M1 Carbine: Repair or Repair/Rebarrel?

[GunsNotPuns]

I'm not sure this is exactly the right spot for this but I'll accept the lawful punishment if it comes.

So recently I had a failure with my M1 Carbine (not military surplus, but rather a post-war Plainfield manufactured model) in which a piece of the receiver broke off that serves as the guide for the op rod/charging handle. As some background, I paid $650 back in late 2017 for it.

Consulting with a gun smith, he quoted $450 for the repair and re-heat treating. I was inclined to decline the repair because of the uncertainty over what could happen legislatively and not to mention the repair represents about 70% of the rifle's cost. He got my attention with another option: For $1000 he could do the repair, but also rebarrel the carbine to non-restricted status.

I'm not going to lie, option 2 is sticking in my brain. Although it's more than the rifle cost, it also removes it from the registry (in some sense I suppose), and theoretically increases its value.

Am I missing the forest for the trees? What would you do?

 

[Joe Amorosi]

I would value a NR M1 Carbine at around $1800
Restricted Carbines sell for $1000 (after tax) from one of our site sponsors
Go for it. It's worth almost nothing (parts) if you dont

 

[Joe Amorosi]

OR...
See if the Gunsmith is interested in buying it from you.
If he gives you $600 for it, you're out from under it

 

[JasonGTA]

I would value a NR M1 Carbine at around $1800
Restricted Carbines sell for $1000 (after tax) from one of our site sponsors
Go for it. It's worth almost nothing (parts) if you dont

Wow, the prices of M1 Carbines gone up recently. I almost didn't believe you until I looked at some that were up for sale and $1800 for a NR M1 Carbine seems like a deal

 

[tiriaq]

A Plainfield with a weld repaired receiver? Not exactly a desirable item from the sales standpoint. You might be spending money you could never recover.

 

[GunsNotPuns]

A Plainfield with a weld repaired receiver? Not exactly a desirable item from the sales standpoint. You might be spending money you could never recover.

Yeah, I'm going to be honest with you -- resale value isn't anything I particularly care about. I have a great affection for it, it's quite accurate and a chance to disappear a rifle off from the world of restricted are reasons why I'm leaning slightly in that direction.

 

[Claven2]

Honestly, I’d look for a beat up Israeli surplus m1 in a choate folder, and transfer any parts from your that are nicer to the other gun. The gi receivers on those are pretty robust.

Converting at least 1 to NR is a no brainer, in my opinion. If able, use a new criterion barrel. Many people will try to convince you to accept a gi barrel stub drilled out and a surplus 1903 barrel section brazed into the stub. That is inferior to a new proper barrel that’s built to proper spec. For 800 I would expect a new criterion barrel for sure.

 

[bros]

I wouldn't mess with that receiver at all....something is compromised with it....are you going to spend the money and take the risk of having a more serious failure? Make it a book end and proceed as planned using s GI receiver. Heat treating properly is a science and are you sure you're local gunsmith is up to the task? Its not a trigger pin or a sear or some other insignificant part were talking about.....its the receiver that takes all the pressure and punishment, I wouldn't want my face behind that repaired receiver, its just given you sufficient warning, change it out....just my thoughts.

 

[Claven2]

Also, fwiw, Plainfield receivers are investment cast, and only machined in critical areas, not forged and machined like a usgi receiver.

Look for a junk GI carbine to rob the receiver and put your parts on it. If it’s a good plainfield , it’s likely all built with new old stock gi parts anyhow.