Sad day for serious M1 carbine collectors.

[Faulkner]

Any serious M1 carbine collector will recognize the name of author Larry Ruth. He passed away on May 1st, 2022.

Larry Ruth wrote the book "War Baby" and it is the standard reference for all serious M1 Carbine collectors since 1992. Mr. Ruth is "Mr. M1 Carbine" - has devoted his entire life to researching this gun. This along with War Baby II and War Baby III by far the most comprehensive and detailed work on M1 Carbines.

My copy of War Baby that I bought in 1995 is pretty well worn.

 

[Liftrat]

Sad to hear, but thanks for the information. I've read War Baby several times, mostly when the CMP carbines came out - full if good info.

 

[desi2358]

That's sad to hear. I found his books both useful and entertaining. I learned a lot about the M1 Carbine from his books and enjoyed collecting them.

 

[AJ]

I have three books by Ruth. Sorry to hear that he passed. Collected carbines for a long time.

 

[Chuck24]

So sad, War Baby is the handbook for any collector

 

[TheHobbyist]

Sorry to hear a resource such as him has passed. Prayers to family and friends for comfort.

 

[LostintheOzone]

I just gave my copy of War Baby away to a military history buff and writer. He has more use for it than I do. I just have one M1 carbine and I'm more into shooting one than collecting many. I've read the entire thing and marvel at the research that went into that first edition, a life's work for sure.

Never met the gentleman but you have my admiration. RIP.

 

[scott53]

Very sad news. I talked to Larry and his wife last week and knew this was coming. He was a good man as well as a good friend. He will be missed.

 

[.357magger]

Rest In Peace

 

[Greyman50]

Condolences to his family. 30 Carbine collectors lost a Great resource. Have War Baby and am down to one Carbine.

 

[AJ]

Condolences to his family. 30 Carbine collectors lost a Great resource. Have War Baby and am down to one Carbine.

I too, am down to one carbine I keep his books though as references for friend that need some help Very good books!

 

[Greyman50]

Young collector picked up a real Presentation 30 Carbine at local show last year. He did not know anything except the obvious different receiver markings. Someone told him, “ go see the old guy with the WWII stuff for sale”. Amazing condition, 42 dated barrel, correct wood and other parts too. Next day I brought in “War Baby” for him to look through. He was thankful for the information he found. Told him to look for copy of
War Baby”. Learned copies are selling online for $180+. Mr Ruth will be missed .

 

[ladder13]

A great one gone, RIP.

 

[Faulkner]

Larry Ruth's book "War Baby" is a pretty exhaustive book for those who study the USGI .30 M1 carbine. I think I paid around 60 bucks for it back 25 or so years ago and I've seen them well over a hundred and fifty bucks these days. Certainly not an amount that those with just a passing interest in carbines is going to shell out.

Fortunately, Larry Ruth and Scott Duff paired up on a "Owner's Guide" for those who have a less intense interest in the firearm. I have a copy among my several carbine reference books and this one is a good starter book for someone thinking about buying their first USGI M1 carbine.

 

[PauldL]

I really hate to hear this. May he R.I.P.
There's never any way in the world I would ever let go of my 1943 M1. I inherited from my daddy. I'll pass it down to my daughter. Perfect little rifle for her imo.

 

[scott53]

Thank you for mentioning our M1 Carbine Owner's Guide. Larry was a joy to work with on that project. Based on reader response over the decades since its publication, it has been a big help to the average M1 carbine owner. His three volume War Baby! series will stand as the definitive work on the M1 carbine for many, many years to come. My wife and I have been friends with Larry and his wife Jacque for over 30 years. They are both extraordinaire people. Larry was truly one of the kindest, nicest people I have ever met. I was blessed to have talked to Larry and Jacque a few weeks ago and was aware that his days were numbered. I will miss him. - Scott Duff

 

[Faulkner]

Thank you for mentioning our M1 Carbine Owner's Guide. Larry was a joy to work with on that project. Based on reader response over the decades since its publication, it has been a big help to the average M1 carbine owner. His three volume War Baby! series will stand as the definitive work on the M1 carbine for many, many years to come. My wife and I have been friends with Larry and his wife Jacque for over 30 years. They are both extraordinaire people. Larry was truly one of the kindest, nicest people I have ever met. I was blessed to have talked to Larry and Jacque a few weeks ago and was aware that his days were numbered. I will miss him. - Scott Duff

Sorry for the loss of your long time friend Scott. I have followed both of your writings for a long time and his encyclopedia of knowledge will be missed.