Which commercial aftermarket excellent condition M1 carbine under $1000
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maxxhavoc
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My AO has been everything my SG GI carbine has, minus the history.
The only issue is the stock... It won't take the GI sling and oiler without filing. It also needed some BLO.
The only issue is the stock... It won't take the GI sling and oiler without filing. It also needed some BLO.
MedWheeler
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I wish this had been asked last week. Just visited a gun show the other day at which I saw several, and had forgotten I had wanted one. But, I didn't know enough about the "commercial" models to decide if any were worth hitting on..
HPJeep
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I've got an early Universal and it's mostly reliable with good mags. Plainfields seems to be good runners. I'm intrigued by the new Inlands but they're pricey.
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lionking
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I have been researching it lately, there are threads on the high road and around the net with various opinions. When it come to Universal, the general opinion is generation 1 the early years for Universal used some G.I parts and was generally a reliable gun, however on gun broker I watched those in nice condition go for $850 to $875 recently.
Inland MFG the new ones while generally listed at $1100 to $1200 new which at that price brings you in the price range to scoring a nice real G.I carbine, but can be found used for under $1000. I recently saw a nice real Inland go ending bid at $1350.00 which for a little more might as get a real collectible one. I read on forums like CMP forum "oh get a real one instead, I just saw a nice one priced at $700.00". LOL yeah where?, cause with all my internet searching only a beat up one may go for that price that I'm seeing.
I.A.I has mixed reviews. Auto Ordnance has decent reviews but as fr as I see they only offer old style rear sight, I want one with full adjustable knob sight.
NIGHTLORD40K
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My 4 digit 1st Gen. Universal is every bit as reliable and accurate as my '43 GI Inland-
Serial numbers below about 10000 are fully compatible with GI parts, which is a good thing since the trigger module is aluminum and subject to premature wear resulting in sloppy magazine retention. Rifles between 10k and 99k have a wider trigger group than GI, so you will need to do some extra inletting when swapping stocks, unless you also fit a GI trigger group as I did.
All Universals feature forged receivers and some GI small parts, but after 99k they changed the design to a dual-mainspring setup and the slide is a stamped/welded two-peice affair which is prone to cracking and is not compatible with a GI replacement. I recommend avoiding these 2nd Gen. Universals.
After the 1st. Gen. Universals, the Plainfields are closest to GI (other than the cast receiver), and were good enough that some were used by US and ARVN forces in Vietnam, as well as being purchased by S.Korea as replacements for worn GI carbines.
The JRA, Howa, and guns built on the Springfield Armory receivers are the only other commercial carbines I would consider, but all of these are rare and nearly as pricey as GI.
Serial numbers below about 10000 are fully compatible with GI parts, which is a good thing since the trigger module is aluminum and subject to premature wear resulting in sloppy magazine retention. Rifles between 10k and 99k have a wider trigger group than GI, so you will need to do some extra inletting when swapping stocks, unless you also fit a GI trigger group as I did.
All Universals feature forged receivers and some GI small parts, but after 99k they changed the design to a dual-mainspring setup and the slide is a stamped/welded two-peice affair which is prone to cracking and is not compatible with a GI replacement. I recommend avoiding these 2nd Gen. Universals.
After the 1st. Gen. Universals, the Plainfields are closest to GI (other than the cast receiver), and were good enough that some were used by US and ARVN forces in Vietnam, as well as being purchased by S.Korea as replacements for worn GI carbines.
The JRA, Howa, and guns built on the Springfield Armory receivers are the only other commercial carbines I would consider, but all of these are rare and nearly as pricey as GI.
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lionking
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Good info thanks. There is a Universal on gun broker right now serial number 3 lol. It happens to be a local gun store of mine also so no transfer fees but there would be tax something to consider for me. I might bid on it but am not going to go too high on it...if I do. I have a feeling it will get bid up though.
https://www.gunbroker.com/item/842079967
At least with commercial carbines chances are there haven't been a zillion rounds put through it. There is Fulton Armory with a new Criterion barrel put they price out more than $1800.00
https://www.fulton-armory.com/carbineuscal30m1-1-1.aspx
NIGHTLORD40K
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This is probably the best source for info on commercial carbines-
http://www.m1carbinesinc.com/carbines.html
http://www.m1carbinesinc.com/carbines.html
CapnMac
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I've not seen any of those afoot i nthe gun show circuit f late, and certainly not for under a grand. Other than the .22lr versions.
NIGHTLORD40K
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There is something fishy about that gun.
The front sight, trigger housing, and markings are all wrong for what should be serial #3......
It also has the plastic blanking spacer alongside the left side of the receiver for a scope mount, which should not be present in a gun that early.
It should still be a good shooter, I would have no reservations bidding on it- though it does have the "wide" trigger group which may need to be replaced some day. I wouldnt go higher than $650 on that one, myself.
I do not for a second believe it is the 3rd one made, though. God only knows whats going on with the serial number.
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Plainfield can be had at a fairly decent price. I have to one my dad bought new in '65 for I think it was $70. Still runs great, gi parts drop right in, though the only thing I've had to change was the safety catch...pressed in tab fell out. NOS catch went right back in. Very accurate
I have an earlier Universal that came in a hunting style monte carlo stock - after they switched to the wide trigger group housing, but before they went to a 2 spring receiver design. It works surprisingly well; about on par with my '43 IBM, not as reliable as my commercial Iver Johnson was before it cracked the receiver and went out of headspace. An Iver Johnson in good condition is a great rifle, but the receivers are a little soft from my experience.
maxxhavoc
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I replaced mine with a surplus sight. Wasn't that expensive. I still have the early safety and the non bayonet front band... Both of which were real improvements. Not enough to justify the cost of the Inland which is essentially the same rifle otherwise.
Since other folks are posting pictures, Ill do the same. The AO (on the right) had a flat, featureless walnut finish until I started the BLO treatment.
1KPerDay
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Do commercial stocks fit GI carbines? I have a NPM and an inland GI. both with FAT/potbelly stocks and one has internal breakage around the tang screw. I’d prefer a slim forend stock.
SSN Vet
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I've asked the same question and I'm going for an AO when I can scrape up the $ and justify spending it on new toys.
Right now I've got two in college doing their best to bleed me dry.
Right now I've got two in college doing their best to bleed me dry.
SwampWolf
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I don't know if there's any connection or not (original vs replica in terms of the manufacturer) but the M1 carbine I was issued while serving in the Air Force was made by Inland, I believe, in Dayton, Ohio. I'd choose it for considerations of "nostalgia" if for no other reason.
Trunk Monkey
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What is BLO?
Coyote3855
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Boiled Linseed Oil. Stock finish product.
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lionking
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what is that beautiful one on the left? *edit* I see you entered it in challenge SG 1944, genuine G.I that kind of condition carbine goes into the collectible status not many can be found in such nice condition anymore. Looking at gun broker it is seeming a Kahr Auto Ordnance is the best choice going, new in box in the $735.00 range compared to new Inland $1100 plus, or a used Plainfield or Universal with who knows reliability and rounds through it in the $500 and up range.
Seeing how I would not be shooting past 100 yards mostly, the flip sight might be on target anyway and if not could change it out like you did. For a shooter, to shoot and shoot thousands of rounds through in a matter of a few years so far the Kahr AO is looking like a top contender.
My Inland Mfg new made M1 is a piece of crap. Sent back at least twice and barely functions without jams. Loose as a goose and rattles like a metal trash can lid. Waste of 1,049 dollars even with the free T-shirt they sent to “make up” for such a poor product.
amd6547
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I bought this Auto Ordnance used for less than $500 last year, at a local shop.
It has proven to be a reliable shooter, and is a dedicated HD weapon. I keep it handy, with a 15rd mag of Hornady Critical Defense.
It has proven to be a reliable shooter, and is a dedicated HD weapon. I keep it handy, with a 15rd mag of Hornady Critical Defense.
Trunk Monkey
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Thanks
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lionking
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Either way like I thought it is already getting bid up on, and based on this thread info and I thinking of getting non collectible shooter, it seems Kahr Auto Ordnance is what I leaning toward, the pic in the thread influenced me also to a bit lol, BLO!!!!!
NIGHTLORD40K
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Totally different companies, same name, both located in Dayton (within a block of each other.)
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