Which Rifle--1903, or M1 Carbine?

[Eightball]

Which rifle for general purpose range fun? Already have an M1 Garand, so ammo commonality=good with the Springfield, but the M1 Carbine's supposedly fun to shoot. Assume both are surplus firearms, from the CMP (assuming the M1 Carbine's price to be around $600, $500 for 1903).

EDIT: I just checked the CMP's website, and the 03A3 exists in their invantory again. Would that change anyone's vote? Personally speaking, I think I'd prefer the peep sights of the thing to open sights, but that could just be me. Any more thoughts?

 

[BsChoy]

1903 hands down...it has seen boatloads of action and is one accurate firearm.

 

[HorseSoldier]

For me "general purpose range fun" is pretty much the textbook definition of the M1 Carbine.

As much history as the 1903, and as much combat time as well, but much more to the point, fun to shoot, and a great "gateway gun" for any and all relatives, friends, etc., who don't know squat about guns but are interesting in learning to shoot.

 

[Niner]

Depends

If the best score you can come up with at 100 yards is more important, the 1903A3 is the one to get. If general fun shooting, the carbine is the one to get. Get one now and one later. Neither will be a choice you will likely regret.

 

[Gator]

Well, from purely a logistical standpoint, get the '03 first because the CMP doesn't have very many and they will go quick. Then order the M1 in a couple of months....you HAVE to have both!

 

[MMcfpd]

If you're not too concerned with getting an historically significant piece, I think, based on what I've seen at gunshows this year, that you can do a lot better than $600 for the carbine ($350-400).

 

[FMJMIKE]

M1 carbine..........The Definition of FUN!!!

 

[CU74]

"General Purpose Range Fun"

I agree with HorseSoldier - M1 Carbine defined.

I already have a Garand and a Remington 03M3 - both are long-range .30-06 fun to shoot . I do NOT have a .30 M1 Carbine, but will rectify that as soon as CMP starts their sales program. I know enough not to expect the Carbine to match the Battle Rifles at distance, but that's not the point is it ?

 

[Eightball]

My preferred version of the 03 now exists in the CMP stockpiles--the 03A3. Would that change anyone's vote?

 

[vesmcd]

'03 = .30-06/lo cap/bolt action = NOT fun for most non(i.e., recoil sensitive)-shooters
M1 carbine = low recoil/semi-auto/hi cap = FUN!

Don't get me wrong, the '03, in all it's variations is one fine rifle, but I have not shot one .30-06 that was FUN to shoot. I admit it, I am a recoil puss. I like to put a lot of ammo down range and I don't want to get beat to death doin' it.

 

[Eightball]

Ever shot an M1 Garand?

For any interested, I already have an SKS, WASR, 10/22, and .357 revolver, which I would believe take care of the "recoil-sensitive first-time-shooter" thing, but feel free to correct me should I be wrong.

 

[vesmcd]

ever shot an M-1 Garand

Yeah,but a 9.5 pound rifle isn't fun to shoot for very long unless you are shooting from a rest.

 

[A guy from Texoma]

I have both a 1903 and M1 Carbine, and they are both fun to shoot. You might want to see if .30 carbine ammo is plentiful in your area. I've recently had to invest in reloading equipment because ammo for my carbine is harder than heck to find around here. When I do find it, it's usually $20 for a box of 50 FMJ, or $30-35 for a box of JHP.

 

[CZguy]

Don't get me wrong, the '03, in all it's variations is one fine rifle, but I have not shot one .30-06 that was FUN to shoot.

I've always thought of .30-06 as THE fun to shoot round.

 

[U.S.SFC_RET]

M1 carbines are a boatload of fun and a hoot to shoot but the 1903s are accurate. I have a 1903A3 that is very acurate, had it since '84 and I am not parting with it.

 

[byf43]

'03, hands down.

The carbine just doesn't float my boat.

 

[vesmcd]

I guess we have a consensus, then. The '03 is the most fun.....unless you are a carbine fan

 

[Eightball]

I guess we have a consensus, then. The '03 is the most fun.....unless you are a carbine fan

The votes are close to an even split, which isn't helping me choose any faster! :banghead:

 

[CZguy]

The votes are close to an even split, which isn't helping me choose any faster!

I have always avoided these difficult decisions, by buying both.

 

[Eightball]

You're not helping, CZguy Of course I'll eventually get both....the question is which one to get first? It could be close to a year before i get the other, if not more.

 

[vesmcd]

The horror. The horror.

 

[SaMx]

I guess if you like shooting very accurately at long distances the 1903 is for you, and if you like plinking at shorter ranges the carbine would probably be better.

 

[StrikeEagle]

I *love* the Garand... it's my favorite rifle, along with the Winchester 94. Love the look, the feel, the history, and the sound it makes.

Even more accurate is my 03A3. Astonishing accuracy even with surplus ball ammo. But... it kicks pretty good. Twenty rounds during one range session is plenty.

But the Carbine... Wooooooohoooooooo! LET THE GOOD TIMES ROLL!! Light, less filling... LOL. Easy recoil, accurate enough for informal target or plinking... large cap mags... plenty of history. The only 'hitch in its gitalong' is that ammo is not as cheap as it once was. But still... IMO, the Fun Factor of the Carbine is the highest of the three... by a considerable margin.