The venerable M1 Carbine .30 cal

[USCGME2]

Wanted to get some thoughts on the "pistol cartrige that thinks its a rifle" . I had one at one time but, lost it to some family drama when my pops died back in '06. I do wish I had it back though. Anyway, I still have several mags, a few hundred bullets and a few other related trinkets. Been thinking about gettin a new (used or otherwise) one. A friend of mine has one I may be able to make a deal on. Anyways, just wanted to hear from the peanut gallery on the pros and cons of the "little rifle that could" . Need to know what to look for, what to avoid, etc.. Thanks ya'll.

[Redneckidokie]

Stay away from the Universal brand = trouble you don't want.
Khar makes a new one that is pretty nice, but pricey.
As for the originals just look them over for matching numbers. No cracks in the bolt or op handle. A lot of the barrels are smooth so check them especially the ones built from M2 autos.
The collector value makes them unattractive for most folks.
Korea and several countries just released some for repatriation if Osama will let them come home.
See what the buddy has. Maybe your best chance
Good luck.
PS also be ware of old surplus ammo. I had some blow up a paratrooper, took the bolt out.

[Ceorlmann]

I haven't fired one and such, but another thing I'd look for are spare parts for it. M1 carbines don't have readily available parts ready to buy like other rifles do (ARs, shotguns, etc.).

[kutkota]

I know nothing of them, but I have always liked the look of them. I love anything WWII era. I thinking in my previous life I would have really liked to have been able to take part in that war. Seems like a much more straight forward, good guys versus bad guys kind of battle. I just found an awesome antique store close by that has lots of higher end "junk" and he has alot of WWII memorabilia. Hope the wife doesn't check the account when I finally pull the trigger.

[mud]

My brother has one madw by general motors. I love the baby m1 fyi not all universal models are bad but the majority seems to be. Iver johnsons also have quality issues. Auto ordinace are making them from the ground up with all new parts.

[stmtrn]

another nice thing about the .30 carbine is there are some pistols out there that are also chambered in this size.

[ccove]

My dad had one. It was a blast to shoot. The wood stock and foregrip made it a little heavy based on the size.

[karatediver]

I've thought about getting one but finding ammo around here is tough. I don't mind reloading but I like to know there is some available in the area if I don't want to reload.

[williepete]

Guys read it and weep. I got my first Carbine from DCM back in '63. In cost all of $20 which included shipping. Since then around '08 I started buying three more from the current CMP. I just checked and they are out except for ones on auction which usually go pretty high. They are a lot of fun to shoot and can be pretty accurate out to 100 yards. As far as parts go, look for the bigger gun shows and I think you could find most everything you might need. I can't tell you what to watch for when buying one, other than the Inland models will probably be cheaper than most of the rest. CMP does have ammo for .40 cents a round.

Bill

[mud]

Universal branded are usually pretty crappy. Inland are generally good and well built. The GM model my brother has (he bought it for my dad years ago and it was returned to him via dad's will) are the rarest I think. Something like 2200 of them made. His may not be completely GM but the receiver is stamped 'General Motors'