Fake, Real, or Restored?

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   I have been offered a chance to buy an M1 Carbine.  I know very little about how to determine if the rifle is really a WWII rifle.

Here is what I see when I looked it over:

1. Flip safety, rather than a button.
2. Metal hand guard (on top of rifle)
3. Stock has NO dents, dings, etc.  Almost perfect shape.
4.  Stock has no cartouche, engraving, etc.
5.  Bayonet lug is not welded, but is on a metal sleave fitted over the barrel.
6.  There is a "P" stamped on the stock, below the "pistol" grip.
7.  Serial number is in the 700,000 to 940,00 group

8.  Other stamping in the metal:

1. "Inland", above serial number
2. At muzzle: "7-43" (July 1943?)
3. At end of receiver: "RIA"
 Is it fake, real, or a restoration?  If not a fake, does anyone have an idea about a price?

Thanks.

PS:  There is a muzzle brake attached with a wing nut at the end of the barrel.

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Uncle John Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Recruit Joined: Mar 30 2016 Location: Oklahoma Status: Offline Points: 7	Post Options Post Reply Quote Uncle John Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Topic: Fake, Real, or Restored? Posted: Apr 01 2016 at 6:44pm
	I have been offered a chance to buy an M1 Carbine. I know very little about how to determine if the rifle is really a WWII rifle. Here is what I see when I looked it over: 1. Flip safety, rather than a button. 2. Metal hand guard (on top of rifle) 3. Stock has NO dents, dings, etc. Almost perfect shape. 4. Stock has no cartouche, engraving, etc. 5. Bayonet lug is not welded, but is on a metal sleave fitted over the barrel. 6. There is a "P" stamped on the stock, below the "pistol" grip. 7. Serial number is in the 700,000 to 940,00 group 8. Other stamping in the metal: 1. "Inland", above serial number 2. At muzzle: "7-43" (July 1943?) 3. At end of receiver: "RIA" Is it fake, real, or a restoration? If not a fake, does anyone have an idea about a price? Thanks. PS: There is a muzzle brake attached with a wing nut at the end of the barrel.

New2brass Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Moderator Group Dan Pinto, How Can I help Joined: Nov 29 2015 Location: CCC Status: Offline Points: 5527	Post Options Post Reply Quote New2brass Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: Apr 01 2016 at 8:48pm
	1. Flip safety, rather than a button. Possible upgrade 2. Metal hand guard (on top of rifle) Not USGI 3. Stock has NO dents, dings, etc. Almost perfect shape. What marks in sling well? 4. Stock has no cartouche, engraving, etc. Have you ever seen a like new 70 year old stock? Is replacement or sanded ad refinished 5. Bayonet lug is not welded, but is on a metal sleave fitted over the barrel. The barrel band had the bayonet lug incorporated. I do not think they ever welded them on for many reasons. 6. There is a "P" stamped on the stock, below the "pistol" grip. 7. Serial number is in the 700,000 to 940,00 group Look at left front of receiver (out of stock) does it say SG or SI or nothing? 8. Other stamping in the metal: 1. "Inland", above serial number As expected from serial number 2. At muzzle: "7-43" (July 1943?) Inland Division of General Motors above date? 3. At end of receiver: "RIA" Front ring or front sight? Is it fake, real, or a restoration? If not a fake, does anyone have an idea about a price? Very subjective based on parts and condition. would need lots more details or pictures at least Thanks. PS: There is a muzzle brake attached with a wing nut at the end of the barrel. Comes off easy enough, what marking on the brake? If you click on the picture at the top of the forum then on left side click parts you will learn a lot about the parts. There are several pages so click on the top menu to get to section you want such as stocks to learn about the differences. Pictures tell thousands of words. There is a tutorial on how to upload and post pictures in the top forum section. If you look below the carbine pictured up top you will notice a grey bar. On left side click forum home to be taken to main forum page. (ease of navigation)

Uncle John Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Recruit Joined: Mar 30 2016 Location: Oklahoma Status: Offline Points: 7	Post Options Post Reply Quote Uncle John Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: Apr 01 2016 at 9:35pm
	New2brass: I will go examine it again, but considering your info, I feel certain this weapon is not 100% GI. The owner is asking (what I consider) a large asking price. I could buy one of the good, modern rifles for the price he is asking. Uncle John

New2brass Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Moderator Group Dan Pinto, How Can I help Joined: Nov 29 2015 Location: CCC Status: Offline Points: 5527	Post Options Post Reply Quote New2brass Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: Apr 01 2016 at 9:52pm
	I would also point to the post war rebild section. Odds are it has bee through a rebuild. Does it have an adjustable rear sight? A correct carbine can draw big bucks. An original as left the factory even more!

crashtestnewbie Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Recruit Joined: Nov 14 2015 Location: Motortown Status: Offline Points: 83	Post Options Post Reply Quote crashtestnewbie Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: Apr 02 2016 at 1:21am
	From band and flip saftey i would venture a typical arsenal rebuild. Does it have a pot belly stock or import marks? With those 600 to 700. Non import, decent stock a bit more. Condition being the key. I have not seen an non refinished in quite some time
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