cornered rat
Moderator
I had once wanted to get an M1 carbine because of how well it fit me and how handy it was. I got a mini-14 instead with availability and power of ammo in mine (at the time, penetration was an issue). I find that I can't hit much with the mini off-hand, even though I do well with both smaller .22 bolt and heavier and larger .303 rifles.
So, a few years too late, I decided to get a carbine. However, no one here has any, so I can't look at one and handle it. One store said they'd get me an IMI new one for $440 (ouch!). I see new 15-rd magazines available for $10 ea.
1. Would IMI be as good a choice as any?
2. How hard are they to take apart compared to the mini-14?
3. How reliable are they out of the box? With the mini, I had a lot of trouble with mags, partly because I used to bend the feed lips trying to load them like Sten mags. What are known weak points?
4. The gun is gas operated: every how many rounds does it have to be cleaned?
5. Anything else I should know or get in accessories?
6. Who might have ball .30 cheap? I found $230 for 1000, anyone knows of a better source?
So, a few years too late, I decided to get a carbine. However, no one here has any, so I can't look at one and handle it. One store said they'd get me an IMI new one for $440 (ouch!). I see new 15-rd magazines available for $10 ea.
1. Would IMI be as good a choice as any?
2. How hard are they to take apart compared to the mini-14?
3. How reliable are they out of the box? With the mini, I had a lot of trouble with mags, partly because I used to bend the feed lips trying to load them like Sten mags. What are known weak points?
4. The gun is gas operated: every how many rounds does it have to be cleaned?
5. Anything else I should know or get in accessories?
6. Who might have ball .30 cheap? I found $230 for 1000, anyone knows of a better source?