auto ordinance m1 carbine

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mypps

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i can already hear the groans from people. before i start, let me say that i did search and couldn't find the info i wanted. sometime back i asked you all about a plainfield carbine for $500. after reading the responses, i decided i would rather have the real usgi gun. well, tonight i was in one of the local gun shops and saw an auto ordinance m1 carbine. alittle more expensive than the inland m1, but brand new.
so my questions are this: are these new guns usgi spec? as in can i use usgi parts in them, such as the m2 mag catch for the 30 round mags and the bayonet band? are the service grade cmp guns usable as everyday shooters? or should i just spring for the new ao? i plan on using my m1 at the range alot, so i want reasonable reliability. and i'd like to hear from those that have the ao version or usgi version or both. or if you want to tell me i'm asking to much. :D
thanks
brian
 
Well, this probably happens very seldom with brand-new AO carbines.

I bought mine in Oct '07 (my first gun purchase-at age 52), and treated it gently, with some oil and light cleaning. Carried in soft gun bag, no bumps into anything. After about five weeks, using only new Rem. ammo, the bolt got stuck one day in December when it was opened. Jammed solid.

It was so stuck that the local gunsmith would not touch it. AO made it work like new, free repair/shipping, but I was very dismayed at their quality control and rashly sold it for a $300 loss. Realized that I should have researched before paying over $700 for a brand-new version, but should have kept mine. The original would have cost less, and the actions of the GI vintage types, to me, just somehow feel and sound more solid-after decades-than AOs. But they are not always perfect. As for carbines, have Never had Any trouble with my used Mini 14 ('90), and only used Wolf. The only glitches with the 30 were several ftfs.

I'm not trying to bias your views, as most AO owners seem never to have had a problem.
 
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i actually have already sent my order in to cmp, but was thinking of driving there and picking one out because i don't like the 3 to 6 month wait. but i saw the auto ordinance one tonight and thought if i could safe myself a trip to ohio...
if everyone feels the action parts on the usgi guns aren't used up after 60 years and still have plenty of life left, i wouldn't think twice about going to cmp.
i'm having a tug-o-war in my head between cmp and spending the extra $200 for the auto ord.
 
Have you joined the combat rifle website "Warrifles"?
It is unique and interesting.

But based on my friend's well-versed gun background, it could be rewarding to visit a CMP room. He said that in Anniston, AL, they have racks and racks of nice Garands. Maybe also lots of nice Carbines at a CMP store.
Would the the trip be expensive or very time-consuming?

Once we 'fall' for a gun type and have the money, it is difficult to be patient. We sometimes wish-to our regret- that we had been more patient.
 
I have a CMP Inland, and it is great. I picked it out at North store myself. The action has 100% green GI park and shows no wear. It was rebarreled post war with an Underwood barrel, which also shows no wear. Shoots great, and is part of my HD line up. If you are not from Ohio, I believe you can pick out a carbine at North store, and have it shipped home, which saves you the sales tax.
I say go CMP.
Between the AO and the Plainfield, I would take the Plainfield.
 
Got to defend my AO M1. Has functioned 100% for the past 2.5 years, no hang ups or FTF's. I have only shot Wolf, and accuracy is very good. I added a USGI rear sight. No other mods. Mime works fine.
 
Would the the trip be expensive or very time-consuming?
Click to expand...
its only 12 hours, and in my honda wouldn't be expensive. i have plenty of vacation time. i guess it all comes down to the got to have it now mentality.
If you are not from Ohio, I believe you can pick out a carbine at North store, and have it shipped home
Click to expand...
so i can't drive home with it? i don't remember any of the other members here who have gone having to ship it home. i need to call them monday and talk to someone.
 
I got a AO carbine because I like the design, but if I could do it again, I'd get the CMP service grades. They are cheaper and the quality is great. I havn't heard of anyone get one and be disappointed with its quality despite a little wear. The barrels are almost always in really great shape too. These rifles were made to be shot so I can't imagine you running into any problems. With that said, the piston on my AO completely came off along with the piston nut because it wasn't staked. That was kind of a pain to have to fix.
 
I would have bought the plainfield, myself. The bolt jam isnt unheard of, it happened in my gun. Easily fixed, the recoul spring had jammed up the works. Any wat the new Ao are milspec.
 
My new AO that I purchased just a few weeks ago appears to have an M2 mag catch.
 
I am thoroughly impressed with my AO M1 Carbine. I also believe it to be noticably more accurate than any GI M1 Carbine I've had experience with.
 
If you have your curio and relic FFL you can drive home with it. If you don't, move to Ohio :)

FFMedic
 
I believe you can bring it home if you don't care about the sale tax.
The area near the North store is near some nice places in Ohio, including the islands...fun place to visit via ferry.
 
I would have bought the plainfield, myself.
Click to expand...
the plainfield was fairly worn. so with condition and price the same, i was left with historical value.
i called them saturday and the guy on the phone said i could drive it home.
My new AO that I purchased just a few weeks ago appears to have an M2 mag catch.
Click to expand...
does anyone know where i could find a bayonet band? that would either make or break the whole deal.
Any wat the new Ao are milspec.
Click to expand...
is there a definite source that says this?
also, what types of ammo have you all used in your carbines, both Ao and usgi? anything not work with some but in others? anything that really sucks? and does the Ao take a normal usgi sling and oiler? i saw a picture of one and it looked like the cutout in the stock had a pin built in. maybe just a old design.
 
The bayonet band is widely available and "should" fit...
The M2 catch is easily identifiable, it has a projection on the side opposite the button which engages the 30rd mag on the left side.
There would be no "historical" value to the Plainfield...they are just good carbines which were built to GI M2 spec and sold to militaries. Widely considered to be one of the best commercial carbines.
The sling and oiler should fit just fine on the AO.
I have used PRVI, Remington, and MagTech ammo in my GI carbine, both FMJ and Softpoint. Everything fed and functioned fine. The MagTech had a few times where primers fell out of the case on firing, and I have read of other shooters having the same problem, so I probably won't buy any more. As far as accuracy, I get a 15 shot group at 100yds about the size of my fist without trying too hard.
 
Thanks for the heads up on Magtech ammo AMD. Thankfully I found a store with LC 69 before I stocked up on the Magtech.
 
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The M2 catch is easily identifiable, it has a projection on the side opposite the button which engages the 30rd mag on the left side
Click to expand...

Yep, that is how my mag catch is on my recently purchased NIB AO M1 Carbine.
 
auto ordnance sells the bayonet band on their site as an accessory. i still can't find where it says milspec, but alot of people believe it to be true. i am having trouble deciding. i think it comes down to cost and quality. with the gas piston thing, i would completely strip the gun first and check everything before using. i'll go back to the store and check out the AO again. adding up the costs for the gun, buying a muzzle gauge(really neccesary?) and driving to ohio, the difference is only about 30 dollars less compared to a new gun. i hate making decisions. :banghead:
 
They have a limited number of muzzle gauges to loan out. If they are all loaned out, find someone using one and ask politely if you can check the muzzle on your prospect...people are usually helpful and friendly.
When comparing prices, remember that the GI carbine is likely worth more as soon as you walk out the door, and will retain it's value, and probably appreciate. Add the price of your bayonet mount, which the GI carbine will come with.
My Inland came in an early I-cut Rockola stock...if I didn't love it, I could sell the stock for an easy $100 or more.
Don't be in hurry to stip the gas piston on the carbine. It really shouldn't be done unless there is a problem, and you can mess it up.
 
mypps,

Be patient, and make the required pilgrimage to the CMP. ;) It WILL be worth your time.

If you do go, be sure to follow some financial safety practices.
1.) Don't take a credit card, or take one with a "low" limit.
2.) Try with all your might to keep in the budget you decided on a few days before.
3.) You don't need to get more than 3. (I'm not kidding here. It will cross your mind :))
4.) Take a peak at the Garands, but remember everyone has a budget.

These seem common sense, until you walk into the store. EVERYONE who's been there has gone through the "I gotta have everything" rush. ;)
 
In my case, i went there JUST to get a carbine, and I stuck to my plan, even though I did look at the Garands...and my two friends bought three Garands and a cart full of spam cans.
I am now scheming to get a Garand...At least, North store is only 45min from my driveway.
 
well, next thursday i'll be hitting the cmp north store for my m1 carbine. i'm going to limit myself to the carbine, 2 or 3 mags and maybe some ammo.
so until next friday, nobody can go to the store and buy up all the good guns. :D
thanks for everybody's help and opinions. i knew i could count on you guys.
brian
 
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