I recently went to a gunshow with my grandfather, and found out he had a M1 brought back from the war. He thought the gun was only worth around $200. Nobody in my family is like me in terms of liking guns, they just see them as a means to hunt. He was talking to some guy who said he could get at least $400 for it. I have wanted a M1 for awhile now, just never mentioned it to my family. My question is, what would be a fair price for the gun? I have never seen it, but if it is like any of the other guns my family has, it is in excellent condition. I know they have not shot it since they got it. I will try and get more information ass the week progresses. But does anyone have a rough, very rough, idea of what it is worth?
M1 Value
- Thread starter wolf13
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cdrt
Member
Depends on a lot of factors, but one thing is that the CMP is selling their rack grade for around $500 and they are in pretty sad shape. My guess would be, if it's relatively good condition, you should give him at least $800.
We are talking about an M1 Garand, right?
We are talking about an M1 Garand, right?
tkendrick
Member
$400 Minimum, and very possibly a great deal more, depending on who made it and what condition it is in.
Check the CMP website. It will give you a rough idea, and keep in mind that CMP's prices generally run about half what a similar gun will bring on the open market.
Check the CMP website. It will give you a rough idea, and keep in mind that CMP's prices generally run about half what a similar gun will bring on the open market.
Correct, we are talking about a M1 Garand. I know it came from WWII, so isnt either a springfield or winchester manufactured? I was thinking at least $800 would be fair, but I didnt know how much it would bring on the open market, I just know what the ones from CMP go for. What additional info do you guys need to help price it? I will talk to him about it sometime this week I am sure. Where is the serial number?
I still can't believe he thought it was only worth $200. My family has a lot of guns from the years, but they just don't know much about them. He also has an older rifle that he thought was worth $100 at the most, and found out its between $400-600.
I still can't believe he thought it was only worth $200. My family has a lot of guns from the years, but they just don't know much about them. He also has an older rifle that he thought was worth $100 at the most, and found out its between $400-600.
cdrt
Member
The serial number is on the back top of the receiver just behind the rear sight.
Yep, SA and Winchester mfg during WW II. If you get the serial number, I have a book that lists dates of mfg.
A photo would help, so we can see it's condition. $800 is a fair price. That's the ballpark I saw them in at the last gun show I went to. It's probably been arsenal re-worked at some point so it will not have all original parts, but that's pretty common.
Yep, SA and Winchester mfg during WW II. If you get the serial number, I have a book that lists dates of mfg.
A photo would help, so we can see it's condition. $800 is a fair price. That's the ballpark I saw them in at the last gun show I went to. It's probably been arsenal re-worked at some point so it will not have all original parts, but that's pretty common.
Never No More
Member
$700 is the going price in my AO for a rack grade servicable M1.
You best get it from him and cherrish it forever
You best get it from him and cherrish it forever
Yeah, when I get it from him I don't plan on ever selling it. I already let one of his possesions slip by me, a CJ Jeep, and I refuse to let this one. Only reason I am wondering about the value is I want to pay a fair price for it. We have a decent sized family, and don't want everyone to think I am trying to screw him so I can make some money. I just want the gun. From the serial number, would I be able to tell if it has been re-worked? And what exactly does re-worked mean.
I also think I should go through all the other guns he has, never know what may be found in there. I appreciate the help, and as soon as I can I will post pictures and get the serial number. That may take a couple weeks, but when I have it, I'll post it up.
I also think I should go through all the other guns he has, never know what may be found in there. I appreciate the help, and as soon as I can I will post pictures and get the serial number. That may take a couple weeks, but when I have it, I'll post it up.
cdrt
Member
The serial number won't tell you if it's been re-worked, but it will have a stamp (cartouche) on the stock with the initials of the arsenal where the work would have been done. My Winchester M1 has a "P" in a circle on the stock which is another arsenal stamp.
Re-worked just means they would have replaced any worn parts or parts that were upgraded. And it may have been reparkerized.
Re-worked just means they would have replaced any worn parts or parts that were upgraded. And it may have been reparkerized.
If the rifle is a Winchester the value goes up. If the barrel is a Winchester barrels on a Winchester receiver the value goes up. If the barrel is dated appropriately for the receiver the value goes up a notch. If the parts (op rod, barrel, trigger group, stock) are all Winchester the value goes up. If it's set up for a scope like an M1C or D the value goes waaaaaaay up. If it's in the original park that helps also.
A lot of things will change the value. Condition is important. Markings lay the rest out.
A Winchester in good condition with all the major parts being Winchester will bring $1,000 locally. The CMP "collector grade" Winchesters bring big money. An SA in the same condition as the $1,000 Winny will bring $800.
Your grandfather probably won't accept the current value of the rifle and you'll get it and keep it in the family for much less than it would auction for, but it is very admirable of you to want to offer him what he could get for it on the open market. You're certainly a credit to him. Ask him if he'll show you how to handle it and strip it down and shoot it. Try to find a service rifle match and ask him to go with you to spot for you. Let him see his grandson do him and his rifle proud.
http://auction.odcmp.com/auctions/detail.asp?id=886
http://auction.odcmp.com/auctions/detail.asp?id=38
http://auction.odcmp.com/auctions/detail.asp?id=111
http://www.memorableplaces.com/m1garand/m1garandfaq.html
http://www.surplusrifle.com/garand/index.asp
FIELD GRADE: (Fair to Good)
Field Grade Rifles. Most of these rifles have been refinished or rebuilt at least once while in military service and will likely have some parts from other manufacturers. Fair to good condition. Rifle wear will be exhibited by worn and mixed colors of the finish; there may be some minor pitting on the metal parts; wood will be basically sound but may be well used with minor hairline cracks, and many dings, scratches and gouges; wood may not match in color, type of wood or condition. These rifles may have some foreign parts and wood may be Walnut, Birch, Beech or other variety. Rifles do not have import marks. Bores will be generally good with only minor imperfections; the barrel crown may be nicked, and the muzzle may gauge more than “3” on muzzle gauge. The Throat Erosion will gauge less than 5 – well within US Army standards. Do not expect rifles in mint condition in this grade.
RACK GRADE: (Fair)
Rack Grade Rifles are mechanically the same as Field Grade rifles above, but will show more wear on many of their parts and may have more pitting on the metal parts. Wood will be sound, but well used, with cracks, poor fit, and many dents and gouges. Throat erosion will be 5 or more and muzzle wear may be over a 3 on a muzzle gauge. The overall appearance and condition will generally be rougher than any other grade. Fair condition.
SERVICE GRADE: (Good to Very Good)
Service Grade Rifles show less wear and better appearance than Field or Rack Grades. Good to very good condition. Rifle wear will be exhibited by worn and mixed colors of the parkerized finish; there may be some minor pitting on the metal parts; wood will be either Walnut, Birch, Beech or other variety and will be basically sound but may have minor hairline cracks, dings, scratches and gouges; wood may not match in color or type of wood; bores will be generally good with only minor imperfections; the barrel crown may be nicked, but the muzzle will gauge less than 3 and the throat erosion will gauge less than 5.
CORRECT GRADE: (Very Good to Excellent)
Correct Grade Rifles are similar to the Service Grade (above), but will show less wear and use. Correct Grade rifles will have all correct parts for the date of manufacture with 80% or better overall original metal finish. The stock and handguards will be of walnut and correct for the rifle but will have some dings, dents, scratches and marring of the wood finish. Stocks will have the appropriate original inspector's cartouche. The rifle bore will be very good with no significant defects and with a throat erosion of less than 4 and a muzzle wear of 2 or less. Very good to excellent condition. Limited quantities are occasionally available. Prices start at $950. See tables below.
COLLECTOR GRADE: (Excellent)
Collector Grade Rifles have 95% or better overall original metal finish. Rifle bores are excellent with throat erosion under 3 and muzzle wear of 2 or less. Collector Grade rifles have all original parts as they came from the manufacturer. Wood will have a few handling marks and minor dings and scratches. Stocks have the appropriate inspector's cartouche. Data sheets prepared by CMP armorers are included in the butt trap of each Collector Grade Rifle. Excellent condition - little or no use. Limited quantities are occasionally available. Prices start at $1400. See tables below.
A lot of things will change the value. Condition is important. Markings lay the rest out.
A Winchester in good condition with all the major parts being Winchester will bring $1,000 locally. The CMP "collector grade" Winchesters bring big money. An SA in the same condition as the $1,000 Winny will bring $800.
Your grandfather probably won't accept the current value of the rifle and you'll get it and keep it in the family for much less than it would auction for, but it is very admirable of you to want to offer him what he could get for it on the open market. You're certainly a credit to him. Ask him if he'll show you how to handle it and strip it down and shoot it. Try to find a service rifle match and ask him to go with you to spot for you. Let him see his grandson do him and his rifle proud.
http://auction.odcmp.com/auctions/detail.asp?id=886
http://auction.odcmp.com/auctions/detail.asp?id=38
http://auction.odcmp.com/auctions/detail.asp?id=111
http://www.memorableplaces.com/m1garand/m1garandfaq.html
http://www.surplusrifle.com/garand/index.asp
FIELD GRADE: (Fair to Good)
Field Grade Rifles. Most of these rifles have been refinished or rebuilt at least once while in military service and will likely have some parts from other manufacturers. Fair to good condition. Rifle wear will be exhibited by worn and mixed colors of the finish; there may be some minor pitting on the metal parts; wood will be basically sound but may be well used with minor hairline cracks, and many dings, scratches and gouges; wood may not match in color, type of wood or condition. These rifles may have some foreign parts and wood may be Walnut, Birch, Beech or other variety. Rifles do not have import marks. Bores will be generally good with only minor imperfections; the barrel crown may be nicked, and the muzzle may gauge more than “3” on muzzle gauge. The Throat Erosion will gauge less than 5 – well within US Army standards. Do not expect rifles in mint condition in this grade.
RACK GRADE: (Fair)
Rack Grade Rifles are mechanically the same as Field Grade rifles above, but will show more wear on many of their parts and may have more pitting on the metal parts. Wood will be sound, but well used, with cracks, poor fit, and many dents and gouges. Throat erosion will be 5 or more and muzzle wear may be over a 3 on a muzzle gauge. The overall appearance and condition will generally be rougher than any other grade. Fair condition.
SERVICE GRADE: (Good to Very Good)
Service Grade Rifles show less wear and better appearance than Field or Rack Grades. Good to very good condition. Rifle wear will be exhibited by worn and mixed colors of the parkerized finish; there may be some minor pitting on the metal parts; wood will be either Walnut, Birch, Beech or other variety and will be basically sound but may have minor hairline cracks, dings, scratches and gouges; wood may not match in color or type of wood; bores will be generally good with only minor imperfections; the barrel crown may be nicked, but the muzzle will gauge less than 3 and the throat erosion will gauge less than 5.
CORRECT GRADE: (Very Good to Excellent)
Correct Grade Rifles are similar to the Service Grade (above), but will show less wear and use. Correct Grade rifles will have all correct parts for the date of manufacture with 80% or better overall original metal finish. The stock and handguards will be of walnut and correct for the rifle but will have some dings, dents, scratches and marring of the wood finish. Stocks will have the appropriate original inspector's cartouche. The rifle bore will be very good with no significant defects and with a throat erosion of less than 4 and a muzzle wear of 2 or less. Very good to excellent condition. Limited quantities are occasionally available. Prices start at $950. See tables below.
COLLECTOR GRADE: (Excellent)
Collector Grade Rifles have 95% or better overall original metal finish. Rifle bores are excellent with throat erosion under 3 and muzzle wear of 2 or less. Collector Grade rifles have all original parts as they came from the manufacturer. Wood will have a few handling marks and minor dings and scratches. Stocks have the appropriate inspector's cartouche. Data sheets prepared by CMP armorers are included in the butt trap of each Collector Grade Rifle. Excellent condition - little or no use. Limited quantities are occasionally available. Prices start at $1400. See tables below.
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Well he isnt sure exactly where the rifle is, they have had to move a lot of things around because of family members passing away, so at one point they were in charge of 4 houses basically. They just moved to where they are now a year ago, and I know its not in the gun safe here, otherwise I would have seen it. I'm going to try and talk to him about it today if I get the chance.
Just because I am family doesnt mean I expect to get it for nothing. I don't expect them to accept market value, just not who they are, but that doesn't mean I won't offer market value, and above what someone else offers to keep the gun in the family. My only other question is, if they have the M1, do they also happen to have a old 1911 laying around somewhere.
Just because I am family doesnt mean I expect to get it for nothing. I don't expect them to accept market value, just not who they are, but that doesn't mean I won't offer market value, and above what someone else offers to keep the gun in the family. My only other question is, if they have the M1, do they also happen to have a old 1911 laying around somewhere.
Mojo-jo-jo
Member
Wolf, that's an M1 Carbine (as opposed to M1 Garand). It looks to be in GREAT shape! CMP (when they have them) sells them for $575-675. Collector grades go for much more. If yours is all matching parts or a rare manufacturer, it could be worth well over $1,000.
They seem to be about $700-800 on average for fair-good condition around here. If yours has a USGI stock with appropriate cartouches, that will be worth more, as the ones currently available are mostly Italian stocks (the US loaned many to the Italians and those have recently been returned).
If you want more info, let us know the manufacturer and serial number (leave the last 3 digits off, ie. 123XXX). Also give it a look over and determine if the barrel manufacturer matches the receiver manufacturer.
M1 Carbines have become more rare recently and are hopping up in value. You can't go wrong with it.
They seem to be about $700-800 on average for fair-good condition around here. If yours has a USGI stock with appropriate cartouches, that will be worth more, as the ones currently available are mostly Italian stocks (the US loaned many to the Italians and those have recently been returned).
If you want more info, let us know the manufacturer and serial number (leave the last 3 digits off, ie. 123XXX). Also give it a look over and determine if the barrel manufacturer matches the receiver manufacturer.
M1 Carbines have become more rare recently and are hopping up in value. You can't go wrong with it.
Sunray
Member
Yep, that's a carbine. Not a Garand. Shoots .30 Carbine, not .30-06. Winchester made them(invented and developed it in two months actually), but Springfield did not. 99.99% of them went through an arsenal rebuild after W.W. II. So the chances of it being completely Winchester are slim.
Is it the original front sight? It looks like it has been changed at some time. That will drop the value some, if it has. Still worth a lot more than $400 though.
Is it the original front sight? It looks like it has been changed at some time. That will drop the value some, if it has. Still worth a lot more than $400 though.
Jim Watson
Member
Front sight is not GI.
It lacks the bayonet lug installed on carbines in post WW II overhaul. Was it taken off when the ramp sight was put on or did it escape the military upgrade? No real way to know.
It lacks the bayonet lug installed on carbines in post WW II overhaul. Was it taken off when the ramp sight was put on or did it escape the military upgrade? No real way to know.
I looked at it yesterday, and I didn't think it was a garand. Didnt look like the clip went into the top. Serial number is 3808 or 3803. I thought maybe since it was the first time seeing it I was looking at it differently. Now I will have to buy a garand through CMP. What do you think I should offer him? And how easy is it to find the ammo for it?
Wolf,
The only way you'll know for certain what the "ballpark" value on that carbine is to post all the info, markings and stamps you can find on the rifle on this forum. Check the sights, barrel for mfr & date, serial # (may be hard to see if partially under the rear sight), stock, handguard, trigger housing etc.
Pics would really help as well.
As some of these gents have pointed out, the condition (original finish, and correct parts etc.) have everything to do with market value as there is such a wide range on the rifles.
From the one picture, it looks like it might be a nice one.
HTH,
John
The only way you'll know for certain what the "ballpark" value on that carbine is to post all the info, markings and stamps you can find on the rifle on this forum. Check the sights, barrel for mfr & date, serial # (may be hard to see if partially under the rear sight), stock, handguard, trigger housing etc.
Pics would really help as well.
As some of these gents have pointed out, the condition (original finish, and correct parts etc.) have everything to do with market value as there is such a wide range on the rifles.
From the one picture, it looks like it might be a nice one.
HTH,
John
Ok, I will go pick it up right now. When I get back I will post some pictures of what I can. The rear sight does block some of the stuff, actually quiet a bit. Either way I will enjoy it, just means I will go with my original plan and buy a garand as soon as I transfer to a 4 year college as my gift for myself.
Ok, above the serial number it says IBM Corp. The rear site has a Shield and inscribed in the shield an "H". Barrel says J.S. CA and below that CAL. 30 M1. On the ring holding the barrel to the stock it says SA. The saftey says JAO underneath it. Stock has TS in big letters, but after that I cant read it. Above that on the stock it has a couple more things, looks like TR1MBL I am going to take pictures and upload them, then edit this post so you can see in case I'm being unclear.
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cdrt
Member
IBM made 346,500 carbines for the military. Serial number range was from 3,651,520 to 4,009,999. The M1 Carbine was the most produced firearm in U.S. military history.
As I mentioned in my PM to you, what you pay him will depend on whether or not you plan to restore it to it's original configuration. I think anywhere from $250 to $350 is fair; split the difference and call it $300.
As I mentioned in my PM to you, what you pay him will depend on whether or not you plan to restore it to it's original configuration. I think anywhere from $250 to $350 is fair; split the difference and call it $300.
From the few pics you've posted, it seems you have a nice, clean looking USGI IBM M1 Carbine that's been through at least one arsenal re-build. I'd be very interested in more info as to markings on the barrel, stock, trigger housing etc. That will help to better assess the value. If you have any questions as to what to look for/where to look, please email me at: kiko1@bendcable. I'd be happy to help.
As to what is a fair price to pay your grandfather, it depends. If you can't stand the man, and he's abused you all your life, then $200 - 300 might be fair. If you check out the auction sites as to what these are selling for these days, I think you'd agree that $500 - 600 would probably be fair to both you and your grandfather. AND you can sleep well at night.
As to what is a fair price to pay your grandfather, it depends. If you can't stand the man, and he's abused you all your life, then $200 - 300 might be fair. If you check out the auction sites as to what these are selling for these days, I think you'd agree that $500 - 600 would probably be fair to both you and your grandfather. AND you can sleep well at night.
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