Need Advice!

[KMURPHY]

I will have the opportunity to maybe look at a large collection of USGI (primarily m-1's, m-1 carbines,1903's, 1911's, and who knows what else)weapons of WWII vintage as part of an estate. I am relatively new to USGI stuff. A distant family member has passes and amassed a large collection. What are things to look for in terms of rarity. Tell me what things to keep an eye out for when looking. If i was to pick some thing(s), I might be able to procure at a more than reasonable price. I know...kind of vauge, but need advice.

[nalioth]

I will have the opportunity to maybe look at a large collection of USGI (primarily m-1's, m-1 carbines,1903's, 1911's, and who knows what else)weapons of WWII vintage as part of an estate. I am relatively new to USGI stuff. A distant family member has passes and amassed a large collection. What are things to look for in terms of rarity. Tell me what things to keep an eye out for when looking. If i was to pick some thing(s), I might be able to procure at a more than reasonable price. I know...kind of vauge, but need advice.Not sure what advice we can give, you really need a book. There are so many things to look for on each of those firearms you list . . . . .

[KMURPHY]

like which manufacturers for an m1 garand, or an m-1 carbine are most desireable (WRA, H and R, International Harvester...and so on). im saying if the ideal M-1 garand was laying there, which manufacturer (or early/later serial #'s)would it be from if you could choose....as im sure these will NOT be mixmasters. How can i tell a real M1a1 carbine from a clone, which 1911's are most saught after etc. I know i am asking a lot,but between me researching, and your advice, maybe i might be able to add some nice items to a collection. just want to trey to get maximum bang for buck, that is all.

[nalioth]

You'd probably be way better off asking over on http://www.surplusrifleforum.com if you need advice in a hurry.

[ctdemolay0405]

but i'm sure we'll be happy to take some off ur hands for u ;)

[K.O.A.M.]

In 100 words or less, look for original condition and low serial numbers. The CMP pages will tell you what US military rifles they value more highly than others. If you have some time to peruse, take pics and post.

[KMURPHY]

i was told there might be a "star barreled" 1903 there. is it referring to star gauged or some such. what is this. my grandpa claims there is a star on the outside of the barrel though? what is the hubbub. it is accurate rifiling with 5 grooves? i was only told, it could be nothing. i shall be looking at these soon enough. does this mean the barrel will be marked in the outside some way for me to know. i can always take the bolt out i suppose and look for this odd rifiling. i can compare it to the rifling in mine i guess and see if different




NVM..i found something
http://www.jouster.com/articles30m1/usmc_rebuilding_m1903.htm

Serviceable M1903 receivers were fitted with “good” barrels (ones that fitted the desired specifications of a star gauged barrel), a new Type C stock was hand bedded to the rifle. The appropriate scope blocks were added to the receiver and the barrel and the upper handguard appropriately “dished” to accept the scope blocks. All efforts were expended in the acquisition of star gauged barrels with the magic “sunburst” on the muzzle, but in the absence of the magic sunburst on the muzzle, if the barrels were of decent quality, and passed the shop gauges, they were screwed onto the receivers