M-! Carbine purchase tips

[bucnball]

Found a Universal 2 a local gunshow for $450. What do I need to look for & look at to insure a wise purchase ? Ammo is available but not cheap. 

[A.J. Holst]

Universals are not necessarily universal with the zillions of existing milspec parts.

One reason I sought out an OEM for my first and subsequent purchases.

I believe the universal uses a double recoil spring set up which is different.

I do not know how to figure out if it's a good one or trouble one.

[Garufa]

It’s been a long time since I even glanced at this but maybe it will help:  http://www.m1carbinesinc.com/carbine_universal.html

Although I would never consider anything other than a USGI M1 Carbine, they are not inexpensive anymore and not a single one has been made since 1945.

Universal and other companies started making them for the commercial market using USGI parts but when those started drying up they started cutting corners and producing components of inferior quality.  Quality suffered.

Edited April 15, 2018 by Garufa

[bucnball]

Thanks for the "heads up" ,I just don't know who to trust for good info on arms purchases besides the "Old Timer's" anymore. Thanks !

[Hershmeister]

Save up for a usgi


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[bubbadavis]

I looked for an IBM for years before finding a nice one at a somewhat reasonable price. Part of me - the software nerd part - really felt I needed an IBM if I was going to own a M1 carbine. 

I tend to prefer odd manufactures when I can. My Garand is an IHC.

[Garufa]

13 minutes ago, bubbadavis said:

I looked for an IBM for years before finding a nice one at a somewhat reasonable price. Part of me - the software nerd part - really felt I needed an IBM if I was going to own a M1 carbine. 

The first centerfire rifle, or carbine actually, I ever fired was an IBM around 6th grade age. It was my Dad’s and he gave it to me at the same time.  Still have it and will never let it go.  It has a high-wood RMC (Rockola) stock.  Have always been fascinated from that time by who made it, and the other companies that produced them.

There really are no US military firearms with such an interesting history as the M1 Carbine.

Edited April 15, 2018 by Garufa

[gregintenn]

You'd be money ahead in the long run to save up and buy a real M1 carbine.

[Mike.357]

+1 for a real M1 carbine

[Ray Z]

Most fun I've  ever had with a blinker. I bought new brass and cast my own hard cast bullets with 2400 or H110. Blasted the hell out of more than my share of tin cans and plastic jugs.

Edited April 15, 2018 by Ray Z

[TripleGGG]

+2 for real M1 carbine

[Moped]

Thought I'd look on the CMP website to see what was available.  The only M1 carbines they have are being sold at auction.  There are two a NPM that has a bid of $1201 and ends in 5 days and a Rockola that is at $1601 and ends in 5 days.  They say do to the limited amount of M1 carbines that they are receiving, they are only going to be offered at auction.  These babies are only going to up in price and value!

 

BTW, Field Grade Garands start at $650 for Springfields and H&Rs and Service Grade Garands are start at $750 for Springfields and H&Rs.  @ to 4 month delivery time.  All other grades are sold out, except for M1C and M1Ds.  They start at $950 in fair condition and go up.

http://thecmp.org/