Why would he choose an inferior Italian weapon with inferior ballistics to the M1-Garand ?
That’s easy. Garands, then as now, were expensive. Oswald paid twenty bucks for the Carcano. That doesn’t sound like a lot today, but he was poor, and $20 was a nice chunk of change.
It wasn’t a great rifle, but it was a serviceable weapon and will kill people at long distances.
2. How much did an M1 Garand cost for civilians after WW2?Civilians could purchase an M1 Garand through the CMP for as little as $20 to $40, depending on the condition and configuration.
The best deal I ever got on an M1 was way back in 2000. I paid $320 for it just before the price went up to $400. I’ve seen Service grade M1s sell in gun shops for $1700.
P.S. I just remembered that in 2004 the CMP was selling rack grade Greek return rifles for $295. A new barrel and you are set.