the $$.....

[Harlan (Deceased)]

That's exactly how I bought my first one Midmichigun!

Somebody didn't come back to get their Rockola at the local gun/pawn shop and the shop owner brought it out from the back room and gave me first shot at it.

I had 60 days to pay it off, and it was funny how I somehow came up with the money in about two weeks. I think I stopped by the shop about every other day just to look at it!

[22mike]

Man up !!! Sell a kidney and buy the Carbine..............

[JimF4M1s (Deceased)]

I was born with only a right kidney, might be bad advice for some.

[USGI]

On December 30th, Big 5 had a "one day only" coupon good for 15% off the regular price or 10% off the sale price. The coupon was good for firearms and ammunition which they usually exclude. I knew I couldn't make it to the store that day, so got over there today to see what I had missed out on. I could have had a pretty nice IBM for 10% off of the $699 sale price . While I was looking at the M1, the clerk told me they would honor the coupon today and asked if I had it with me? - well no, because I thought it was a "one day only sale." - Bob

[JimF4M1s (Deceased)]

If he asked, that meant they wanted to sell. The clerk could have brought over a manager. I'm sure they have extra coupons in newspapers and flyers lying around that they could have given you one if you asked.
Never hurts to ask, the worst they can say is no.

[USGI]

I ended up printing the coupon (available only in an email) and went back to the store last Thursday. The manager was there, accepted the coupon, and I went home with the IBM! I've got it apart right now and trying to sort out what everything is so I can do a data sheet. The stock is pretty rough, (S-HB) Type 3 with an acceptance mark that probably I'm the only one that can see. The metal seems to be in pretty good shape and the muzzle and headspace are OK. I see a pretty good mix of parts, including Quality Hardware, Standard Products, Rock-ola, Inland, Underwood, Winchester, IBM, NPM, and a couple of Post War replacements such as RIA. I hope to have it ready to shoot by early next week. The S/N is 3,812,xxx and the IBM barrel is undated. I'm guessing it might have been made in December '43, but possibly very early in '44. The "bullnose" handguard is unmarked, but must be early Winchester, right? Thanks, Bob