Commercial M1 Carbine Suggestions?

[mkl]

I'm seriously considering adding an M1 Carbine to my gun safe. I think there are several manufacturers making them today, but have no idea as to the relative quality of current offerings.

Some ideas/suggestions on what brand(s) I should consider would be appreciated. While I would really like a WWII original, the price of the truly mint ones seem to be a little out of my price range.

 

[Trebor]

As far as I know Kahr/Auto Ordance is the only company currently making a M-1 Carbine clone.

The AO guns seem to be "OK," by most reports. I don't have one myself.

The CMP is also selling USGI M-1 Carbines at decent prices. They sell out fast though. Check out the CMP page at www.odcmp.com for info on the program, the guns they have available, and what you have to do to qualify.

Avoid "Universal" or "Iver Johnson" M-1 Carbines. These were commercial clones made in the past. The problem is they redesigned the gun to make it easier to manufacture and there are some safety issues that happened as a result. That and not all parts will interchange with USGI parts.

The carbines made by "Planefield" are commercial clones that interchange with USGI parts and these have a good rep. They haven't been made in years, but are worth considering if you run across one.

 

[Sunray]

"...haven't been made in years..." Neither have Universals or IJ's. An non-IJ made Plainfield won't cost you anywhere near what AO(the only current manufacturer. MSRP is $775.) wants. Mind you, you have to find one that hasn't been abused.

 

[sarge83]

If you can't get a CMP USGI, I would look for a Plainfield.

Avoid the Universals, pure junk. You might get lucky and find one that works, hey it could happen...

Otherwise you are limited to the Kahr/auto ordinance for civilians. Seems like the Israelis made a commercial copy a few years back.

If you can get a CMP that is the ticket, I have a service grade and rack grade and can't tell the difference.

 

[Doug S]

The rack grade USGI carbines are in the same price range as the Kahr/AO gun. I recently picked up a Rock Ola, after looking at the Kahr/AO, and I have no doubt that my old carbine is at least as well made as the new model. I guess if you are concerned primarily with cosmetics, or just looking for a warranty, the new one is the way to go, but don't make the decision on the Kahr based on price alone. Personally, I was looking for one with history, and that was the basis of my purchase. The stock on my gun isn't pretty, but it does have character including two "kill" grooves cut into the bottom of the stock. That character alone was enough for me to not purchase the Kahr/AO, and to turn down a couple of trade offers on a Universal, and a like new Plainfield. Not to mention it just wouldn't feel the same, fondling a new AO gun, while watching Private Ryan, and old WWII movies If you get a surplus gun, it's also a lot of fun researching it, and identifying the parts on your gun. Sorry for the long winded plug on surplus carbines.

 

[telebob]

Kahr/AO

I've owned a Kahr/AO for a couple of years. It's been very reliable. The only problems I've had with it were aftermarket mag related. It runs great with USGI mags. Keep it clean and you should have few problems.

I've used it for general plinking and competition. It wears a Burris scout scope on an Ultimak rail and will shoot about 2 MOA at 50 yards.

 

[mkl]

Thanks for the information guys.

There's a gun show in a couple of weeks, and I'll keep an eye out for either a Plainfield or the AO.