M1 Carbine Gunsmith

[Freetime]

I don't know if this the right spot to post this but I need some info. Anyone know of a gunsmith in SE Mich that can remove a barrel and install another one on a M1 Carbine? Or where you might be able to rent the barrel block and reciever wrench to do the job myself. I really don't want to buy the tools($90-100 for the wrench and $35-45 for the barrel block) for a one time job. I would appreciate any help you can provide. Thanks :D Larry

[Brian]

Try Williams Gun Sight Co, Inc. 800 530-9028
They're in Davison just off 69, can't remember the exit but give them a call.

[Autumnlovr]

Try Williams Gun Sight Co, Inc. 800 530-9028
They're in Davison just off 69, can't remember the exit but give them a call.
It's the Irish Road exit (go south & follow the signs). I'm going to be stopping in there soon.

[Freetime]

Brian and Autumnlover, thanks for the information, I'll give them a call. Just one question where is Davidson located. I live in Wyandotte south of Detroit and I'm not familiar with it. Thanks again Larry

[GreggB]

Davison is up by Flint. If you take I-75 north to I-69 East then you can find it.I have been meaning to go up to Williams myself and read this thread with interest. I too have an M1 Carbine that needs some work. Please let me know how you make out.

[Freetime]

GreggB-I called them earlier today and they will do it for me no problem. I asked approx. how long it would take and was told as of now it will take approx. 4 weeks to get to it. BUMMER, but realistically that isn't too bad, the weather ought to be nice for the outdoor range by then. They gave me a price of $100 for labor, this includes removing the old barrel, replacing the new one, checking the headspace and test firing the weapon. Doesn't sound too bad to me but I haven't found anywhere else to check as of now. If I don't find any place closer between now and the day the barrel arrives, I'll be heading up there. I asked about dropping it off and picking it up when done instead of using the mail. I was told to bring something to shoot when I come and I could use their range. Seemed like a nice company to deal with. :D Larry

[sprink]

I have no personal experience with them, but D&D is in Troy. Number not handy, but I am sure they are in the "book".

Greg

[45 acp]

GreggB-I called them earlier today and they will do it for me no problem. I asked approx. how long it would take and was told as of now it will take approx. 4 weeks to get to it. BUMMER,
They are good and do good work
Any gunsmith that doesnt have at least a months work piled up waiting for them to get to it usually isnt a very good gunsmith . Most good ones are very busy.

[Freetime]

45acp, it's good to hear they do good work. I definitely want it done right. Like I said, when the barrel gets here I'll be heading up there. Larry

[karcent]

Larry,
If you're willing to drive to Davison, I guess ST. Clair wouldn't be out of the question and I know the 'smith I recommend wouldn't take 4 weeks to get the job done.

He's one of the best and I highly recommend him. He's the guy I use for my personal guns.

Email or PM me if you want his phone number. I won't post it on a message board.

[Freetime]

Kurt, PM sent

[BHP]

If you don't mind me asking, what are you using for a replacment barrel.

The only reasonable priced replacments I have seen are the DPMS from Midway, but I have not ehard much in terms of the results from anyone who has had one installed. The GI originals seem to be quite pricey.

Thanks

[Ed Hoffman]

:!: D&D Gunsmith in Troy is where my dad took his M1 to have work done on it. It took 3-4 weeks, and they did an excellent job. I've had work performed on pistols there and will always go back to D&D for my gunsmithing needs. The address and phone number are as follows.

D & D GUNSMITHS LIMITED
363 ELMWOOD DR, TROY, MI 48083
(248) 583-1512

Hope this helps.

[Freetime]

Since I first posted I've taken 2 M1 Carbines to D&D to have barrels installed and headspace checked and test fired. The first one took only 11 days and the second one took 10 days. They do a great job for a very reasonable price. I'll definitely keep using them in the future. To answer a previous question, I had bought a M1 Carbine (National Postal Meter) for a good price but it had an after market barrel on it and the barrel was in bad shape. I came across a very nice Rockola barrel for a decent price on EBAY so I replaced the barrel on the NPM with it. If you get lucky on EBAY you can find some good barrels etc. But some parts go for unbelievable prices. Larry

[BHP]

Thanks for the information. I have an import that I was given some thought to having the barrel replaced, but as you mentioned, I could not believe the prices for some parts.

My carbine shoots well, but if I could find a barrel in excellent condition for the right price, I would probably have it replaced.