Tips/resources for buying an M1 Carbine appropriate to the Vietnam War?

[immurement]

Hello fellas!

 

Longtime gun owner but have little experience with buying WWII-era weapons as most of my collection centers around more contemporary items. As I've collected SF related Vietnam-era militaria for a good bit I thought I should pick up a M1 Carbine. Because M1s are collectible and were widely produced for many years I feel pretty intimidated shopping for one and don't really have the time I think it would take to do the proper due diligence and get up to speed on the intricacies of buying one. Perhaps someone could point out a resource — a book or thread on the matter that would reduce the learning curve. 

 

What I'm looking for specifically is a very late war (late WWII) or post war wood stock Carbine in extremely clean condition that would be authentic to the Vietnam War period. Happy to pay a premium for a very nice example. Thanks in advance for any tips or advice. 

[M1Garandy]

US Military M1 Carbines were not made before/after WWII. Plenty of Commercial carbines, some of which were built using surplus parts made after the end of WWII though. 

 

What you are likely after is a wartime carbine with all the post war rebuild updates like a potbelly stock, adjustable rear sight, TIII barrel band with bayonet lug, round bolt, flip safety, late magazine catch and a nylon sling. 

 

Now if you are OK with a Commercially produced Carbine, that is a whole different deal.

 

I happen to like this website for info/ID: http://uscarbinecal30.com/

 

[doyler]

Inland with 44 dated barrel. M2 stock. Early Blue Sky import. Seeing these ven getting expensive on the auction sites. 

 

 

 

 

[immurement]

 

4 minutes ago, M1Garandy said:

 

What you are likely after is a wartime carbine with all the post war rebuild updates like a potbelly stock, adjustable rear sight, TIII barrel band with bayonet lug, round bolt, and a nylon sling. 

 

 

Yes, exactly! M1Garandy thank you for replying and at least now I know what to start looking for. I'll visit the link you sent and just out of curiosity what do I have to figure dollar wise for a really nice "wartime carbine with all the post war rebuild updates..."? 

 

The M1 slings I've seen used in early Vietnam War SF photos always looked canvas to me but what do I know as this is a new hair I've got up my rump. Never paid attention or cared much for the M1 as I grew up around tons of them in Israel. 

[doyler]

Well known National Geographics photo.

 

[USARV72]

Buy the book “ War Baby” and you will know about 30 Cal. Carbine.

[doyler]

1 hour ago, doyler said:

Well known National Geographics photo.

 

 

 

Will add the carbine in the picture is an M2. You can see the lever on the left side of receiver.. Many didn't use the 30rd magazines with the M2. 

 

I have a copy of the  NG magazine and the photo is a bit better in the magazine article.

[immurement]

 

On 4/16/2022 at 2:36 PM, doyler said:

Well known National Geographics photo.

 

 

Yes, I know the photo well and that's the vibe. It's looking at pics like that again and recently adding another CISO beogam piece to my collection that ignited this new desire. 🤓 

 

On 4/16/2022 at 2:33 PM, doyler said:

Inland with 44 dated barrel. M2 stock. Early Blue Sky import. Seeing these ven getting expensive on the auction sites. 

 

 

Thank you for sharing your gorgeous rifle. I'll need to develop some competency in order to understand the significance of the variety you have and how to translate your description into a price range. 

 

On 4/16/2022 at 3:08 PM, USARV72 said:

Buy the book “ War Baby” and you will know about 30 Cal. Carbine.

 

This book seems to be out of print and is going for $180+ on Abe Books. I'll start hunting around and thanks for the recommendation. Secretly, I was hoping to find some resource to avoid having to avoid having to develop some serious expertise in the platform as I'd only like one example rather than several. Developing competency in purchasing/maintaining a variety of platforms (UZIs, AKs, ARs, etc) takes time so I was hoping there was a "boutique" site similar to 

 

https://pre64win.com/ 

 

but for M1s and other WWII era weapons. Basically a very trustworthy seller who will charge you a premium but you can trust has done all the due diligence on the rifle and will stand behind their sale. The kind of site where the copywriting/ product description is an education in and of itself. If anyone is aware of a seller like the one I'm describing please share. 

[digi-shots]

What about a CMP M1 Carbine ?  I’m not sure what’s available right now but a few people (myself included) have purchased some of these in the past.  I think most of them were in pretty good shape with post war changes, (sights, bayonet lug etc).  They probably wouldn’t be all matching but I don’t think the Vietnam era carbines were either.   I know you don’t want a “beater” but anything too pristine looking might be out of place in a Vietnam display with other “salty” items.

 

I did notice from the photo above that there is no bayonet lug on the barrel.  Photo looks fairly early with color insignia and name tape.

 

 

[Pickax]

On 4/18/2022 at 12:21 PM, digi-shots said:

What about a CMP M1 Carbine ?  I’m not sure what’s available right now but a few people (myself included) have purchased some of these in the past.  I think most of them were in pretty good shape with post war changes, (sights, bayonet lug etc).  They probably wouldn’t be all matching but I don’t think the Vietnam era carbines were either.   I know you don’t want a “beater” but anything too pristine looking might be out of place in a Vietnam display with other “salty” items.

 

I did notice from the photo above that there is no bayonet lug on the barrel.  Photo looks fairly early with color insignia and name tape.

 

 

Unfortunately, CMP has no rifles for direct purchase for awhile now, and any that trickle in will likely go to the stores or auction. 

I still see folks posting there with mixmasters for sale, and carbines deals found in the wild. Expect 1K as a likely bottom price point though.

Inland mixmaster rebuilds are fine for a VN era as noted above, but I would want a servicable shooter though. Wish I had more from the "Golden Era" that digi-shots mentioned.

Good luck and persevere!

[Pickax]

OP

I just found the online version to a PDF I've had for a while now. Written by Bruce Canfield. All, and probably more about the M1 Carbine.

https://www.rjmilitaria.com/m1-carbine-collectors-guide/

[digi-shots]

CMP was set up at a local gun show about 10 years and had 100+ carbines for sale and you could pretty much pick what you wanted.  I got a bit lucky with this one.. receiver and barrel match.  It has new  rear sight and safety but could be changed out.

 

[immurement]

 

On 4/18/2022 at 12:21 PM, digi-shots said:

They probably wouldn’t be all matching but I don’t think the Vietnam era carbines were either.   I know you don’t want a “beater” but anything too pristine looking might be out of place in a Vietnam display with other “salty” items.

 

16 hours ago, Pickax said:

Wish I had more from the "Golden Era" that digi-shots mentioned.

Good luck and persevere!

 

digi-shiots and Pickax thanks for your kind replies and I wish I could take a time machine back to the golden days of CMP. I'd like the absolute nicest example money can buy and I know a lot of the price can be dependent on the original manufacturer. I'd like the best in terms of condition and it having all the relevant features of an M1 issued to either SF, CIDG or unconventional forces in Laos. Looking on GB I've gotten freaked out when I start seeing M1s at $3k and above. That said, I'm not looking for a steal or deal and just want the best example that I can be proud to perhaps someday pass on and enjoy shooting on July 4th and such.  

[immurement]

On 4/19/2022 at 8:21 PM, digi-shots said:

It has new  rear sight and safety but could be changed out.

 

It would seem the features you'd consider changing to make yours perhaps more period authentic to WWII are exactly the features I'd want for a Vietnam-era carbine, no? Rock-Ola was a very cool mfr. Thank you for sharing that Collector's Field Guide to the M1 and guessing it's pretty thorough if they're on vol III. I just got a YouTube premium subscription and am already making an M1 playlist. 😆

[M1Garandy]

15 hours ago, immurement said:

 Thank you for sharing that Collector's Field Guide to the M1 and guessing it's pretty thorough if they're on vol III. 

You may want to do your homework on J.C. Harrisons books. He/they have a reputation. 

 

War Baby! V1, 2 and 3 are about the best Carbine books I am aware of, but they are expensive. 

[doyler]

15 hours ago, immurement said:

 

It would seem the features you'd consider changing to make yours perhaps more period authentic to WWII are exactly the features I'd want for a Vietnam-era carbine, no? Rock-Ola was a very cool mfr. Thank you for sharing that Collector's Field Guide to the M1 and guessing it's pretty thorough if they're on vol III. I just got a YouTube premium subscription and am already making an M1 playlist. 😆

 

 

Agree..many of the "restored" carbines ( and Garands) may have an appeal or please the person who owns it but any carbines  I have ever owned I have left as found. Those that went to Vietnam more than likely had seen a rebuild or upgrade to the rear site, bayonet lug and or converted to M2. Friend of mine was a body guard to a General in Panama back in the early 80s. He said he carried a "carbine" in a folding stock but it was a full auto as well. ( M2 in a folding stock) He carried 16 30 round mags as well when they traveled. Also carried a 45 or Browning HP as a side arm. I showed him a book with pictures of the WW2 paratrooper carbines and he said it was identical and he like it as t was shorter to carry in vehicle's etc. When asking where he got it he said they could pick out stuff from the armory.

 

I do have  two that look to be original from WW2. One still retains the "I" cut high wood stock, flip site etc. The other I purchased from a man who got it from his neighbor in the 1950s when the man was moving. He paid $15 for it in 1954. He said his neighbor was an "army guy" THe carbine is dated late 1944. Had the adjustable rear site and no bayonet lug. Correct stock,WW2 sling etc. The seller said it has set in a closet for decades and was time to sell as he was in his 80s now. Both of these are Inland rifles and outwardly are correct but I have never tore them completely down as it really isnt an issue or concern for me. Both have WW2 slings on them as found. I have an Inland I bought when I was 15 years old with July 43 dated barrel. It has the upgrades. To me this is how it should be as it seen service or use post WW2 and reflects its service life. Im sure its an older NRA or DCM rifle and being the first carbine I ever bought.... its a keeper. Never have wanted to change a thing about it.

 

Here is an old topic back from the time I picked up the late Inland and also a few pictures of the one with early stock and site etc. 

 

https://www.usmilitariaforum.com/forums/index.php?/topic/185970-latest-m1-carbine/&/topic/185970-latest-m1-carbine/?hl=inland

 

[Ryan Reese]

It seems like I was bit by this same M1 Carbine bug just a few month ago. Don’t worry, the symptoms will go away completely once you get one in hand. Next thing you know, you’re holding it while you’re watching war movies. 😂

 

I was specifically looking for a decent WW2 piece to display next to my Garand. I called my local Garand guy and he pointed me to Guns.com. They had a solid selection at the time and I went with a cool one with a Quality Hardware receiver and Rock’Ola barrel. I think I paid $1340. Dated 1943, It seems all WW2 except for the bayonet lug. 
 

Alternative sites would be Classic Firearms or Simpson Ltd. 

 

Be ready to pay $3000+ if you really want “extremely clean condition” as mentioned in the OP. Personally, a used gun is a used gun. Especially if it’s milsurp. An extra shiny, unissued rifle doesn’t look to good in my display but that’s just my opinion. 
 

 

[Pickax]

I really like your rifle crate display!

[WarRelics]

When I was a teenager you could buy these from dealers for who advertised in Shotgun News for $100 bucks all day long! I’ve kicked myself several times as I’ve gotten older for not buying at least one. They are fun to shoot and the M 2’s in select fire are really manageable on full auto.