New guy has a paratrooper question

[INLAND44]

Yes, the stock is genuine as far as I can tell. The carbine it held was involved in a rebuild and the high wood was cut down as per the orders to make it a low-wood. Then it received a rebuild mark. Consequently, you would find an updated carbine in that stock after the rebuild. This means an Inland carbine in original configuration would not normally be found in a stock with a rebuild mark, so any M1 Carbine could have been found in that stock after the rebuild. The absolute best carbine you could put in the stock would be an Inland from either serial number bloc for M1A1 production but in rebuilt configuration. A Saginaw would be great too. The import mark is fine - it simply reduces the value because it could not exist on a carbine that did not leave U.S. custody until it was sold by the DCM. It means that carbine was given to some other country. Later, that country surplussed it out and an importer bought it and brought it 'home' to the USA to sell.

[45aseep]

Seems like the consensus here and on another forum, is that it is the real deal, albeit a rebuild. So very happy about that. Guess I can spend some time looking for the correct serial number Inland to go in it. May take years. But I'm not interested in selling it and it will be fun seeking the "Holy Grail". I appreciate your opinion, the information and the time you have spent helping me.

---------- Post added at 10:16 PM ---------- Previous post was at 10:11 PM ----------

Cut down is just a highwood, cut to low wood. Maybe it cracked, splintered off a bit, or was just an upgrade.

The link I posted show pictures of what high and low wood looks like. Did you go there and look?

Was able to spend about an hour, today, on the link that you recommended. Well worth the read. I learned a lot and will be returning. Whoever put it together did a top notch job. Thanks for the direction.

[JimF4M1s (Deceased)]

That site was built and is maintained by Jim Mock.

[INLAND44]

As long as you understand, and I'm not sure you do, that if you can find a carbine with an Inland receiver numbered to one of the two blocs of M1A1 production and any combination of USGI parts, that would be as correct as you would expect with the rebuild mark on the stock.

[45aseep]

I think I got it. The best I can hope to achieve is a historically accurate, but not a historically authentic carbine. I can track down a correct "serial number range Inland receiver" and use only USGI parts for everything else. Hopefully Inland if I can find them. It will probably be very, very difficult to find all of this without spending a fortune. But fun if I can pull it off. This could take years. As proven by the rebuild mark, it will not be worth as much because it is a rebuilt carbine. Rebuilt not only by the government once, but by me again. With accurate government issue parts, but not original to this particular gun. So the value is less. Historically accurate is all I want. Good thing for me, cause historically authentic is not possible. For me this is like rebuilding my Dad's old car. The fun is the work. Not interested in selling it, but if I were in the future, it would be wrong to attempt to sell it as historically authentic. I would not even present it as an arsenal rebuild, but as one I put together with historically accurate parts.
I really appreciate the sharing of knowledge and expertise on this site. You guys are great. I have several milsurp guns I have collected and inherited over the years. I'm really interested in learning more about them, also. But I'm sure the M1 carbine will always be the Top Shot for me.

[shadycon]

Good luck finding a 'Reciever'! A lot easier and cheaper just to buy a complete gun! GK

[INLAND44]

Like he said, don't try to start with a receiver. Find an Inland with any combination of parts and drop it in.

[45aseep]

Like he said, don't try to start with a receiver. Find an Inland with any combination of parts and drop it in.

Probably best achieved by buying online through sites such as gunbroker.com????
I have never bought a gun online, any advice?

[INLAND44]

First find a FFL who will receive the firearm and do the paperwork to transfer it to you. Any carbine you find on Gunbroker ask us about it. You should go to gun shows too. Don't be in a hurry.

[deldriver]

First find a FFL who will receive the firearm and do the paperwork to transfer it to you. Any carbine you find on Gunbroker ask us about it. You should go to gun shows too. Don't be in a hurry.

The last sentence is this quote will save you potentially lots of money. Do your research and ask plenty of questions along the way. These are fun little guns to shoot and collect. The more you know the better off you'll be.

BTW, FFL businesses charge varying amounts for transfers. Some places are excessive too, so find the cheapest one.

Good Luck!