Any reason to get an M1 Carbine?
- Thread starter whm1974
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usp_fan
Member
whm1974,
I have one my Father in law gave me. It is light, handy, has great ballistics inside 100yards--think .357 carbine. There is no recoil, a ton of parts and mags available for cheap to reasonable prices.
Cleaning is easy and there's not much that can go wrong with one.
I can't think of a good reason not to have one.
The ammo is expensive if you buy it in small quantities, but check some of the bulk retailers. It isn't too bad then.
--usp_fan
I have one my Father in law gave me. It is light, handy, has great ballistics inside 100yards--think .357 carbine. There is no recoil, a ton of parts and mags available for cheap to reasonable prices.
Cleaning is easy and there's not much that can go wrong with one.
I can't think of a good reason not to have one.
The ammo is expensive if you buy it in small quantities, but check some of the bulk retailers. It isn't too bad then.
--usp_fan
There is definitely a M1 carbine on my "wish list" and probably within the next year or two at the most...
But based upon the limited research I've done I'll probably be getting a USGI rather than a clone (although if I was to get a clone I'd probably get the Kahr)
But based upon the limited research I've done I'll probably be getting a USGI rather than a clone (although if I was to get a clone I'd probably get the Kahr)
ChiefPilot
Member
I bought one of the AO M1 carbines last summer, and it has since far and away become my favorite rifle. It's as cheap to shoot as .223 (Georgia Arms Canned Heat .30 Carbine is $160/1000), there's virtually no recoil, it's reasonably accurate, 15 and 30 round magazines are plentiful, and finally, it's a home-grown American product. In the case of the AO M1, it's also backed by an American company.
I've used mine for small game hunting (Cottontails, specifically), which isn't something that you could do with a 7.62x39 or .223, but the 110gr FMJ rounds just make a nice hole. I've also used it for varmit hunting at closer ranges; 110gr soft points perform admirably.
I've used mine for small game hunting (Cottontails, specifically), which isn't something that you could do with a 7.62x39 or .223, but the 110gr FMJ rounds just make a nice hole. I've also used it for varmit hunting at closer ranges; 110gr soft points perform admirably.
Lord Bodak
Member
I'd be interested in owning an IBM one simply for historical purposes, but ammunition isn't cheap, that's for sure.
Mannlicher
Member
I checked out several Auto Ordinance M1 Carbines today at the Miami Gun Show. They are not bad, and priced around $550.
I have two USGI Carbines, and one Universal commercial one. They are fun to shoot, and reasonably accurate. I would not feel underguned in a 'social engagement' if I were carrying one.
I picked up two 500 round cans of Georgia Arms ammo at the show today. $159.95, out the door.
I have two USGI Carbines, and one Universal commercial one. They are fun to shoot, and reasonably accurate. I would not feel underguned in a 'social engagement' if I were carrying one.
I picked up two 500 round cans of Georgia Arms ammo at the show today. $159.95, out the door.
ChairborneRanger
Member
They are the original fun gun----a blast to shoot, cute to look at and (if you get a USGI model) historically quite fascinating.
Shooting them is kind of like having a .22 on steroids-----they are not real accurate, though----with a Carbine it's not "minutes of angle---MOA----but, minutes of pie plate".
It would not be my SHTF gun, but, if you already have something like an AR in .223, an M1 Garand and/or an M1A/M14, it would certainly make for a worthy addition for one's collection.
Shooting them is kind of like having a .22 on steroids-----they are not real accurate, though----with a Carbine it's not "minutes of angle---MOA----but, minutes of pie plate".
It would not be my SHTF gun, but, if you already have something like an AR in .223, an M1 Garand and/or an M1A/M14, it would certainly make for a worthy addition for one's collection.
Ammo's not that bad. .30 Carbine is on a par with pistol ammo prices (don't forget .30 Carbine comes in boxes of 50, not 20). There aren't too many calibers that can challenge the 7.62x39 in terms of economy (maybe surplus and/or corrosive ammo).
I just recently purchased a Saginaw M1 Carbine, and it's my favorite rifle to shoot. It's just plain fun. It's like shooting a .22, but beefier. Shooting my Carbine is like shooting my M1 Garand. It just makes me smile.
If you get a good barrel, they can be fairly accurate as well. I'd go with a USGI Carbine over the Kahr's. It'll cost not much more, and if you look around just a bit, you can find one in great shooting condition as well.
Find someone that owns one, and go shoot it. If you're not grinning ear to ear ( ), then don't buy one. I'll bet you a box of ammo that won't happen, however.
I just recently purchased a Saginaw M1 Carbine, and it's my favorite rifle to shoot. It's just plain fun. It's like shooting a .22, but beefier. Shooting my Carbine is like shooting my M1 Garand. It just makes me smile.
If you get a good barrel, they can be fairly accurate as well. I'd go with a USGI Carbine over the Kahr's. It'll cost not much more, and if you look around just a bit, you can find one in great shooting condition as well.
Find someone that owns one, and go shoot it. If you're not grinning ear to ear (
), then don't buy one. I'll bet you a box of ammo that won't happen, however.Texian Pistolero
member
One thing that no one has mentioned is that the M-1 Carbine is a great gun to hand to someone who isn't really into guns, as a loaner in a crisis situation. If the wife isn't into guns, the carbine is OPTIMUM. After all, that's pretty much what it was designed for in the first place.
When I had better eyes, I could get 5 inch groups at 100 yards, using a big black target, the front post, and cheek weld rather than rear sight.
My only beef on the carbine is that the safety is tiny, and I have bobbled it a few times under stress.
Obviously, it lacks the power of larger cartridges, but Audie Murphy didn't have a problem with it, (when a track mounted Ma Deuce wasn't handy.)
When I had better eyes, I could get 5 inch groups at 100 yards, using a big black target, the front post, and cheek weld rather than rear sight.
My only beef on the carbine is that the safety is tiny, and I have bobbled it a few times under stress.
Obviously, it lacks the power of larger cartridges, but Audie Murphy didn't have a problem with it, (when a track mounted Ma Deuce wasn't handy.)
JNewell
Member
They're fun...good sights...light weight...easy to shoot...important piece of 20th century history...all the fun of "evil assault weapons" without the "black" visual effects that make some of your friends and family a little nervous...they will love this gun, and you will too...
oneshooter
Member
Loving Wife would not give up HER carbine for love nor money. Low recoil, accurate enough out to 100yds ( com bad guy) powerfull enough at the same range, fun to shoot. 1-30rd in gun, 2-15rd on stock,Winchester 110gr JHP.
Oneshooter
Livin in Texas
Oneshooter
Livin in Texas
They are good shooters. They're about as powerful as a .357 magnum, so as stated, I wouldn't use one much beyond 100 yards, and my Kahr would be accurate enough that far out. I think 150 would be pushing it.
It's a fun gun in a larger caliber than .223, and if you shop around, you can get good deals on ammo. One of the nearby stores offers the 50 round box for about ten bucks. Wal-Mart has it for fourteen. I suppose you could buy a Storm, or something, but the carbine is just too much fun. Only thing I'd trade it for is an M2. There's a pipe dream.
It's a fun gun in a larger caliber than .223, and if you shop around, you can get good deals on ammo. One of the nearby stores offers the 50 round box for about ten bucks. Wal-Mart has it for fourteen. I suppose you could buy a Storm, or something, but the carbine is just too much fun. Only thing I'd trade it for is an M2. There's a pipe dream.
VG
Member
That's probably why I see most SKS shooters shooting at the 50 yard range. For the level of accuracy provided by most ex-Commie 7.62x39 loadings, it should be 1/3rd as much.
Compared to one of the inexpensive milsurp rifles that shoot 7.62x39, the M1 Carbine is much lighter; has much better sights and a longer sight radius; and magazines are readily available, light and compact.
A good one is much more accurate than the AKM's and the like that some folks favor. I have an NPM with most of the late-war modifications, and bought the stories of Carbines not being particularly accurate. I was thus surprised to spend a few rounds zeroing and than shoot 9,9,X,7,7 in the first five rounds at a 100 yard target.
The Carbine was revered by most jungle fighters.
TexasRifleman
Moderator Emeritus
Lost of fun to shoot, and as mentioned of historical interest. Don't get a clone though, search around and get a surplus Carbine. That way it's a genuine conversation piece for pretty much the same money.
They hold up very well and the ammo isn't as bad as it seems. Truth is you probably won't shoot it that much, but they are a neat item.
Check into the paratrooper replica folding stocks if your location allows such a horrible evil item, they make the rifle even more of a rarity.
They hold up very well and the ammo isn't as bad as it seems. Truth is you probably won't shoot it that much, but they are a neat item.
Check into the paratrooper replica folding stocks if your location allows such a horrible evil item, they make the rifle even more of a rarity.
Fly320s
Member
whm1974,
Some indoor ranges will allow that caliber, as it is not too powerful. It won't damage the bullet trap/backstop.
You won't get the 100 yards to shoot across, but you can still have fun.
Some indoor ranges will allow that caliber, as it is not too powerful. It won't damage the bullet trap/backstop.
You won't get the 100 yards to shoot across, but you can still have fun.
steveno
Member
one of the all time best jack rabbitt guns
DMK
Member
Other than the fact that it's semi-auto, what's the benefit of an M1 over a lever action .357 or .44?
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First, like Mannlicher says they're fun. Pop, pop, pop! all day without any shoulder pain (important when you're getting older and less he-manish). Second, ammunition isn't terribly expensive.
Advantage over a lever gun - easier to work on. Hey, it's GI so it's designed to be easy for city boys who have no mechanical aptitude.
Advantage over a lever gun - easier to work on. Hey, it's GI so it's designed to be easy for city boys who have no mechanical aptitude.
ID_shooting
Member
I traded my primary hunting rifle to get one. They are THAT much fun. This was even before I found out that .30 carbine has more ft lbs on target @ 100 than .357 mag does @ the muzzle.
With all the cheap mags, cheep ammo (if you shop around) bayo lug, field repairable and parts kits cheep, inter-changable (at least the mil-spec ones), and easy to come by, it is my primary SHTF carbine for close combat <150 yards or so. Beyond that, not much knock down power but the same could be said for any small carbine.
I just wish Ace made a stock set for it.
BTW, Speer makes 110 gr Hot-Core spire points for it, havn't tried them yet, but I want to.
With all the cheap mags, cheep ammo (if you shop around) bayo lug, field repairable and parts kits cheep, inter-changable (at least the mil-spec ones), and easy to come by, it is my primary SHTF carbine for close combat <150 yards or so. Beyond that, not much knock down power but the same could be said for any small carbine.
I just wish Ace made a stock set for it.
BTW, Speer makes 110 gr Hot-Core spire points for it, havn't tried them yet, but I want to.
El Rojo
Member
I need to shoot mine more! They are fun guns. Go get one and you won't regret it.
ChiefPilot
Member
Compared to a lever action .357/.44, the M1 Carbine is lighter, higher capacity, tougher, easier to disassemble/clean/reassemble, and has better iron sights. I like my lever gun, but if I had to choose between them it wouldn't be much of a choice.
The only real positive I can think of for the lever gun is you can share ammo between it and your same caliber revolver. Since I don't have a revolver, however, that advantage isn't applicable in my situation.
The only real positive I can think of for the lever gun is you can share ammo between it and your same caliber revolver. Since I don't have a revolver, however, that advantage isn't applicable in my situation.
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