Opinions on this M1A1

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   I have the opportunity to purchase [locally] this M1A1 Augusta Arsenal rebuild  with an Inland serial# 6,417,xxx drop-in. I assume this serial# is of too late production to be considered correct for an M1A1, and probably doesn't matter anyway as I understand different manufacturer's receivers were
also put into these stocks during rebuilds. The owner allowed me to photograph it today with the intention of doing further research. The stock appears to be all original and in excellent condition.  I did not remove the handguard for inspection. As I am planning to purchase a late production carbine and restore it to
"as issued" condition, I am thinking of purchasing this M1A1 and selling the stock to help finance the restoration. Asking price is $1875.00
I'm wondering if the stock alone might be nearly that valuable?
Good deal, average deal, or great deal?
I'm far from an expert here, so I'd greatly appreciate members' comments.
Thanks,
Dave

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DaveDej Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Recruit Joined: Feb 17 2017 Location: Colorado Status: Offline Points: 8	Post Options Post Reply Quote DaveDej Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Topic: Opinions on this M1A1 Posted: Mar 19 2017 at 3:59pm
	I have the opportunity to purchase [locally] this M1A1 Augusta Arsenal rebuild with an Inland serial# 6,417,xxx drop-in. I assume this serial# is of too late production to be considered correct for an M1A1, and probably doesn't matter anyway as I understand different manufacturer's receivers were also put into these stocks during rebuilds. The owner allowed me to photograph it today with the intention of doing further research. The stock appears to be all original and in excellent condition. I did not remove the handguard for inspection. As I am planning to purchase a late production carbine and restore it to "as issued" condition, I am thinking of purchasing this M1A1 and selling the stock to help finance the restoration. Asking price is $1875.00 I'm wondering if the stock alone might be nearly that valuable? Good deal, average deal, or great deal? I'm far from an expert here, so I'd greatly appreciate members' comments. Thanks, Dave
	DD

m1a1fan Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Hard Corps Got Para? Joined: Jan 01 2016 Location: Virginia Status: Offline Points: 1736	Post Options Post Reply Quote m1a1fan Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: Mar 19 2017 at 6:54pm
	The S/N is within the upper limits of the 2nd production range. Serial number and arsenal rebuild information can be found here: http://www.uscarbinecal30.com/modelM1A1.html The ask is within the range for an Augusta Arsenal rebuild. In this case, it looks like it has been there twice. Rebuilds are a nice alternative to the real deal as they aren't nearly as expensive as an original, usually contain GI parts and were still processed by gov't facilities.

dejdav Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Recruit Joined: Nov 25 2016 Location: Colorado Status: Offline Points: 5	Post Options Post Reply Quote dejdav Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: Mar 20 2017 at 2:14pm
	Thanks TS: In that case, I think the carbine should be kept intact. The parts are said to be all Inland and the barrel date is 7/44 so it may be original to the rifle. Obviously the barreled receiver probably was not kept with the stock since it was Arsenal rebuilt, but at least everything is in the correct timeframe. I'll ask to strip it down to verify parts, check muzzle erosion and possibly make an offer. Dave

m1a1fan Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Hard Corps Got Para? Joined: Jan 01 2016 Location: Virginia Status: Offline Points: 1736	Post Options Post Reply Quote m1a1fan Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: Mar 20 2017 at 4:40pm
	Whether to restore it or not it up to you, but let's not get ahead of ourselves. M1A1's can be a tricky nut to crack. Originals are much harder than arsneal and re-pops to identify but there is still work to do. You're lucky you are able to inspect and vet it including taking it apart. Since you will be able to inspect it some questions I would want answered before making any offer. Is there an OI inside the bottom of the stock near the bridge. If not, are there any other letters on the inside of the stock or the rails? Is the bridge there at all, I've seen them removed. Have also seen M2 cutouts. Is there a cartouche on the pistol grip? I do not see any in your pictures. Check the bottom of the pistol grip for markings. Is the letter P anywhere on the pistol grip? Think a 7/44 barrrel is too early for that S/N. 7/44 barrel date found on approx 5.5 million S/N. 6.4 million S/N's typically had approx. 10-11/44 barrels. What is the number after the "wagon wheel" on the butt plate? I've seen nice "correct" arsenal examples go for more so I'm weary of what might be wrong with this one.