Description:
Since the late presidential election, of course, military type firearms like the fine Ruger Stainless Mini 14 Target Modes we have listed elsewhere have been the focus of intense consumer interest. Whatever the merits of the present interest level, we have been over this territory before, in 1968-69; in 1981-82; in 1989; and in 1. What went up then, like this MP-15, came back down. Good authentic US World War II military firearms like our half dozen or so World War II .30 M-1 carbines, however, have steadily appreciated since the 1960s. In 1968, we were selling them for $50 apiece; by 1981 they were bringing $200; by 1989, the price was about $250; they in the early 1990s they fudged up over $300 apiece. Rifles like the AR 15types have inflated over 50 percent since last summer, and the bubble will doubtless burs as it did in 1971, 1990 and 1994 when the AR type rifles deflated by 40 to 50 percent in value. We have sold a couple .30 Carbines in the recent past, not import stamped, for over $1,000. So instead of sinking good money in inflated rifles like ARs and AKs, excellent rifle that they are, a person would be better off to buy a .30 Carbine. The M-1 Carbines are light, portable, handy, and ammo for them is commonly available and nowhere near as inflated as .223 rounds are presently. The best thing for people to do nowadays, instead of throwing hundreds of dollars into high-dollar rifles, is to keep your NRA Dues paid, upgrade your Membership, and contribute to NRA/ILA. We urge every capable gun owner and fellow dealer to match our proprietor’s recent $1,000 non-deductible personal contribution to ILA. And instead of roller coaster values like the presently popular upstart military rifles, these are solid performers as collectibles as well as shooters.
Since we only have a copy of Canfield’s Book from the 1980s, dating is not at all precise on most Carbine specimens we run across. This one is a Postal Meter manufacture from 1943 and correctly numbered, serial number 19763xx with a correct, corresponding cartouche of the same number on the buttstock.
Barrel is Underwood manufactured and dated September 1943. This is a correct military issue configuration according to Canfield, since Postal Meter used various barrel suppliers during the Second World War. While the barrel markings and Ordnance bomb are weakened from the late 1940s / early 1950s arsenal rework, the receiver, bolt assembly and trigger group have strong original finish, approaching Excellent status. Forend band is labeled MM on its left side. The rear sight appears to be military production and possibly original, as does the rotary safety. Magazine release is labeled M.
We had to refinish these with Tru-Oil because the stocks had extensive pecking and scouring, but no cracks. The glossy Tru-Oil finish will easily dress down to a plain oil finish with about an hour’s worth of elbow grease and steel wool. Perhaps the most objectionable but least avoidable detraction is the Century Arms, Georgia, VT stamping underneath the barrel, inconspicuous though it is. Those points aside – neither of which are unusual for a DCM marketed rifle – this Carbine has much to commend it. The serial number cartouche on the buttstock is a plus, on our view.
Lower receiver and trigger group housing hold as good finish as external parts, and we detect no pitting underneath, as the photos show. Even though the barrel has a weak greenish finish, it holds to a true military coloration. The bore, chamber, and mechanism are all excellent. This is a very respectable, all-military .30 M-1 World War II Carbine. We’re offering it for only $ 679.95.
Condition:
Used, Minor Wear
Caliber:
.30 Carbine
Item #:
997313249
Stock No.:
LG0900
Location:
TN
Trades Accepted: We will entertain trade offers on premium items like N-frame Magnum S&Ws, Small gauge shotguns, and lever action rifles, also gold & silver bullion & US silver or gold Coins.
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