I love the M1 carbine and really enjoying shooting them. They are a fantastic little rifle and are full of history - one of my favourite milsurps. That being said there is certainly a hesitation these days to buy a semi automatic, restricted rifle given the political climate. While milsurp prices have certainly soared over the past few years, I suspect that anything restricted will be a bit harder to sell.
In my opinion with these carbines (for whatever it’s worth), fair value depends on what the carbine is or isn’t and it’s condition. A typical USGI rebuild with adjustable rear sights / bayonet lug barrel band + mixed parts in decent condition seemingly goes in the 700-800$ range from what I’ve seen (perhaps a bit more for something like a Winchester, Rock Ola or S’G’.. The current import that many dealers are selling is hit or miss from what I’ve seen. I’ve handled quite a few from a few different dealers and have seen totally worn out carbines with loose actions, awful stocks and worn parts - as well as very serviceable carbines in decent condition that would certainly be a great addition to a collection as a shooter. I’d recommend handling one in store before purchase if possible.
Above that would be “corrected” carbines that have had earlier parts put on to give a representative example of a carbine in early/mid WW2 trim. These can be hit or miss as well depending on how things were done and how the rifle is represented. With GI parts I’d suspect a decent “corrected” rifle would fetch a little over 1000$ all else bring equal.
An all original / “correct” carbine would likely bring the most money, but it depends on several factors and a very, very close examination since determining originality in USGI carbines can be a bit tedious. Unfortunately it seems that regardless, carbines up here in Canada are not fetching the money that they are in the US.
Things like legitimate M1A1s of course are another ball game, but unfortunately I don’t have much exposure to them and their Canadian values, so I couldn’t say.
I’m not sure how much this helps but I wish you good luck. They are such a great little carbine and a ton of fun to shoot!