South Korean M1s And M1 Carbines Becoming Available?
BY Herschel Smith
7 years, 10 months ago
One way to look at a 60-year-old, battle-worn M1 U.S. service rifle is as a cherished historical relic unfit for any duty more rigorous than color guard. Another way is as a military-grade firearm likely to be snatched up by street toughs and used for common crime. Over the past six years, the Obama administration has seen the gun both ways, leading to a saga that has incensed legislators and gun collectors alike.
Helpfully for the executive branch, Republican Rep. Cynthia Lummis of Wyoming filed the “Collectible Firearms Protection Act.” While Lummis’s bill sounds wide-ranging, it actually targets a strange and singular quandary that’s given the State Department fits since 2009: What to do with almost a million vintage, American-made M1 Garand and Carbine rifles now moldering in the arsenals of their custodian, South Korea.
“Legislation shouldn’t even be needed for U.S. citizens to purchase perfectly legal and regulated firearms, especially in this case, with storied, American-made rifles that are pieces of U.S. military history,” Rep. Lummis said in a statement. In fact, legislation wouldn’t be necessary if President Obama were okay with the purchase, which in this case, his administration was in favor of. Until it wasn’t.
There was never any quandry for the State Department, and the Obama administration has never been in favor of this.
I was unaware of this proposed legislation. It’s about time. This is something else President Trump can do for liberty in America. To call the M1 obsolete is ridiculous. Depending upon price, every one will get bought in the states.
I can see the market supporting $400 – $1000, depending upon condition, and even higher for collectibles in very good condition. But if the typical price is several thousand dollars even for well-worn rifles, you’re entering the range where you can buy a precision chassis rifle for that kind of money.
The South Koreans will have to be smart about this, or if not, the market will tell them how to be smart about it. Let them know your support for this bill.
On February 20, 2017 at 12:44 am, Blake said:
There is absolutely no way a “street tough” is going to use an M1 Garand for street crime. The weapon is heavy, long and requires a lot of practice to become proficient with. (I have two and I shoot them both quite a bit. I’m okay but far from proficient.)
If you’ve never shot an M1 Garand, I heartily recommend it. That rifle will put a smile on your face.
Interestingly enough, Nutn’fancy did a pretty good review (long winded, though) and came to the conclusion that he wouldn’t be afraid to use the M1 as his MBR. It wouldn’t be his preferred choice but his extensive shooting trials convinced him the rifle was still very solid. YMMV
On February 20, 2017 at 6:21 pm, Heartland Patriot said:
Blake, I agree with you 100% that gang-bangers are NOT going to want to use an M1 Garand. And, NutnFancy is ALWAYS long-winded, but he sometimes makes good points.
On February 21, 2017 at 1:55 am, Georgiaboy61 said:
“No school like the old school…” ~ author unknown
On February 20, 2017 at 5:41 am, DAN III said:
I was trained and raised on the M16a1. Plastic and aluminum. Never been a fan of wood and steel. But, if one of these Korean Garands becomes available, I’m buying one.
For you M1 fanboys….I do hope POTUS Trump brings these M1s to the Homeland. They deserve to come home. You deserve to own one.
On February 20, 2017 at 8:16 am, BobSykes said:
I saw an old M1 in poor condition, perhaps with a broken stock, at Cabelas last Saturday listed for $1,000. All million of those Korean M1s will be gone in a trice.
On February 20, 2017 at 1:48 pm, Fred said:
Notified GOA. This really is a no brainier. GOA should put out an Action Alert on it.
I’m not certain of much with Trump but, this a great rifle, a historic rifle, and it’s an easy signature for him with little downside politically, if it can reach his(our) desk.
Make the M1 Great Again!
On February 21, 2017 at 7:02 am, Mark Matis said:
Why is a bill needed? Did not pResident Sotero ban similar weapons under his “stroke of the pen, law of the land” policy? Could not President Trump undo such a ban in a similar manner? Why should he have to waste precious Congressional ammo in such a manner, when the Rove Republicans therein are already opposing everything of importance that he tries to accomplish?
On February 21, 2017 at 12:05 pm, USMC 8th and I said:
Remember: “Get off my lawn”…….
On February 21, 2017 at 1:32 pm, Herschel Smith said:
Comment of the day, right here.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NelBNtNm8l0
On February 21, 2017 at 2:53 pm, USMC 8th and I said:
:<)
On February 21, 2017 at 5:30 pm, Archer said:
If a million M1 Garands and M1 Carbines suddenly appear on the market, would that not affect the asking price? $400-1000 depending on condition could be a screaming deal for these, especially compared to some of the prices CMP is charging for nice-ish ones, but if that’s current market value, I’d think supply-and-demand would end up lowering it somewhat.
An M1 Garand is on my list, though….
Relatedly, doesn’t S. Korea still also have a stockpile of M1911 and M1911-A1 pistols the Obama administration didn’t want to re-import? I’d be interested in them as well.
On February 21, 2017 at 5:37 pm, Herschel Smith said:
Yea, that’s my hope. I’d like to see a flood of M1s lower asking price. As for 1911s, wouldn’t that be a hoot. What a great thing if this passed into law. I’m not sure I see it happening. Something tells me it’ll sit on the back burner and that it was always a campaign running point rather than a serious attempt to put M1s in the hands of American citizens.
On February 21, 2017 at 5:47 pm, Col. Douglas Mortimer said:
If they do come back I’m sure they won’t last long. I need a surplus M1 to go with my ’43 Izzy Mosin.
On August 2, 2017 at 11:48 am, David Aldridge said:
There should be a way for a profit percentage to be put on the importers so that the price would be relatively low for the ultimate purchasers.