M1 Carbine - New IAI or Surplus Parts Gun?

D

DougB

New member
I'm thinking of getting an M1 carbine - mostly just for plinking fun, to add another interesting gun to the collection, and because my dad liked them in WWII. I can get a newly manufactured Isreal Arms International carbine for about $430 with walnut stock. I've seen decent looking parts guns (made from original surplus parts) at gun shows for around $550. I've read very good reviews of the IAI rifles in American Rifleman and another gun magazine. They appear well made and are apparently a little more accurate than the originals. But there is some sentimental appeal to having a gun made from WWII-era parts - even it it isn't really an "original" carbine. Also, I think the IAI comes with a metal handguard - more durable, but not too authentic looking. But I might be able to get a walnut handguard from IAI or another source for the WWII look.

Which do you recommend? Is $550 a decent price for a good condition original parts gun? Any recommended sources? I have an FFL I can order through (that's how I'd get the IAI if I go that route), so a distributor would be fine. Thanks.

Doug
 
That price sounds high for a mix-master. I bought mine about 6 months ago at a gun show (Iowa) for $375. Springfield receiver and all GI parts. Don't think I've ever seen or handled an Israeli M1 Carbine, but the usual clones I see at gun shows go for about $350 and just look and feel inferior to the GI model. And you are right about the metal guard on the forestock. It just don't look cool.
 
Have IAI m1 carbine

Mine has a mix of unissued military and new made parts. I enjoyed shooting it so far (100rds through it). The only thing bad about is that I thought that I got jiped because it only came with a ten round mag and not a 15rd one as was advertised. I e-mailed them about it and they never responded. No big deal the 15rd mags in my area are about $10 dirt cheap and the 30rd ones are about $20 just watch the condition of them. Some have arsenal wrap on them while others look beat up. The stock on it is unfinished. Just plain wood. The do make a variant that had a wood hand guard for the top. A few $$ more of course! Mine cost $409 out the door from my local FFL GIRL. Me and a buddy bought one from her at the same time. Whatever you decide stay away fron Iver Johnson ones from what I hear they are junk. Only other consideration is that the ammo is a tad bit expensive and slightly unique. Although wal-mart has it :) I say go with the IAI you will have some sentimental appeal with the old and new parts mix. Hope that this helps---DAROGUE1 PS: Anyone know where I can get JHP or SP ammo for the carbine?!?!
 
The mixmaster idea is a bit of a "snob" idea in my opinion as that is the way they where issued and used in combat. If it is all out the door parts its a gun that never got issued or some anal person put it back into unused condition. Many where put together with parts from more than one company in the first place as the carbine was the biggest subcontracted gun in WW-2. The marines landed at Okinawa with junk mixmaster guns in 1945 and they work just fine for me now.
 
IAI or suplus parts

I purchased the base model(metal handgaurd)IAI about a month ago. The parts look new. I have put several hundred rounds through it(Federal American Eagle and WW USA) and had zero problems. The 50 yard accuracy averaged 1 1/2" with some 3 shot groups touching. The WW USA can be gotten for about $112 per 500 round case. Remington makes a 110 SP and WW makes a 110 HP. I am pleased with this carbine.
 
I agree that $550 sounds high for a nice, non-collectible carbine. $450 would be more like it, and maybe a little less for an import-marked copy, at least here in New England. However, the *asking* prices on nice carbines can be unrealistic quite often.

As someone else said, *all* M1 carbines are mixmasters -- not only because that's how they were made and delivered, but because no single contracter made *all* of the parts.

I can't speak specifically about the IAIs, but nearly every commercial M1 has had moderate to serious problems, starting with the receivers and moving on throughout the rifle. I would happily pay the same amount for a decent (not "mint") used USGI carbine as a new commercial carbine. The quality of the USGI carbines is unquestioned. If you want to get a scare, look at Kuhnhausen's new-ish book on the M1 carbine -- you will stick with USGI.
 
I have two GI Carbines, an Inland and a Winchester. Both are excellent shooters, though not the most accurate gun in my stable. I can get 2" groups at 50 yards with the stock sights, but they open up to 5-6" at 100 yards. OTOH, they shoot FMJ with 100% reliability, and they're a fun little gun. I've never owned any of the commercial guns, though I've heard more bad than good about many of them. FWIW, several people have commented positivly about the IAI guns. Springfield Armory is going to be making a Carbine with a match barrel that should be a worthwhile purchase, though it won't be available until later this year...
 
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