M1 carbine mags

Claven2

Claven2

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I just ordered one of the recent import Israeli surplus M1 carbines, which I think is going to ship with a crappy and likely not very functional pro-mag magazine (yuck!). Sight unseen from G4C, so we'll see what they randomly ship me.

Is there a decent/reliable Canadian source of 15/5 mags around? And if not, I could also make due with 30/5 mags, but would strongly prefer the 15's.
 
The only Reliable source for M1 magazines are the online auctions. They show up quite frequently although the prices may make you regret your purchase. Stay away from aftermarket mags. They're cheap but, are a source of frustration. M1 Carbines should be FUN to shoot, not problematic.
 
Joe Amorosi said:
When you do find your magazines, don't SLAP them in on a closed bolt like the way you see it done on TV. You will bend the feed lips and then they're junk. Just push them in till you hear the click
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I'm not new to the M1 carbine, I;ve owned probably 10+ of them over the years, but sold them all a few years back when I was gravitating away from semi autos. should have kept one and a few mags. Oh well, live and learn.
 
Ive got a bunch of 5/15 USGI and KCI. KCI are just as reliable but stay away from non-gi 5/30's even the KCI. Could never get them work reliably without the many FTF even on my carbines with a type IV catch (not really needed for 5 rd use!). Used to buy them from Marstar but seems they are all gone now. Buy and stash!
 
I have 2 M1 Carbines that were imported from Israel, be advised they were rode hard and just had the sand dusted off. I have over 4,000 reloads (Cast lead & fmj) downrange with them and found that KCI mags work the flawlessly during 3 gun matches.. Being that they are 77 & 79 years old respectively I have had to replace 2 ejectors and springs, 2 extractors and springs, 1 slide. A suggestion if you are going to use it lots invest in a bolt assembly/ disassembly tool, you will not regret it.

I chose the M1 Carbine to replace my AR 15 due to the OIC. I had read a lot of opinions about other 5.56mm rifles and their assorted problems, so I went old school. Plus I mounted a Burris Fast Fire 3 on my main rifle, excellent option. I don't win any 3 gun matches with it as it is not as economic as many of the 5.56mm choices, nor does it have a large choice for competitive mag pouches. But it is FUN and I get style points! I use the 5/30 mags for matches and the 5/15 mags for zeroing and load development.

 
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KCI mags is the way to go. Make sure to use mil-spec ammo, many factory rounds' bullets are not as tapered as the GI used during the war and may cause failure to feed. The most reliable factory ammo now is ppu fmj. If you reload, campro 30 carbnine is mil-spec as the bullet is more tapered, stay away from armscor bullets. Some lead tip round nose ammo will jam consistently; the carbine was not designed for that ammo.

If you want to make the gun run everything, gunsmiths like vulcan gun refinishing can trim the chamber mouth to remove the sharp edge and make the round nose ammo feeds.
 
I bought 1,000 cast lead powder coated 110 grain bullets and had hundreds of carbine malfunctions because of the powder coating. I have shot over 2, 000 ordinary cast lead lubed bullets with no problems at all.
 
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