M1 Carbine help

[FirstFreedom]

I've got a Universal M1 .30 carbine clone inherited from dear old dad, and it was missing an upper handguard. I bought a spare upper from the gun show on the weekend, but it's way too long. For some reason the end steel half moon which holds the upper on is set back about 2" on the universal for some reason. So, this rifle does not use ordinary GI upper handguards? Or I have an oddball rifle? Or what can I do - will putting on a GI barrel make it work? Or where do I get the proper part for the universal? I'm pretty clueless on this. Thanks.

 

[Tom M]

"Clone" is a poor description of the Universal carbine. To my knowledge, there are no interchangeable parts between these guns and their namesakes. They are well known as some of the poorest weapons ever produced, which is why Universal wasn't around very long. I have one of these myself, and after firing about 150 rounds through it, the welds on the operating handle broke, and that, as they say, was that. I had it repaired, but haven't had the nerve to shoot it since. As far as parts, you can try Numrich, but you'll be lucky to find any. Sorry if I rained on your parade. Keep the gun as a memento of your dad, but just hang it on the wall.

 

[FirstFreedom]

OK, thanks a lot for the info! I'll not put any more money into it. Dangit, wasted $20 on an upper handguard. Anyone in central OK want it? I'll give it for $5 if you pick it up and are an NRA or GOA member. PM me.