M1 Carbine options

[Steelharp]

I've had a hankering for an M1 carbine for several years, but I know nothing about them. I know I can't afford a real deal one; and I've always heard the Universal offerings are really bad. What about the Auto-Ordinance current manufacture ones? Are they good, reliable rifles with the aura but without any hassles? Educate me, please...

[Mark@Sea]

The auto-ordnance is better than the universal, but doesn't meet GI specs.  Not all parts will interchange with GI.

 

For a couple hundred more than the AO you can get a GI carbine in decent shape at a gunshow.

 

This link may be helpful;  http://www.m1carbinesinc.com/carbines.html

[JGunner]

I wish I had more to add, but all I can say is I have 2 M1's that my Grandfather gave to me, and they are a TON of fun.  You won't regret getting one!  (I honestly couldn't even tell you who made the ones I have ...).

 

So like I said, all I can really add is you'll love the M1 Carbine.

[frankmako]

they make a good m1 but the gi parts do not fit.  ammo is the big thing,  not any big cost saving deals out there.

[Joseg]

Well I got a Iver Johnson. that my dad gave me (he bought in the late 70s early 80s), round count? who knows, it's still fun to shoot.. 

[Steelharp]

I'm not really concerned with GI parts interchangeability. I mean, if it was a 70 year old gun with parts worn out and breaking that would need replacing, I would understand the need for that. I'm more concerned with reliability and function.

[Mark@Sea]

Sorry, no link, but I've read at least a couple internet accounts where the AO version had to be returned for either fail to function, or very poorly fitted wood.  The best commercial version today is from Fulton Armory.  The receiver is made by LMT to original specs (the only commercial receiver ever to do so - LMT made them for Springfield Armory about 10 or 15 years ago).

[dcloudy777]

I've thought about picking up the Kahr/Auto Ordnance gun, just to keep from shooting my Inland so much.  M1 carbines are awesome.  :up:

[hipower]

Sorry, no link, but I've read at least a couple internet accounts where the AO version had to be returned for either fail to function, or very poorly fitted wood.  The best commercial version today is from Fulton Armory.  The receiver is made by LMT to original specs (the only commercial receiver ever to do so - LMT made them for Springfield Armory about 10 or 15 years ago).

 

Appears from a quick search, that Fulton Armory is still in operation. Looks like a quality product. At least should be, their site says built to milspec standards. But the prices are not cheap. Averages around 1500 for and M1.

[Joseg]

I've bought some parts from FA, Quality stuff. And think about sending mine in to get it inspected and refinished. Some parts though are not interchangeable with mine.. so far only one item - a screw. 

[viscero]

Love my Rock-Ola M1 Carbine!  Definitely worth picking up one if you can find one.  I believe someone did a run of these recently via AIM surplus; James River Armory or FA maybe?  Anyways, I also got an email from the CMP today that stated that they are opening a custom shop where you can send in your old GI spec cabines, garands, enfields, springfields, etc for gunsmithing work for those of you needing work done.

[Blitzen]

I agree with Fulton Armory or a good GI gun. Stay with mil spec. I visited the Fulton Armory setup at NRA convention and they were excited about coming out with the M1 carbine. Receivers made by LMT I think would be a big plus. Have not noticed much 30 carbine ammo on shelves lately.

[JWC]

Not sure if you facebook but some guy posted an Inland on The Tennessee Gun Trader page for $700 a couple days ago. From the pic it looks to be in good shape.

[enfield]

I've never understood the hatred for Universal carbines.  No, they're not military carbines.  No, they don't have parts interchangeable with military carbines outside of magazines.  I've had mine nearly 40 years and it is accurate, has always gone bang, never jammed, never broken, never committed a crime nor impregnated my dog.

 

If you just want a shooter, Universals are fine, regardless of what the purists say.

 

No, you can't buy parts for it.  There are a lot of discontinued guns that you can't buy parts for.  Try buying a barrel for a S&W K-frame built 20 years ago.