M1 Carbine - Did I get a good deal?

Question

A co-worker is retiring and moving back home to Guatemala. Guatemala is one of those silly countries which doesn't allow its citizens to own guns in military calibers, Thus, he has to 'unload' several of the 'toys' he's acquired during his stay here. He'd already sold his SKS to another co-worker for $75.00, but when I talked to him he offered me an M1 Carbine for $150.00 which I immediately snapped up. It is, according to the barrel markings, an Underwood produced in January of '43 and came with a sling and oiler, one 15 - and two 30 -round magazines. and a 50-round box of Lake City military surplus ammunition (which I immediately used up sighting in and target shooting). The metal is fairly worn, and the stock is in pretty rough shape, but I understand M1s are getting a little uncommon so I reiterate my question:

Did I get a good deal?

Answer 1

YES, As an Firearms Appraiser and Collector you got a great deal. Even used WWII era carbines available from the DCM (Department of Civilian Marksmanship) DCM's guns START at about $400 and go up according to over all condition, and manufacturer (collectability) As long as it functions well you will know if there are any problems.
NOTE*** There are a number of Parts Distributors that stock surplus M1 Carbine Stocks (Original) if you wish to replace your banged up beat up one. M1 Carbine parts are still available also. The only thing in short supply are original government issue 30 shot magazines. Most available today are after market and in some states that limit magazine capacity to 10 rounds, are illegal to possess or own for that matter. As a Gunshop Owner I wouldn't hesitate to offer you $100 dollars or more sight unseen (over and above what you paid for it knowing I could still profit on resale). They have high collectors value and most people lucky enough to get a good one usually keep them.

Answer 2

Plainsfield, conventional and Iver Johnson all made commercial variations of the M1 Carbine and the favored multiple from lot to lot, none are somewhat collectable. i actually like M1 Carbines as they are relaxing plinking rifles yet i does no longer have an interest interior the lot you describe if it incredibly is going for a penny greater desirable than $750

Answer 3

Yeah it is a good deal. They were selling for $216 in 1994. They are two times that now. 50 rounds cost about $13. The sling and oiler are about $10. The magazines used to sell for $2 because nobody wanted them. Then they were $4 then $8 for the 15 rounders. The 30 round mags cost a lot more. But most of them are aftermarket and their reliability can be spotty.

I wouldn't replace the stock. Just use it for fun shooting and plinking.

Is the SKS a steal? I guess it depends on how you look at it. He probably paid $89 for it. So to him he isn't losing much. But to buy one now at today's prices it would be.

Answer 4

Yes, it sounds like you did get a good deal. 400 bucks is a very common price and many go much higher. A while back there were a number that had been in foreign countries, refinished and sent back for sale to US. One company in particular ( Blue Sky) had guns that were pretty worn out but the finish looked great.

If the gun is sound and not rusted, the rest is just cosmetics. Possibly it was a gun from the 1960s as during that period, these sold cheap. However, it sounds like you got a good deal. ( I never have the bucks available when these chances come along)

Answer 5

Yep, great deal.

I see prices climbing to the $800 range for complete and correct WWII versions in fair-good condition. Even post war commercial versions are $600+.

Boyds makes a very correct Military replacement stock in walnut. I have one of their stocks for my M1 Garand and everyone comments on it's beauty. Get the stock and handguard for just under $100 and make your Carbine a real prize.

Answer 6

Sounds like you got a good deal to me! Last time I shot an M-1 was in bootcamp before being shipped out to the Gulf of Tonkin Yacht Club. Over there I got to shoot everything from a 50 cal to a BAR. You did good, happy shooting!

Answer 7

Yes. Those go from about 450 to 600 in used shape where I'm from, depending on cond. I wish I had your deal I jealous!

I'd put it right on the wall (after shooting it)- the start of a WWII collection!

Answer 8

The SKS was a steal but I think you did real well too ,all values depend on condition check out some pawn shops and gun shows you should be able to find a replacement stock.

Answer 9

An american M1 from Auto-ordanance costs about 1K, so you kind of got a good deal. The reason i say that is because all weapons have a barrel life and yours may be close to the end, and replacing that barrel will cost more than a new gun itself.

Answer 10

If the barrel is in good shape with no rust or distortions, and it shoots reasonably accurate AND the action has no cracks, you got a very good deal. I would field strip it down, clean it with a good gun cleaner and oil it well. Look for rust under the barrel where it is hidden by the stock. If you find no rust, you got a great plinker...