M1 carbine, Korean markings on stock.

[covingtonhouse]

I have a question regarding value on M1 carbines, specifically Korean marked rifles. This particular rifle is a Winchester receiver, unknown serial number at this point, (it's not in my possession) and unknown condition. My feeling is it was probably purchased in the late 80's, and the owner was not a serious collector. I can't find any current listings on any of the auction sites, and my best guess not having seen it yet is between 500-1200$ depending on condition and other verifiable info. Anyone want to chime in with maybe a ballpark range and maybe some things to look for besides stock wood type , bore condition, and if it has import marks? As soon as I can view the piece, I will have more info and pics.

[covingtonhouse]

More info.... the owners only other family member is prohibited, but the owner wanted to sell it for $100. He's very elderly and justs wants them gone. I can't do a friends dad like that, and i'd like to at least make sure he gets an honest price for it.

[SVT-40]

Many Korean carbines were imported by Blue Sky ordinance. Blue Sky had particularly large and ugly import markings on their barrels. They also re=parkerized many of their rifles with a non GI type park, resulting in a very light grey finish.

If it's a BS import you can deduct $100 plus.

Some Korean imports also had replacement stocks, which would also diminish value...

Either way since the owner wants to get rid of it. give them $400 and everyone will be happy.

[Orlando]

$400 is robbery,$700 is fair for both people for a decent carbine import marked carbine

[kcheung2]

$400 is robbery,$700 is fair for both people for a decent carbine import marked carbine

I agree, $600-$700 would be fair, and even if the condition/desirability turns out to be on the lower end, you'd get a decent deal. Does it have the ugly white Korean writing on the stock?

[covingtonhouse]

I agree, $600-$700 would be fair, and even if the condition/desirability turns out to be on the lower end, you'd get a decent deal. Does it have the ugly white Korean writing on the stock?

Yes it does have the writing on the stock I;m told. Hopefully I'll have some pics by tomorrow end of day. I've been told there is a '94 Win in .30-30 also with saddle ring. Going to have to get educated on those too. That one is supposed to be in pretty good shape. We'll see.

[bigbossman]

Yes it does have the writing on the stock I;m told. Hopefully I'll have some pics by tomorrow end of day. I've been told there is a '94 Win in .30-30 also with saddle ring. Going to have to get educated on those too. That one is supposed to be in pretty good shape. We'll see.

Without seeing it, I'd guess a Korean import would be between $600 - $800 depending on whether it is a Blue Sky or not, and also on condition. A Winchester receiver is more desirable to collectors, but the gun in question will have an import mark of some sort, and is guaranteed to be a mix-master. It may even have an M2 "potbelly" stock on it.... I've seen those on the Korean guns and they are less desirable.

As far as the 1894 30-30 is concerned...... if it has a saddle ring, it is a carbine. Again without pictures of the gun, any plain-jane pre-64 1894 in decent trim is worth at least $400 - $600, and the prices climb pretty high depending on configuration and special features. If it has been refinished or reblued, that hurts the value tremendously. receiver screw buggered up? Same deal.

Basically, what you're looking for in that gun is pre-64 manufacture, original finish, tight fit between wood and metal (no gaps, chips, or missing bits), good screw head slots, and a decent bore. If the metal is proud of the wood on the tangs and/or receiver, someone has sanded it down and refinished it.

Like I said - if it hasn't been dicked with and is a pre-64 it is worth $400 - $600 minimum. If it were any other caliber except 30-30 (or 32WS) it could be worth considerably more.

[Tom-ADC]

I have a Blue Sky marked Winchester M1 carbine it must be a early import the markings are not deep if has what was left of original finish. Hasn’t been shot for years but it never missed a beat.

[xxINKxx]

Also be careful if you do have a "blue sky/arlington Va" import. They have been known to heavily stamp the import name on the left side causing the barrel to be out of round.

[kcheung2]

The mixmaster aspect of M1 carbines isn't really a dealbreaker. Many started out life with mixed parts straight from the factory because the parts were heavily subcontracted, and they went through a number of arsenal refurbs which further scrambled their parts genealogy.

As for the Korean writing, opinion seems split on whether to keep it or wipe it. It's part of the gun's history, and it was painted on while in service. But it's U*G*L*Y. On my IBM, it not only had the writing but it also had this gloss coat on the stock so I stripped it down & recoated it (I think with BLO but I don't remember) It looks much better now.

[sigstroker]

Blue Sky guns can be all over the place. I had a Winchester (that was stolen) that you had to look closely to see the import mark. The rest of the gun was fantastic. You could set that gun on a gun show table for $1000 and it wouldn't last till lunch.

I've also seen a Blue Sky that looked like it was dragged behind a Jeep. Swollen stock so the buttplate didn't fit straight. Barn paint all over the stock.