[Johnny357]

I picked this M1 Carbine up last weekend:









The previous owner thought the barrel was a refurb because it was a Marlin barrel but believed the rest of the rifle was all-original NPM. It was priced accordingly for a refurb, so I went through with the deal and did some research when I got home. I was pleasantly surprised to find that National Postal Meter did not manufacture their own barrels, and that a Marlin stamp with no date does indicate an original barrel. Lucky me, judging from what like weapons sell for on gun broker this gun is possibly worth twice what I paid for it.

Which leads me to my question for you good folks. My goal has been to collect low-budget milsurp rifles that have historical significance but which are NOT too valuable to shoot. That's why I was looking for a WW2 era refurbished M1. I'm going to keep the gun regardless, but in your opinion is this gun too much of a collector's item to shoot?

[TheOldMan]

Heck NO ! (my opinion)

That being said, There's not a gun in my collection that I personally will not shoot. And I've got the ammo to prove it .

Some folks do collect to stash away and just have for display purposes but I think it's a waste to have something and not use it..

The oldest piece I have is an 1871 Swiss Vetterelli and I DO have BP rounds to shoot through it. Had the piece converted to shoot centerfire and this gun's over 100 years old.

So if the gun checks out, I'd be getting some .30 carbine ammo and send some lead down range

[Johnny357]

Thank you for your response TheOldMan. I tend to agree with you, I was looking to see if I would get a flood of "Don't You Dare!" responses to indicate that I was being foolish.

[masterPsmith]

Before you take it out to shoot it, I would have the headspace checked and an overall check of it's condition to be on the safe side. JMHO. Other than that, take it out and have fun..........

Jim.........

[Highpower]

Originally Posted by Johnny357

My goal has been to collect low-budget milsurp rifles that have historical significance but which are NOT too valuable to shoot.

Your carbine fits the bill perfectly. I'm in TheOldMan's camp as well - shoot em if you got em! Besides, I can't afford to buy safe queens.

[CA357]

Shoot it, clean it, repeat.

[Johnny357]

A consensus so far, very good, thank you all for your responses. I am new to the C&R biz and I very much value the opinions of the sages on this forum.

[TXnorton]

I have an ever increasing collection of older Mil-Surp rifles. But I won't have one unless I can shoot it! Have some good fun with that carbine!