Want a new rifle...HELP

[Carbon_15]

I'm considering buying either an m4 style Ar-15 or an M1 Carbine...but I would be happy to hear all suggestion, I could have over looked something. I already have an AK and SKS so I have that base covered. This new rifle is just going to be a range plinker toy and I have a $1k upper limit. I have owned ar's in the past, but have never shot an M1 Carbine, so give me some details about how it shoots. Does it feel like a pistol caliber carbine?

AR-15 Pros
1. Easy to mount and quick detach optics
2. Cooler looking
3. Modular (from reddot/m4 to 24in bullbarrel/high power scope, to pistol caliber in seconds)
4. lots of accessories
5. accurate and flat shooting

Ar-15 Cons
1. Lots of Accessories
2. Expensive
3. too trendy/popular
4. a pain to clean, lots of nooks and cranys
5. complicated, lots of small parts

Carbine Pros
1. CHEAPER, leaving enough money in the $1k budget for a new handgun and case of ammo
2. lighter
3. not as trendy/ubertactical
4. no aftermarket necessities for me to go overboard on
5. easier to clean
6. the wife wants one

Carbine cons
1. relativly weak caliber
2. not as cool looking
3. no optics
4. not modular, what you see is what you get.
5. I already have lots of rifles with wood and blued steel

 

[Father Knows Best]

It really comes down to personal preference. You've nailed the pros/cons -- now you need to weigh them.

Personally, I love the M1 carbine. To my eyes, it is a beautiful rifle. It is lightweight and light recoiling, making it fun to shoot. It's excellent for training new shooters. And it's a piece of history.

But that's just me....

 

[Dave Markowitz]

Good rundown of the pros and cons. However, what do you want to use the rifle for? That's critical in making your decision.

FWIW, IMO if the purpose of the rifle is just to have one, go get a USGI M1 Carbine. They aren't making any more and the value keeps increasing. You can get an AR anytime.

 

[MachIVshooter]

The obvious solution to your dilemma is to get both. If it were me, I'd get the AR first. It is a far more versatile weapon and magazines are available anywhere for cheap, as is ammo.

The M-1 carbine is a unique little firearm, but as you noted, the original configuration is about the only configuration. And the round is anemic. It was supposed to be a compromise between handguns and rifles, but it ended up with the least desireable traits of both. A medium bore rifle bullet with slightly higher than handgun velocities is not very effective. It is too slow to penetrate hard targets effectively or cause cavity stretch, and the small diameter roundnose bullet does not have very much of the crushing and tearing ability that handgun bullets need to be effective.

 

[palerider1]

Get them both,,,,why not you only live once. sounds like you like them both so pick the one you like best and get that one first. my rifles i want to get are colt ar-15, springfield 1903 30-06, winchester m-17 enfield, m1 carbine, and m1 garand. i want to build a custom disply case with an american flag on the background to show them off. a piece of history.

 

[Father Knows Best]

The obvious solution to your dilemma is to get both. If it were me, I'd get the AR first. It is a far more versatile weapon and magazines are available anywhere for cheap, as is ammo.

I don't think magazine and ammo prices are significantly different. More than 6 million M1 carbines were made for the U.S. military, and the number of USGI magazines floating around has to be some multiple of that. 15 and 30 round (M2) USGI mags are plentiful and cheap, even in brand new (still in the wrap) condition. .30 carbine ammo is also plentiful and cheap.

Personally, I don't care for the AR, so I don't have one. I have M1 Garands, several .308 battle rifles (FAL and G3), an AK, a couple of bolt rifles, three lever rifles, etc. I also have an M1 carbine, which I love. I don't have an AR and don't feel the need to get one.

 

[lycanthrope]

Carbine caliber AR.

Problem solved.

 

[Essex County]

I was issued both back in the '60's. I really enjoyed the carbine, but today I only have AR's. It"s a good platform. I just don't want to pay current prices for a nice carbine and then tool up for a 17th cartridge. Just be happy with whitchever way you go........Essex

 

[MechAg94]

6. the wife wants one

Doesn't this pretty much decide the issue?