Which would you prefer in a pinch, M1 Carbine or the SKS Paratrooper.

USSR
Kind of a srange mix of old and new but I like it

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Yep! Brings the 'ol girl into the 21st century.

Don

I own both and find both to be very robust, reliable designs. I would choose the M1 Carbine though, as it's a lighter, more ergonomic design for me. Also, ammuniton handling is easier without worrying about loose rounds coming off stripper clips.

Once I get my Aimpoint H1, I'll post my upcoming project...

The M1 probably is going to be reloaded faster for more rounds fired, but its basically a pistol in rifle form.

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No it isn't, it is a good bit more powerful than the average pistol, and affords better accuracy, longer range, better control, and a greater capacity. It really is about as close to a pistol as it is a M2 machine gun.

Both are good, reliable carbines, but one has much better ergonomics, is lighter/handier, has great sights, and just points better...that is the M1 Carbine. I would choose it hands down over any SKS, or an AK, or most else in that category.

So Maverick, why do you choose the 15-round mags with the carbine?

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Sometimes smaller can be better. It tends to get in the way less (30s can snag on things) and is significantly lighter, it just fits the role of the carbine better IMO. I have two additional ones stuffed in the pouch in the unlikely event that I need additional cartridges. I have some 30s, new Korean mags (which, BTW, work great) that I use for plinking, and they are fun, but I just like the 15s for more serious applications.

I'll take the SKS. M-1s don't seem to work reliably for me in the cold.

Really? Well now that's saying something cuz even with the 30 round mags, M1's about as handy as a pocket knife.

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Yeah, it isn't as if the little carbine is really held back with the 30s, just a little heavier, bulkier, & bigger...it still beats the tar out of the SKS para.

Which would you prefer in a pinch

Given the choices I would choose the M1 Carbine. My preference would be an AK47. Just beats the carbine in all categories. Carbine is sweet for what it was designed for; a replacement for the sidearm of support troops. It did perform well on the battle lines, I just prefer the 7.62X39mm over the .30 cal and again, preferred delivery of that caliber is the AK47.

I will vote for Made In USA every time.

What would you do in a pinch

The AK I own is US manufactured by Vector Arms, married to a Russian barrel/parts kit. I consider it American made. And yes. I shoot foriegn ammunition.Have made kill shots with both the .30 Carbine and the 7.62X39mm. Prefer the terminal ballistics of the 7.62X39mm. Who the hell voted for BHO?

I voted the SKS as it will have better downrange ballistics and Im more familiar with it. I dont think I have ever shot a M1 carbine but I have handled them. I sure wouldnt feel under gunned if I had a M1 carbine instead.

anther vote for the SKS...

I'm not sure I've seen this comparison before, but I like it and have never had to choose between either before. I've owned SKS's before a para and a standard length, but never owned an M1 Carbine. A friend of mine owned one but I never fired it.
The SKS's are hefty and over-built for what they do, but rock solid and reliable, but the sights do leave something to be desired. The para model is much handier than the standard length one IMO.
But that little ole' carbine is one handy rifle, has great sights, is reliable and if my shots were within 150yds I'd feel good about using it. I prefer 7.62X39 over .30 carbine, but if I had to choose one, for what they do, I'd prefer the M1 Carbine over the SKS.

M1, worked for my grandfather in WW2. If its not good enough for me its my problem not the rifles.

I like the light weight and handiness of my M1 Carbine, but I will take the firepower of the SKS, probably because I have more experience with my SKS over my Carbine. I keep the Carbine ready with the 1+2 mags loaded with SP's, and the SKS is empty. But, both are far behind the several AR15's around here.

Looks to me that "in a pinch" means up close and personal. So, six of one, half-dozen of the other. Already having a carbine a few feet away, I wouldn't bother to even think about some other critter. Why bother?

If I had to choose, it would be the one I picked up off the ground. Perhaps it's an "upgrade" during a fight. If I knew there was going to be a fight, I would either leave before anything started or use my own gun.

I think this is actually a difficult decision. The SKS has more power, but requires stripper clips to reload. The M1 Carbine is easier to use, uses magazines, but the cartridge is much weaker. For me, the determining factor would be contextual. Long term? Short term? Is this an immediate fight and I need to upgrade my pistol for a rifle? Do the bad guys have rifles? Is the fight at close range or longer range?

Another good answer would be to sling one and use the other while stuffing extra ammo in pockets.

I am assuming that in a pinch means that they are right up on top of us. SO a 15 or 30 rnd m1 carbine would be my choice.

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Same here. If facing multiple threats at close range,I choose the .30 carbine.

The carbine, because it's what is here at the moment.

SKS with AK mags. Without detachable mags I would lean towards the M1.
I currently have a M1, it was my grandfathers and will never leave my possession.