Inf on IAI .30 Carbine M888

J

Johnny Guest

Moderator in Memoriam
Anyone here have any first-hand experience on the Israeli Arms M888 .30 Carbine? Looks to be a newly-done version of the GI .30 US Carbine, with investment cast receiver and many military parts.

I am told that this is far superior to the commercially-produced versions such as the Universal. I haven't had the chance to actually see the IAI, much less shoot one.

I found the IAI web site, and their suggested retail price structure, wheich seemed a bit steep. I am told these are offered for well below MSRP but don't locate the sources.

My general take on the .30 USC cartridge is not favorable for all-round hunting, but there are other applications where it can shine.

Okay, any second-hand information that you consider reliable?

Appreciate any contributions.

Best,
Johnny
 
Johnny,
The Big Brown Truck pulled away only about 20 minutes ago and left a new M888 for evaluation. First impression is that it's one of the finest looking M1 Carbines I've seen in years. This version is walnut over walnut, round bolt. Does not have a bayonet lug, but if I wanted a true collector's piece instead of a shooter I'd find a GI version in good condition. We'll let you know if she shoots as good as she looks.

There was someone offerring them through Shotgun News a while back. Seemed like they wanted about $450, but I can't remember for sure.

Denny
 
mine's got a lug and a metal handguard that I kinda like. Great shooter, 2-3 in at 100yd easy, very reliable. Now if every mag I bought was reliable I'd be set.
 
Saw one at the local dealer---overpriced---rusting---junk.

Just my first impression------couldn't get past the price to give it a real evaluation.
 
Got two of them, love the handling, the reliability and the accuracy. Paid $420 for the first, traded for the second. Prefer IAI to surplus, esp. for the price.
 
Got one myself for $410. Absolutely love it. Mil-spec through and through. Very accurate, minor problem with nick on bolt in wrong place. Flat bolt.

.30 Carbine is 110 grain bullet at approx 1900 fps. With softpoints it would be excellent for self defense. Hunting should be good for anything up to deer size. Deer might be a stretch but I've heard it'll do fine if the shot is properly placed.

I've also got a Universal which is just fine. I do like the M888 better cause the fit and finish is better. Universal is blued and the M888 is parkerized. Parkerized just looks better on a carbine.
 
Two More-or-Less Parallel Threads Running - - -

- - - and I appreciate the answers I have received to my querry.

I want to chatter some more about .30 USC, but will probably participate mostly in Nightcrawler's carbine thread in this forum.

Again, thanks to all or the info on the IAI. I'll especially look forward to Denny's evaluation of the test copy he just received.

(DENNY: Will we need to wait for the eval to appear in [iSWAT[/b] magazine, or will you give us a sneak preview? ;)

Best,
Johnny
 
psssst, Johnny! Alright a sneak preview, but just between us, OK?

Initial shooting today revealed what may be the heaviest trigger I have ever felt on a military-type long gun. It's manageable, but if most of the M888 carbines are like this don't expect too much.

150 round of ammo downrange including some Federal JSP, PMC FMJ and some Lake City GI. All shooting done offhand at 40 yards. Best group was with the Federal fodder at just over an inch and a half, followed by the PMC at around 2. Surprisingly, to me at least, was the Lake City ammo at 2 and a half inches.

Two fail to feed malfunctions in the first 10 rounds. Bolt and action lubed = problem solved.

Inspection of fired cases revealed some marks indicating a slightly rough chamber. No signs of overpressure on none of the cases, however.

After breaking it in some more I'll give a full report in S.W.A.T.

Denny
 
Thanks, Denny- - -

- - - Very interesting preview. I'm still caught between a rock and a hard place. To go for an IAI, take the pretty reasonable deal offered on a re-arsenaled GI Winchester in pretty good shape, or to just blow it off.

Best,
Johnny
 
Don't have an IAI888 But...

Not for want of trying. Tried to check out their version barreled for the 5.7mm Johnson, a 60's wildcat consisting of a 30 cal caseing
necked down to .22 that fits and functions through a standard GI magazine. Neat concept, slap on a rechamberd barrel and Bingo!=
the neatest little short range varmenter ever;)
Unfortunately...When I called up to ask questions and make an order, I got some clod with a heavy accent on the other end of the line who wouldn't have given a straight answer to a simple question under torture!:mad: 10=minutes of being danced in circles on my long distance dime, I hung up in disgust:barf:

I love the little commercial made carbines, have a Universal
that is well made, well stocked with a commercial satin finish, good polished blueing, with a metal handguard and GI sights.
It has a smooth crisp trigger that enables me to shoot accurately out to 100 yds.

IAI? Maybe I'll try again, but if the rugmerchant answers, I'm hanging up.
 
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