New to the site. I have always wanted an M1 Carbine. I have found one in great condition. The only thing is I don't know what it might be worth. I do know they were mass produced by the thousands. It was manufactured by Plainfield Machining Serial number N366. Does anybody have a clue as to what this rifle might be worth?
M1 Carbine prices
- Thread starter rwM12001
- Start date
A Plainfield is a commercially made carbine, and I'm no expert on those, but I know enough that not all the parts will match a USGI carbine should you need to replace anything...but the Plainfield (early models anyway) is pretty close from my understanding. Many of the early runs of post-war commercial production models used USGI parts, but didn't as time went on, Universals for example.
I did find this page if it helps.
Offhand I'd put these in the $300 ballpark, but someone with a much better knowledge than mine will chime in at some point. I think I'm probably close to it's worth with that figure, but I can't comment on it's quality because I don't know enough about them and haven't shot one. My estimate is based on what I've seen at gunshows in my area.
Problem with M1 carbines today is the prices on them have gotten pretty high and you can end up shelling out $600-$700 dollars for a USGI M1 but it's likely to be a well used rifle, or you could buy an inexpensive commercial model that's not going to function well. I have a Rock-Ola from '44 that was purchased for $25 45 years ago, it would now sell well north of $1000 because it's in excellent condition. Auto-Ordinance does make a current model to USGI specs that compares pretty well to the originals. I have one and while, it's not as good as my 'real one'...it's better than any other commercially made model I've seen. But be warned, it needed to be sent back for headspace work after I bought it. After that its run perfectly.
It is possible to find a USGI M1 still in good shape for less than an AO, but it does require some looking and will be more expensive than a Plainfield or Universal. CMP, the Civilian Marksmanship Program, used to have them at a reasonable price...but I'm pretty sure they're out of stock and not likely to get anymore.
I did find this page if it helps.
Offhand I'd put these in the $300 ballpark, but someone with a much better knowledge than mine will chime in at some point. I think I'm probably close to it's worth with that figure, but I can't comment on it's quality because I don't know enough about them and haven't shot one. My estimate is based on what I've seen at gunshows in my area.
Problem with M1 carbines today is the prices on them have gotten pretty high and you can end up shelling out $600-$700 dollars for a USGI M1 but it's likely to be a well used rifle, or you could buy an inexpensive commercial model that's not going to function well. I have a Rock-Ola from '44 that was purchased for $25 45 years ago, it would now sell well north of $1000 because it's in excellent condition. Auto-Ordinance does make a current model to USGI specs that compares pretty well to the originals. I have one and while, it's not as good as my 'real one'...it's better than any other commercially made model I've seen. But be warned, it needed to be sent back for headspace work after I bought it. After that its run perfectly.
It is possible to find a USGI M1 still in good shape for less than an AO, but it does require some looking and will be more expensive than a Plainfield or Universal. CMP, the Civilian Marksmanship Program, used to have them at a reasonable price...but I'm pretty sure they're out of stock and not likely to get anymore.
There were over 6 million M-1 carbines produced by various manufacturers for Uncle Sam , and in case you didn't know it , your Plainfield wasn't one of them. Your's is a commercial copy. Some commercial guns were close copies and accepted certain USGI parts , some didn't.
Several million got sent abroad to then friendly countries as military aid. Some were released thru the DCM/CMP. Some were re-imported by commercial firearms importers before the Gun Control Act of 1968. Several hundred thousand got reimported from South Korea before the Omnibus crime bill and Assault Weapon Ban. Since they take a 'high-capacity detachable magazine' , commercial reimports have been banned.
Several million got sent abroad to then friendly countries as military aid. Some were released thru the DCM/CMP. Some were re-imported by commercial firearms importers before the Gun Control Act of 1968. Several hundred thousand got reimported from South Korea before the Omnibus crime bill and Assault Weapon Ban. Since they take a 'high-capacity detachable magazine' , commercial reimports have been banned.
I have a Plainfield deluxe sporter carbine and it is a very reliable rifle. If you search the net you will find that of the commercial carbines Plainfields were considered among the best. Also my carbine is made almost entirely of USGI parts (with the exception of the receiver, barrel band, front sight and stock). I have not found a USGI part that won't fit the rifle. In the northeast these usually go for between $350 and $450 if they are in really good shape and $100 to $150 less if well used. Photo attached.
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Respectfully, if the goal is to get an M1 carbine type rifle at a good affordable price, than the Plainfield may fit the bill
However, I would argue that the carbine "you always wanted" would could not be anything but a USGI M1 carbine.
rwM12001:
I suggest saving a little more money and getting a USGI model. No problem with anyone owning or liking a commercial example, but in my opinion the USGI model is the better purchase taken all around
One nice thing about the USGI M1 carbine is that the ammunition never had corrosive primers. For example, my 1943 Inland M1 Carbine still has the original barrel (bright, with crisp rifling, too), and is quite accurate out to 100 yards. Old does not necessarily mean 'worn out' with these carbines.
Also, as an FYI, the bayonet lug barrel band adds a little potential for extra accuracy
However, I would argue that the carbine "you always wanted" would could not be anything but a USGI M1 carbine.
rwM12001:
I suggest saving a little more money and getting a USGI model. No problem with anyone owning or liking a commercial example, but in my opinion the USGI model is the better purchase taken all around
One nice thing about the USGI M1 carbine is that the ammunition never had corrosive primers. For example, my 1943 Inland M1 Carbine still has the original barrel (bright, with crisp rifling, too), and is quite accurate out to 100 yards. Old does not necessarily mean 'worn out' with these carbines.
Also, as an FYI, the bayonet lug barrel band adds a little potential for extra accuracy
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