M1 Carbine Fans?

[smoothshooter]

It's been a looong time since I saw a even mostly GI carbine for south of a grand in AZ and for the last year or so I don't think I've seen one for under $1500. The reproductions and copies (National Ord., etc.) are getting $850.

A decent carbine is gonna’ cost $900+.
But considering a Marlin or Ruger/Marlin lever action .30-30 now run $750 to $1,100 due to 25% inflation and scarcity, $900+ for a carbine is not out of line.

 

[AJ]

View attachment 662219
Thought I’d put these on here. Back in late 60’s-70’s 30 Carbine ammo was pretty cheap, had cases of it. Lot got shot some traded and sold but always nice to have.

Still a case somewhere in this mess. It will stay where it is as I reload for it and will continue to shoot that.

 

[DWalt]

I don't remember anytime in he last 20 years that GI ammo was plentiful. It was usually just a 50 round box or two at gun shows occasionally. Somewhat earlier, I passed on an opportunity to buy a partial case of Kings Mills manufacture. Price was high, but you virtually NEVER see any GI .30 Carbine made at Kings Mills. I should have bought all of it. Also passed on an opportunity to buy several dozen boxes of commercial .30 Carbine ammo (I don't remember the brand) 5-6 years ago from a local sporting goods store that was closing. But they wouldn't make a good enough price to entice me to buy.

 

[AJ]

I don't remember anytime in he last 20 years that GI ammo was plentiful. It was usually just a 50 round box or two at gun shows occasionally. Somewhat earlier, I passed on an opportunity to buy a partial case of Kings Mills manufacture. Price was high, but you virtually NEVER see any GI .30 Carbine made at Kings Mills. I should have bought all of it. Also passed on an opportunity to buy several dozen boxes of commercial .30 Carbine ammo (I don't remember the brand) 5-6 years ago from a local sporting goods store that was closing. But they wouldn't make a good enough price to entice me to buy.

Was buying it by the case from CMP in 2010. Will look for an invoice if you want. It is out there, just not cheap like it was at one time.

 

[.357magger]

I own a Quality Hardware with an Inland barrel, #155XXX, all early features. No reason to think it went through a rebuild. Thing is, it is entirely blued. The bluing matches the bolt and various blued 15 rd mags. Were the early ones blued ?

Perhaps it was rebuilt, but just not by the US.

MANY Carbines post WW2 were given to reforming German agencies, particularly "Forrest Police" which functioned as rural Police Officers. Several of those agencies refinished their Carbines with rust bluing. They didn't have access to any of the "upgraded" parts such as the bayonet lug or adjustable rear sight, so they rebuilt the rifles individually as opposed to putting all the parts in a pile and mix mastering them.

I'm going from memory here, but I'd suggest you pick up Craig Reisch' book on Amazon (it's around $20). Those Carbines seconded out after WW2 are described in depth.

Hope this helps you out.

 

[DWalt]

QH used other manufacturer barrels and assembled carbines. I think the only other component QH made besides receiver assemblies was 15 round magazines. I am not sure, but I believe each of the Carbine makers also made magazines. I do know there were many magazine makers. I remember when 15 round magazines sold for a buck each. And they were everywhere.

 

[john17427]

My QH has a Winchester barrel, but it's obviously a rebuild as the receiver and barrel don't show similar surface wear. It's also in a FAT stock.

 

[AJ]

My QH has a Winchester barrel, but it's obviously a rebuild as the receiver and barrel don't show similar surface wear. It's also in a FAT stock.

FAT stocks were Italian.