AIM's M1 carbines

S

StephenT

New member
Just was wondering about the 30 Cal M1 carbines (M888) that AIM is selling for $379. Has anyone here purchased one? How happy are you with the quality? Thanx
 
I bought one a couple of months ago. I have always wanted a "shooter" M1 carbine, and that's what I got. I had a few stovepipes early on with Winchester FMJ, but since a thorough cleaning of the extractor and a switch in ammo brands (I now use Remington/UMC yellow box)I have had zero problems. To be honest, it is one heck of an accurate carbine, especially since they aren't known for accuracy. I get 2-3 inch groups at 50yds, which for me is good without a scope. If you are an NRA member, there is a great write up/evaluation in the Jan. 2000 issue of American Rifleman. For 379.00, I'd grab it. I paid 429.00.
Hope this helps you out.
 
I think it's interesting that everyone refers to the M1 Carbine as inaccurate. I had several LEO friends order some carbines awhile back (GI carbines at $150 each but only LE) :(. Each and every one commented on how accurate the rifles are compared to what they expected. I've had two GI carbines and both could keep 5 shots under 4 inches at 100 yards and I'm sure most of that spread was just me having to deal with the rather course sights. It would be really interesting to mount a scope and see what these guns could really do.

One problem a lot of folks have with accuracy is overtightening the rear screw just behind the action, which binds everthing up and causes problems. When you assemble the barrled action to the stock it should lay all the way down into the stock easily, if not back this screw out a tad.

Regards, Blue Duck
 
Blue Duck,
I was only referring to what I had heard, since I had no prior experience with a carbine. I was VERY happy with the acuuracy of mine. I had always wanted a carbine, so I jumped when I got the chance to get one. I have heard rumors that Springfield was going to produce a Garand and an M1 Carbine in 2001.

Anyway, I am very happy with mine, and it's now my favorite shooter.
 
The store I frequent had several M1 carbines on hand at reasonable prices, so I couldn't resist the temptation to get one. They also had the M888 that AIM Surplus has advertised on their website. I decided to get a different one, a Universal made in Hialeah FL. It has a 7 digit patent number on the receiver. The stock is in great shape, the blueing close to perfect, and it came with a 30-round magazine. I understand it's a commercial version of the M1. Does anyone know about this M1 or have one? Can I expect good reliability and decent accuracy?
 
Ok, I guess I should have researched the matter more before buying, but the reviews of the M888 all seem very positive, whereas those for the Universal are that it is of average quality and reliability. I think I will exchange my Universal for an M888 later today, and just pay the difference. I might as well have one that is as close to the real thing as possible. The M888 is supposed to be very accurate too.
 
I think that would be a great move Steve, I've heard of decent Universals, but not many. Apparently their early guns were not too bad, but quality quickly went down hill from there. You would also have a lot more problems getting parts for the Universal.

I really never even wanted an M1 Carbine till I was offered one at a great price. Now it's taken to the range more than virtually any of my guns. Whats not to like, quick handling accurate, ammo is fairly cheap compared to other centerfires and virtually no recoil. Too each his own, but I think you will fall for your's too.

Good Luck, Blue Duck
 
Thanks for all the good advice, folks. I exchanged my Universal for the IAI M888, and headed straight to the range with my new toy. I didn't realize that IAI was based right here in Houston. Very nice and handy little carbine, and I will keep this one loaded for apartment defense. I didn't test the carbine for accuracy, but the box of ammo shot flawlessly. I don't know how the Universal might have shot, but this one does seem to be very solid, and it's definitely top quality. Now, I need to check out IAI's M333, the M1 Garand.
 
Springfield is going to make new M1 Carbines and M1 Garands, i have 2 E-Mail from there Customer Services and they said the the Carbines and Garands will be out in fall of 2001.
 
Israel Arms M-1 Carbine

I have Been thinking about an IAI M888 Carbine, how is the fit and finish?
What is so much better about Springfield Armory's guns that make them almost 1000.00 more in price?
 
Lance, I'm very happy with my new M888, and IAI has done a nice job on these. Go handle one at a store to see how you like the quality, and then have AIM (www.aimsurplus.com) transfer one to your FFL for $379 + shipping + FFL transfer fee. You're not supposed to pay the sales tax on transfers.

I picked up a sling from IAI, and the fellow mentioned that they will be coming with their M1 Garand in 30-60 days. Their focus seems to be the WW2 era classics, and they're going to make some 1911s as well.
 
If I were to purchase one of these carbines, and I wanted to remove it from the factory stock and drop it into an old M1 "paratrooper" stock that I've got, would that be possible? Are the dimensions the same as the old carbines?

I realize it probably would be illegal to do so, being a folding stock and all, but it would be cool nonetheless.. ;)
 
Just ordered 2 today from the local gun shop. One for me and the other for a guy I work with. From the write up in the latest American Rifleman They have "match grade tolerances" in the chamber area. As mentioned they are made in Texas by Israel Arms Int'l. Only one word of caution. When I check with my dealer about spare mags 15 & 30 rds. They wanted close to thirty dollars for either one. That's VERY high. If you want extra mags check at a gun show or KY Imports has them cheap prior to shipping and such they run $8.99 for new in the wrap 15 rd sticks and 30 rds go for $19.99 or 3 for $54. 15rd 3 for $25 this seems fair to me. The guy from work that bought the carbine with me went to a local show and found the magazines for about that price +/- $.50 so you would save on the S&H. The above mags are NEW in gov't wrap. Although about 50+ years old. Hope that this helps. I was going to post this topic but ya got to it first!!---Thanks though. Peace DAROGUE1
 
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