Iver Johnson M-1 Carbine

[kokoloco]

I have an IJ M-1 with the serial number AA09525. Can anyone tell me the year of manufacture. I understand that between 1989 and 1993 the quality was poor. Thanks for any help.

Sam

[b.goforth]

I.J. PLAINSFIELD CARBINE 30 CARBINE SEMIAUTOMATIC RIFLE -----1978-1993
Gas operated, semi-automatic; calibers .30 carbine and 5.7MMJ; exact copy of World War II U.S. military carbine (manufactured to military specifications); 5, 10, 15, or 30 round detachable magazine; stainless steel or blue finish; American Walnut or hardwood stock; weight 6 ½ lbs.; barrel length 18 inches; overall length 35 ½ inches; model names and numbers changed several times; M-2 fully automatic model available in the early 1980’s; 5.7MMJ caliber droped and 9mm parabellum added in 1986.
VALUE:100%=$450 60%=$295
ADD 10% FOR WALNUT STOCK MODEL
ADD 20% FOR STAINLESS STEEL MODEL
ADD 35% FOR 5.7MM JOHNSON CALIBER (CALLED SPITFIRE)

i would think with a 4 digit number it would be of Middlesex NJ production, one of the good ones, most likely 1979/1980

production;
plainsfield production- 1960's thru 1972
iver johnson middlesex nj- 1973 thru 1982
iver johnson jacksonville ar- 1983-1988*
iver johnson by AMAC jacksonville ar- 1989-1993

does your have middlesex or jacksonville markings.
bill

[oscarmayer]

i would never assume to know more about iver johnsons than mr. goforth. i would just like to point out what i've been seeing. perhaps due to m-1 drying up but they are bringing bigger money than maybe they should. plainfields and iver johnsons 50 to 60 % condition in my area are selling for 350 to 450. . just last month a shop near me had a howa ? m-1 it was in 98% condition and sold for 500. seems to me the book values on most firearms have not caught up with real world prices

[b.goforth]

the only pricing guide that is put out yearly is fjestad's blue book (that i am aware of) and he would have to be a mind reader to stay current on what guns are going to be selling for year to year. what i posted was what i furnish the blue book for the 31th edition. but i suppect value will be raised a little for the 32nd edition.

i personally tend to be conversate in my values. i am old and set in my ways and refuse to pay some of the prices guns are going for today (universal carbines for example). that said if i need a gun for my collection well thats another story.

i am fully aware that people purchase these pricing guides (and visit this forum) to find out how much their guns are worth, but my main purpose in helping compile them is education.
bill

[oscarmayer]

understood and i wasn't trying to knock your work or expertise, i was just bemoaning the fact that for what ever reason the "blue- book" and real world prices do not match up. i hope you know i wasn't throwing stones just pointing out what i've been seeing.... it seems to me M-1's have also reached the status of highly sought after no matter the make. the publics desires to own one has driven the prices beyond a sensable/normal book value.

[b.goforth]

none taken, just thought i would try to explain how hard is is for any pricing guide to stay current.
bill