IAI M1 Carbine: the real scoop?

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plnkr1234

New member
I'm really interested in getting an M1 carbine for shooting (not collecting). Therefore, I'd like to get one of the new commercial ones. I've seen a lot of good remarks on this board about the IAI version, but over on the M1 board at gunsandknives.com, the comments are not too good as far as the quality control and reliability.

So what's the deal? Are the guys on the other board just biased primadonnas who don't like anything except collectable GI (not trying to start a flame)?

Does anyone here who has actual experience with the IAI have any comments regarding quality control, fit and finish, and reliability of the IAI. The guys on the other board specifically mentioned the IAI having a lot of non-GI parts (despite the IAI site saying all parts except the receiver were GI), and poor assembly? If I do get an IAI, what areas should I check?

Also, what can I expect to pay?

Thanks.
 
Sorry, I also forgot to add: I've also seen some new commercial ones based on a Springfield Armory new commercial receiver. Does SA make the whole carbine, or do they just sell receivers which someone else puts together? Anyone have any experience with these?

Thanks
 
I have an IAI. It has proven extremely accurate. On my second range session, the firing pin stopped impacting the primer of the rounds. IAI had it back to me in less than a week and a half after I sent it off. I have heard this is fairly typical of their service. I don't care much for their handguard, but have seen wooden replacements for less than $10.

I thought the stock was a little rough, so I went over it with some fine sandpaper, then several coats of Tung oil. Feels great, now. On the whole, I've been very satisfied with my carbine.

Also see
http://www.thefiringline.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=76344&highlight=IAI
 
This ain't gonna be much help, but...

...one reason they may be down on IAI (and all the other) commercial builds is that with only once exception (I don't remember the name) the new-manufacture carbines have been nothing but accidents waiting to happen. If you plan to own a carbine either way, buy Jerry Kuhnhausen's book on the M1 carbine. It's an outstanding reference. It'll walk you through the problems (ranging from bad metalurgy to bad specs) with almost all commercial repros.

I'm not saying IAI hasn't gotten it right, but the track record here with other manufacturers has not been good. :(
 
Springfield Armory has just start to ship there new M1-Garands, and they will be shiping new M1-Carbines at the end of the year.
 
I own two IAI carbines and they work perfectly reliably with any ammo (ball, soft point) fed from 15 or 30rd mags. They are accurate, light, point fast and well...I like them.
 
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