I have a WWII theme going on in my office and want to shadowbox a WWII era rifle, preferably American, on one of the walls. Are there any affordable examples out there anymore? Not looking for a collector piece, and non-matching numbers don't bother me, but I would like to be able to take it out and fire it every once in a while. I remember M1 Carbines used to be pretty cheap, but last I checked they were going for $500+ each. I already have a Mosin Nagant, Styer M95, K31, and Spanish Mauser, but would rather go with an American rifle.

Thanks!

What do you consider "affordable"?  There aren't any genuine WW2 US rifles that routinely sell for less than $500, which based on your comment regarding M1 Carbines, seems to be what you're looking for.

The most widely-used US service rifles of WW2, including M1 Carbines, M1 Garands, M1903s, and M1903A3, are all typically $700+ in good condition.  Sometimes much higher.

A Field Grade M1 Garand from the CMP would be worth considering.  They're $630, but they'll be in somewhat rough condition.  (Rack Grade M1 Garands from the CMP are even cheaper, but are very rough condition, and they're currently sold out of those anyway.)  But it's worth the extra $100 for a $730 Service Grade M1 Garand, if you can afford it.

You might be able to find a postwar commercial copy of the M1 Carbine for around $500, like an Iver Johnson or Universal.  It won't have the history of a real USGI carbine, and quality/reliability is hit or miss among all the various commercial manufacturers, but it could be close enough for display purposes.

M1917s tend to be the most affordable USGI rifles from that time period.  You can sometimes find those in decent condition for $500-$600, if you keep your eyes open.  They were used primarily during WW1, but they continued on in limited use during WW2, for training purposes and to arm second/third line troops.

Hmm, sounds like I've missed the boat then. I was shooting for $350 max, but I may have to shelve this for a later time. I suppose I could display one of the other rifles for now, and then replace it later with a US rifle.

I think Century had barreled receiver M1 Carbines a while back for under $300, I'm kicking myself now for missing those.

CMP had non firing Garand drill rifles for $380.  They currently sold out though.

Edit,. Nevermind, just saw you want to shoot it occasionally

Still solid advice. A Service Grade CMP Garand at $730 is money well spent.

CMP Garand is your best bet.

M1917s used to be inexpensive. I remember seeing them for $350-400 back in the day, when they were the black sheep of the US martial rifle family. No more. You will have to dig to find one sub-$800 these days.

Carbines have gone through the roof. Mixmasters of less-common makers (Rock-Ola, IBM, etc) will pull over a grand.

OP might as well spend the $730, it won't go down in value.
The Mosin M44s I bought just a couple years ago for $150 are going for $300 now.

I would keep an eye out for a sporterized rifle. While they can be projects and cost more in the long run there is something that is satisfying to me about restoring an old war horse. I will be starting a thread my next one soon, early 1903.

Sporter 1903s often go for very little. Sporter Krags can be had for around $500.

Also, in general early 1903s are cheap. Aside from the whole not safe to shoot thing. I shoot mine with M2 or light loads.

I hadn't even thought of finding a sporterized rifle, that would make a fun project.

Is anyone currently offering stripped receivers for any of the US rifles?

How about a MAS 36? They are cheap and widely available. Ammo is easy to find as well.

Maybe an Enfield of some flavor. The typical price range is where you want to be and a nice SMLE just scream history.

I remember those days... they tend to fetch 750-1000 now

https://www.gunbroker.com/item/745126406

An example with no import mark that has not been re-arsenaled is going to bring more coin. You an find examples for less than $500 pretty easily.

true true

Arisakas are stiff cheap, I know a guy selling a few cheap.

I think the cmp is the best plan for op, unless you find an older guy getting rid of stuff locally. I find pretty decent deals locally at the pawn shops.