Why do I want an M1 Carbine?

N

Nightcrawler

New member
*sigh* I've been craving an M1 carbine for a long time now. Problem is, they're hard to find, and surplus ones can be in iffy condition. There's the refurb ones from Fulton Armory, but those are more than a thousand dollars!

I'd prefer one either new manufacture or refurbished. Does anyone know where I can find such a carbine? I am, of course, going to get my M1 Garand before I compliment it with the carbine, but that day will come.

Now, why do I want an M1 carbine? .30 Carbine is not available in a very wide variety of loads, and isn't as versatile as 5.56mm.

I just want one. *shrug*
 
I have no idea. It may be the "Iwannacoolgun" virus. M1 carbines are chic again with all the WW2 remembrance movies and HBO specials; however, they are an impractical weapon.

That being said it is still a quasi-free country. You should buy 4 and lots and lots of mags.
 
Because they point fast and accurately at close range, kick little and afford a fast rate of fire. I'd take my IAI over an MP5 any day. IAI retails for $420-430 in Minnesota with one 15rd mag, does have a bayonet lug though the bayonet is wobbly.
 
Options?

Fulton Armory: Retail about $1100. Far too much.

IAI: Retail about $650. Not too bad.

Is there anything else out there? I'd prefer one with a bayonet lug, simply because the little carbine is a military rifle and properly has a bayonet lug.

Has anybody here tried relaoding their own .30 carbine, maybe pushing the muzzle velocity higher than the standard 1950 feet per second?
 
If you want it, you want it, don't bother fighting it because it will only get worse. Keep you eye out and you'll find a good one for not too much money, my brother got an official GI model a few years ago for under $300. Don't count out the Israeli stuff, it's not a WWII bringback but they make high quality hardware.
 
Look around, and don't give up.

I was having a USGI Carbine bult for me a year ago this month when my father passed away. My father had owned a Universal .30 Carbine (not USGI) that I inherited. He lef tit in really good shape.

I ended up not buying the other carbine. The guy I had building it for me was a friend, another friend ended up buying the carbine from him. It wasn't that great of a build, and mine will easily outshoot it, plus it was my fathers.

Ohh, the price on the rebuilt gun was only $325.
 
Did all service versions of the M1 Carbine have bayonet lugs? What about the peep sight? Did the early versions have that? Just curious. I would, obviously, prefer the peep sight, but I'm interested in the history of the weapon.
 
Beats me, but I've been wanting one too. Mostly so I could drop it into this M1A1 stock I've got, and have a real cool gun.. :cool:
 
They are sweet and a real pleasure to shoot. You won't be unhappy! As it's a prized historical rifle as well as a sweet shooter, I'd consider paying $1,000.
 
my carbine has been with me since the early 60's.
it came to me in "like new" condition. It has date of 1941 stamped on it. It's a General Moters,"inland division". It has the peep sights, bayonet lug, and shoots good. Those three reasons from George Hill are right on the money...so stop wastin' time and go get yourself one! Thats strong encourgement...not an order.
You'll love it!
Mark.
 
I got one a few weeks ago and it has rapidly become my favorite plinker. (Inland mfg in 1944) I've even taken it rabbit hunting and it performed quite well, though I only found two rabbits. I think my ARs are getting quite jealous...

Maybe you can get lucky and find one through a private deal like I did and get one cheap. (I found three of them and tried to get all three - to be passed along to my TFL buds at a really cheap price. But someone else outbid me and I only ended up with one after paying an extra $25.00. But I'm still all grins!)
 
Well get one when you can Nightcrawler.
I have a 100% WWII M1-Carbine, it has the old sigths, and no bayonet lug, and i was going to order a IAI M1-Carbine with the full wood stock today, but when i got to the shop i found out that the guy that runs it was out of town for the week, so i will not be ordering it till next monday.

But what can you do when you have to worke:rolleyes:
 
I got mine at a gun show. A dealer who knew what he was doing had a Springfield receiver and put together a mix-master out of all G.I. parts. It is a decent shooter, looks great, and cost $350. The clones with the metal barrel covers just don't look right. You have to just keep looking.
 
I don't see a whole lot wrong with wanting an M1 Carbine. Looks good, has historical significance, swings around quickly, offers a high rate of fire, has good sights, and is just plain fun to shoot. I have a Rock-Ola/QH made in 1943 in WWII condition, without bayonet lug....it's a great little rifle which will still let me hit a groundhog-sized target at 100 yards offhand. I think it makes a great MOUT weapon, actually.
 
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