M1 Carbine replacement barrels

[I.H.1989]

Muzzle erosion, or wear. The lower number, the better. 1 or 2 is good - 3 not so good, but still may shoot OK. - Bob

Thank you, Bob.

There are a few that are around 1-2. Would you happen to know what is considered a good price for them? Also, should I avoid those that have import marks on them? I've heard that sometimes they can deform the barrel. What about those with no date on them?

[browningautorifle]

Also, should I avoid those that have import marks on them? I've heard that sometimes they can deform the barrel.

That was Blue Sky barrels that were deformed I think, not all of them. I had a Blue Sky that was ok as well.

[I.H.1989]

That was Blue Sky barrels that were deformed I think, not all of them. I had a Blue Sky that was ok as well.

Thanks for that info. I'm asking the seller what the import mark is. Hopefully he gets back to me.

Most seem to be going for around $300. Is that normal price or are they upping the price on them?

[painter777]

I.H.

Here is a search of sold completed auctions on Ebay.
I searched M1 carbine barrel, but the search also includes other items.
You can scroll thru the results and put together a average price.

m1 carbine barrel | eBay

Here are mixed results from a completed auction search on GunBroker using M1 carbine barrel as the search type:

http://www.gunbroker.com/Rifle-Barre...frame=1&kwop=2

fwiw,
Charlie-painter777

[browningautorifle]

Most seem to be going for around $300.

Even here in Canada, that price would be about right I think. If it were nice...

[jimb16]

Watch out for Herlo barrels too. They are bad and were not accepted by the military. They can be identified by the following numbers on the barrel flat; 8448416HC (chromed barrel) or 5557154HC for nonchromed barrels. They have incorrect twist rates, short chambers or chrome lining that flakes and ruins accuracy.

[painter777]

You have to wonder, why would anyone take a perfectly good barrel off of a carbine?

Neal,
No Dis-respect meant, but you may have missed part of what the OP I.H.1989 said:

I was thinking of getting a replacement barrel for my Quality Hardware M1 Carbine for when the time comes.

JimB, Thanks for naming the Herlo barrels. I believe that's what Bruce was referring to, but didn't call the barrel by makers name:

The replacements that were made for Viet Nam turned out to be faulty and were not approved for use by the US military.

I have 5 or 6 Carbines that I'll pick from to take to the range regularly. One, if not my most often shot carbine is a S'G' with Buffalo Arms Blue Sky Stamped Import Barrel with a muzzle that will just touch the brass case on a M2 round when used as a 'Poor Mans Muzzle Gage'. When first measured I thought it had been counter bored..... Nope, But @ 100yrds with my reloads, bench rested it will consistently hit a paper plate.... so go figure.
This S'G' / Buffalo Arms has the best trigger pull I've noticed on any of my shooters.
It has a Unmarked CAST Hammer. I paid $450 for this one, which is a 90% mixer except I believe the barrel is original to the S'G' receiver. It's nice to have one your not worried about scratching or denting, one you can have your friends lite up! And it sure beats $300 plus for just a barrel, that you hope will head space !

FWIW
Charlie-Painter777

[CriterionBarrels]

If you're okay with a reproduction that matches the USGI contour with a much higher quality internal finish, I'd recommend picking up a Criterion barrel. The chrome lined model sold through Fulton Armory recently set a pair of national records at Camp Perry.

Criterion Barrels Shooters Announce Two Additional National Record Setting Performances

[I.H.1989]

Even here in Canada, that price would be about right I think. If it were nice...

Thanks. I've found a couple that have a MZ of 1 to 2. They are going for a little over $300 and are USGI from what the description give.

[painter777]

IH1989,
Are you currently serving?
Just curious as I wonder because of your location being listed as Norfolk.
We here @ Milsurps have a soft spot for our Vets.........
If so We Thank You, If I'm wrong... uuugghhh just forget this reply...

Hang in there you'll find a used USGI Barrel.

I'll try to get some pictures of my S'G' Blue Sky with a Buffalo Arms Barrel swallowing a M2 round to the brass case tomorrow.
I'll show the swallowed to brass casing and targets from this past Monday mornings session at my local Rifle Club. Targets were first set up at 25 yrds, to set rear sight and to figure out a point of aim. Will also show my targets from 50 yrds.

Stay tuned as I'll start a new topic. You (may) be surprised as to how decent a pattern you can get with good reloads. I'm no Champion shooter and maybe should have drank a little less coffee before I went, but was happy with the results with the ole beater.

Regards
Charlie-Painter777