I just want one to shoot.Do you want one for a collection or one just to shoot?
Thank you VERY much for the help.Depends on what you’re going to do with it.
Collectable? U.S.G.I. Is the way to go.
Shooter? New made.
Originals are all WW2 era made guns. They’re worn out except for the premium grade collectables which you’d be crazy to shoot.
New made guns have brand new barrels so they’ll shoot better. Plus you can modify them without wrecking their value like would happen if you drilled/tapped for optics or bedded the action on a G.I. gun.
If you decide to go the USGI route be aware that the great majority of carbines are not anywhere near original. Most have been rebuilt during their military service using all manner of different parts.
These are commonly referred to as mixmasters or sometimes “bitzers” as in made up of various bits.
These are very common.
Many sold today are what I call “fake originals”.
These are guns that have had most of the parts changed back to original(or even counterfeit) maker parts so they can be sold at inflated prices. These are particularly present in the more desirable versions such as Rock-Ola, Winchester, Irwin-Peterson.
Do your research! Don’t get ripped off. Approach any All Original carbine with caution. Especially the folding stock paratrooper model. Fakes abound.
USGI carbines are very collectable and popular.
Heck, even the magazines themselves have collectors.
If you want a shooter make sure you find quality mags to go with it. Biggest issue I have seen/had with them has been magazine related. Which is a horrible way to ruin a fun day.
Or you could could just buy a new made one and go have fun.
Thats what I would do.
I had one for a couple of decades. Good shooter, and my friends seemed to really enjoy shooting it... but it just didn't get shot at all in the last 15 years so I traded it for a CZ I use for IDPA.I just want one to shoot.