My two choices...the IBM was gone

[showmyneighbor]

Went to take another look at the IBM I posted earlier this week, and found out the grandson wanted to keep that one. The owner told me I can have(buy) either of these, and promises that I get first right of refusal. One is a Winchester, one is a Quality Hardware. They both are in nice shape, Quality is probably a little nicer condition. Would love opinions on which one to choose! I am leaning towards the Winchester (only because of the name), but the Quality is earlier...guess I am glad to have the choice, but man it is hard!

[showmyneighbor]

here are some more pics

[showmyneighbor]

final few pics

[SloopJohnB]

Don't agonize over such a decision, buy them both! They both look pretty nice. If not, let me know how to get in touch with the seller re: the "leftover".

I know, that doesn't help.

[Garandy]

WRA looks more original. isnt the Quality marked with a boxed P?
Overhaul? With flip sight?
WRA has high hump hand guard too.
Andy

[Newscotlander]

The QHMC is not original. Now I wonder about the other two.

[Tired Retired]

I'm staying out of this one - I already put my foot in my mouth in the other post... :icon_redface:

[hsr]

In my limited experience, my 2 Winchesters are my best carbines, at least as far as accuracy is concered. Also having the Winchester name will always bring a higher value. So I would go for the Winchester. YMMV

[showmyneighbor]

Hi all! Thanks for the feedback. I think I am going to choose the Winchester. I did bring the War Baby book and viewed both in parts, and they both seemed to be in order. I would love to know (and so would the owner as he asked me) what was "wrong" with the Quality Hardware. Like I said, the parts seemed to be marked appropriately. The only thing that stuck out to me was that the bolt was not blue like the other two? Would appreciate the lesson!

[JimF4m1s]

Is that a bull nose handguard on the Winchester?

[BrianQ]

I would love to know (and so would the owner as he asked me) what was "wrong" with the Quality Hardware.

parkerized bolt, rebuild proof on the stock and the incorrect barrel

[notanexpert]

Does the barrel have a date? According to the War Baby book, early quality hardwares used dated barrels....if it is dated, probably early 43, would be correct. I don't see anything indicating the P in a box as a rebuild, but could be. The bolt should be blue according to the book. Hope this helps! Still a nice looking carbine! Wish I had one like that (can't find anything even close to original!!!) I am sure more people will chime in!

[Garandy]

Looks like one to me.
I have mid 1943 with one

[Newscotlander]

Besides what has already been mentioned, the acceptance cartouche is incorrect for the serial number. Also, take a look at the inconsistency of the wear patterns.

The IBM/AO appeared to be correct and that is probably why the owner decided to keep it.