Early Universal M1 Carbine (99%+ for $599)?

[.455_Hunter]

A LGS has an essentially unfired and unhandled Universal M1 Carbine for $599 and includes a GI sling. The serial is 27XXX, which puts it in the early years where majority GI compatible parts were used (I believe). I would like a practical and shootable M1 Carbine, and don't need an authentic GI rebuild to make me happy. Does this seem like a good buy?

 

[Jackal]

The first Gen Universals were fantastic guns, every bit as good as their G.I counterparts. Forged receivers, G.I parts, etc.

 

[MosinT53Hunter]

I would say yes. I have one on lay-a-way, first Gen, serial is 80XXX. Looking forward to shooting it.

 

[Deltaboy1984]

Enjoy

 

[tkopp]

I have a later Universal that came with a fancy sporter stock was drilled and tapped for a scope mount. It runs beautifully.

 

[NIGHTLORD40K]

A LGS has an essentially unfired and unhandled Universal M1 Carbine for $599 and includes a GI sling. The serial is 27XXX, which puts it in the early years where majority GI compatible parts were used (I believe). I would like a practical and shootable M1 Carbine, and don't need an authentic GI rebuild to make me happy. Does this seem like a good buy?

Yes, worth every penny.

My 4-digit Uni is every bit as good as my 2 GI guns. The only GI parts are the recoil plate (Rockola, lol!), rear sight (Winchester), and the slide (Inland), with the rest of the internal parts being made by Universal, but fully compatible with GI bits. The receiver machining is very well done and the gun is crazy accurate for a Carbine. My kids regularly ring a 9" steel plate with it at 50yd. My dad even shot a 2.5" group at that range with it the first time he picked it up with three holes touching!

My only caveat is that the 5-digit guns will use an aluminum trigger housing which is wider at the tail end than the GI steel unit. I replaced the aluminum housing on mine just cuz it bugged me and I was concerned about accelerated wear and sloppy magazine engagement down the road. The GI trigger unit went right in with only minor fitting to the base of the receiver, but on your gun the stock cutout is different (longer, wider) and will look a bit goofy unless you also swap it for a GI stock (or a modern Auto Ordnance/Inland replacement stock).

However, this is a minor quibble only and if the gun is not going to see a ton of rounds or handling, it probably won't be an issue at all. Grab it and love it!

 

[.455_Hunter]

Kinda disappointing on the aluminium trigger group- I did not notice that yesterday when looking over the gun. Of course, AR-15's lowers are aluminium as well and nobody complains about them. I also would not be using this gun for 3-gun or other massive rounds count usages, so there is probably no issue.

 

[bannockburn]

.455_Hunter

I would say a Universal M1 Carbine, First Generation in mint condition, would be a very good buy at $599.

I bought my Universal M1 Carbine used nearly 40 years ago for the enormous sum of $100. It was a Second Generation model but was very well built and nicely finished. Had it for a number of years before I had to sell it when times were tough. I can't really afford a U.S.G.I. M1 Carbine right now but I could go for an early production Universal M1 carbine at that price!

 

[MosinT53Hunter]

.455_Hunter

I would say a Universal M1 Carbine, First Generation in mint condition, would be a very good buy at $599.

I bought my Universal M1 Carbine used nearly 40 years ago for the enormous sum of $100. It was a Second Generation model but was very well built and nicely finished. Had it for a number of years before I had to sell it when times were tough. I can't really afford a U.S.G.I. M1 Carbine right now but I could go for an early production Universal M1 carbine at that price!

In the same boat, I want an M1 Carbine, with some history on it, but USGI is getting a tad high, and I didn't want a new repro with teething problems. Found mine on Gunbroker for 535.00, so not too bad I think.

 

[NIGHTLORD40K]

Kinda disappointing on the aluminium trigger group- I did not notice that yesterday when looking over the gun. Of course, AR-15's lowers are aluminium as well and nobody complains about them. I also would not be using this gun for 3-gun or other massive rounds count usages, so there is probably no issue.

If you can find a stripped USGI trigger housing, all of the Universal small parts will drop right in- this may be a low-cost option for you.

I splurged on a compete USGI group from Amherst Depot, set me back about $150.....last I looked he still had a few stripped housings in the $35-40 range.

Sarco, Dupage Trading, and James River Armory may have some as well.....or you might look into a new production piece from AO or Inland if it bugs you as much as it did me, lol.

 

[CoalTrain49]

Well, it's either that or a thousand dollars for a GI.

Should work just fine for what you want and the price isn't out of line.

Go here for parts.

http://forums.thecmp.org/forumdisplay.php?f=88