M1 Carbine Dilemma

[Heatseeker]

My plan is to aquire a M1 Carbine in the next couple of weeks(Tax return $$$).

I have been planning to do a CMP purchase and have worked to cover the requirements. But looking at what is available(and the wait times), I'm a little skeptical. There have been a couple of decent carbines on this and other boards recently, although the asking prices are substantially higher than the CMP prices.

My dilemma: Go the CMP route and save a few bucks buying a rifle that has been used by some foreign agency and returned to the US or spend a few more ducats and get a nice rifle that has only used by our forces?

What do you guys think?

[vf111]

There's a good chance the Carbines you're seeing for sale are (or were) CMP guns. In actuality the Greek returns are excellent rifles - if you can handle the wait, you will not be disappointed.

[diametrik 7]

Which Carbine ?

I would suggest considering a Winchester M1 Carbine that appears to have been in the closet since WWII or shortly there after, no import marks at all.
The stock shows some battle usage, bore looks great. Very original.



More pictures available.
Only reason for sale is I have others, got to thin out the herd a bit.
Posted in market place for $1600. obo, willing to consider offers.
Will take ammo, cheap shotgun, sw442 or similiar, or ?? in partial trade also..

[Heatseeker]

I would suggest considering a Winchester M1 Carbine that appears to have been in the closet since WWII or shortly there after, no import marks at all.
The stock shows some battle usage, bore looks great. Very original.



More pictures available.
Only reason for sale is I have others, got to thin out the herd a bit.
Posted in market place for $1600. obo, willing to consider offers.
Will take ammo, cheap shotgun, sw442 or similiar, or ?? in partial trade also..

I saw that. Unfortunately, it's a little too rich for my blood. My tax return isn't that large!

VF111, the wait isn't that big of a deal to me. Thanks for the input.

[jdberger]

CMP

Purchases fund the program and the program is worth keeping around.

'Nuff said.

[Crusader]

I've seen 4 rifles from the CMP, all of which were in very nice shape. I wouldn't sweat getting a bad rifle from them, they categorize their rifles low so that it doesn't fall beneath expectation and so they won't have to deal with returns and such.

[JacobCR03]

After many assorted rifles & carbines, I have yet to be disappointed by the CMP, especially with the Rack Grades. The downside is that you don't get to see it beforehand, but they generally seem to under-grade them, as Crusader mentioned. The best part is that you know you'll get a functioning carbine, or they'll help you work it out, and it's the best deal around.

The carbines mostly come with the M2/potbelly stocks in Birch, but look good--just not the WWII GI profile. All that I've seen also have the later features: bayonet lug, adjustable rear sight (as opposed to the L-flip type), etc. No import marks, either.

If you can stand the wait, it's definitely worth it. (Sort of like ordering something from the back of a comic book as a kid, then anxiously waiting for its arrival.)

[Spiggy]

Carbine's a Carbine

unless it's not a carbine(universal) or has a dorkstamp(Blue Sky), it's almost guaranteed to work like a champ. Foreign or not

[Heatseeker]

So a service grade Inland for $495 would be a fairly safe buy?

I think I'll get the order form filled out and sent off.

[Timbob55]

BUY FROM CMP

I bought an Inland Italian return rack grade when they first went on sale.

It was in perfect condition and shoots great. Well worth the money and the wait.

My 2 cents

[Crusader]

So a service grade Inland for $495 would be a fairly safe buy?

I think I'll get the order form filled out and sent off.

I seriously doubt you'll regret the decision. The CMP is a good organization.

[Fate]

CMP is a great deal and a worthy program.

[Heatseeker]

I sent my order in today!!!

One Inland Service Grade for me!

Thanks for all the comments guys.

[RaceDay]

You made the right decision. CMP is a great organization. Their prices are the best and any profits they are making are going to support future shooting activities. Its a win-win.