May 31st, 2022
5minute read
The firearms and collector community lost a great friend and researcher recently.
Larry Ruth, our foremostM1 Carbineexpert, passed away on May 1, 2022.
Larrys extensive research on the M1 Carbine began when he was a young man during the 1960s.
Prices began to rise, and the market for Carbine parts became almost frenetic.
Larrys books helped many new collectors navigate the increasingly complex and expensive Carbine market.
Larry patiently described the differences between a G.I.
Larry asked how things were going and I admitted that I purchased 11 carbines in that time.
He laughed and said: Well, that can happen.
That was back when M1 Carbines were still reasonably priced.
As for me, my fascination with the M1 Carbine continued and I decided to write about it.
Comfortable with that, I began to work on documenting the combat career of the Carbine in photographs.
This culminated in a photo-study volume about the M1 Carbine, published in 2006.
Larry graciously provided the introduction for that book.
Ive already started working on it, and when it is done, I will dedicate it to Larry.
Diving In
Collecting the M1Carbine is simply a lot of fun.
There are the many mix-masters of parts from all manufacturers and the rare examples of all-matching.
It certainly is easy to use, even for total beginners.
Conclusion
I have one last thought about Larry Ruth.
He was kind to me, and many, many others.
He taught me a lot, along with many others, too.
Unfortunately, I did not tell him, man-to-man, how much I valued his help.
I suppose it would have embarrassed him.
Even so, thanks, Larry.
We will miss you.
