I am itching to get a real WWII m1 carbine. Not a cheap Universal brand knockoff.

Gun show I went to prices ranged from 600-650$. The guns were in pretty rough shape. Is that about right?

Also what are the paratrooper models with the folding stocks worth? They had one for 1495$ at that show.

I haven't followed the carbines recently, but I would think that $600 would get you one in pretty decent shape.  

The "Paratrooper model" is probably one made up out of parts.  My understanding is that most of them were put together in the field rather than originally built in that configuration.  The records on these are not very complete.  $1495 sounds like a ripoff.  If you want one, buy a standard carbine and look around for a stock - SARCO or Gun Parts (Numrich) would be a couple of places to start.  

Quoted: I am itching to get a real WWII m1 carbine. Not a cheap Universal brand knockoff. Gun show I went to prices ranged from 600-650$. The guns were in pretty rough shape. Is that about right? Also what are the paratrooper models with the folding stocks worth? They had one for 1495$ at that show.

Be carefull when buying a paratrooper model, there are fake stocks out there, fake flash hiders, and people are selling them as WWII USGI.

i picked up a Rock ola for $550 and an IBM for $600 in the EE abotu a motnh ago.

Wow. They've gone up in price since I bought mine 10 years ago. I think I only paid a couple hundred then.

Quoted: Wow. They've gone up in price since I bought mine 10 years ago. I think I only paid a couple hundred then.

I guess I got ripped @ $85.00 for mine in 1972.

Check with these guys www.websitetoolbox.com/tool/mb/surplusrifle?forum=2715

Basic info on rifle www.surplusrifle.com/m1carbine/specifications.asp

I bought mine for $500 a couple years ago.

Prices will continue to rise unless another foreign source opens up.

Most carbines out there went thru "arsenal rebuilds", so most don't have matching parts. These guns in good+ condition, go for $550-700. Excellent condition will bring $800-$1000.

Also, you have to look out for the people that piece a Carbine together with parts they find. They'll try to claim that the gun is an arsenal rebuilt. These gun are worth $400-$500.

You'll have to pay $1000-$1500 for an "all correct" (as is came from the manufacturer) carbine in excellent condition. An all correct Winchester will go for more. "all correct" carbines are really hard to find since most were arsenal rebuilt and upgraded. I recently saw an all-correct 99% Winchester go for $2500.

Look out for Importer marks. These detract some from the value. Maybe 10-20%.

All the paratrooper carbines were made by Inland. An all-correct Paratrooper in excellent condition will bring $2500+.

I bought two Winchester M1 Carbines two years ago from CMP for $375 each. Both were in excellent condition.

What is CMP's website?

Quoted: What is CMP's website?

www.odcmp.com

Get yourself a garand first. They don't have the carbines anymore.

ben

Also what are the paratrooper models with the folding stocks worth? They had one for 1495$ at that show.

The "Real Thing" as original in decent shape can be worth up to $4,000 to $5,000.  Apparently these are extremely rare.  

Go to one of the guys that specializes in Garands and Carbines, and ask questions.  

I've seen a few Carbines in what I would call fair condition for about $350 or so.

$600 or more for a "rough" Carbine is way overpriced IMHO.

You need to look in other places than gunshows to find any deals, at least that is the way it is around here.

I haven't actually tried to find one yet. Haven't had the money yet.

Impact guns carries the m2 carbines for around 6k$. I'd love to have one of those. Maybe someday.

For now I do want to get a m1 carbine. A garand would be cool as well. Just need money.

The best price I've seen for a WWII M1 Carbine that was in shooting condition was $899.

The best price for a copy of an M1 Carbine was $599.

Quoted: I've seen a few Carbines in what I would call fair condition for about $350 or so.

You don't see any around here for that price if it is USGI. The price of these things high and going higher. And all USGI carbines were made during WWII. Although most were rebuilt since then.