i have a chance to purchase a used m1 carbine.
i only got to breifly look at the gun (like new condition)
and it's definatly a commercial clone.
Their were no markings or stampings anywhere to identify the mfg.
the only thing i found was "Hou. tx" stamped on the receiver under the rear sight
also a serial # w/ a prefix of M888 .......
Is this gun worth $250-300 he is asking?

I have know idea when it come to M1's,so any help is appreciated

You really need to find out the maker. If it is a Universal, I would pass. If it is a Plainfield or Iver Johnson, maybe. At the very least I would test fire it first and make sure it is reliable and functions. Some of the aftermarket cabines do not use all USGI parts and if it has some problems, finding the parts that will fit and fix it can be hard to impossible to find.