Auto Ordinance M1 carbine Review

Nice article. Was wondering about the quality of these carbines. Think I will stick to my USGI ones.

Like the article's writer, I have a Saginaw carbine with orginal parkerizing, flip sights and no bayonet lug. (No post-war refurb.) The one thing I need to complete it a little better is the Type II Trimble TN or RSG high wood stock, but I have not seen many around and it is impossible to import them from the States.
 
Last edited:
I bought one of these a month ago from Ellwood Epps. I concur with some of the observations particularly the failure to feed. I thought it might be the magazines but I'll look into getting a new return spring. Despite some of the minor issues I still am glad I bought it. If for nothing else, an unrestricted M1 Carbine is gonna make a great truck gun.
 

These appear to have been written 1 -3 years ago. I just got back from the range this afternoon. So far mine is working well with the exception of the two 5/30 mags that I bought extra. I must say the wood was exceptional on my carbine and I've enjoyed it so far. Not to discount these blogs but maybe they have rectified the problem since these complaints came out. Nonetheless they are troubling to read. Thanks for that. Stay tuned.
 
One of the comments was from a guy saying his father had found the original M1 Carbines in the war a POS. He dumped his as soon as he could.

I owned one- A Universal.(Commercial, non GI) What a POS!
 
I have a 42 dated Underwood, works flawlesssly with the two 5 rnd mags and the two pinned to 5, 15 rndr's that I have. Never shot it with the original barrel but shoot it a bit with it's new 19"er. 2" group at a 100 with 110 gr Sierra rnsp. Better than most from what I have read from others, probably be my 100 yd deer rifle this fall.
 
in bold lies your problem LOL

I got a few, my first being a universal.

Agreed. I've handled a few USGI ones and they looked a ton better than Universal.

Still not fond of the calibre though...basically a hot pistol calibre.

Why not go .223? (which I did...traded the M1 in on a new at the time Mini 14)
 
OK so I have to eat my words from an earlier post on this thread. Went out and bought one of these carbines purely for the fact its NR. Had it out to the range this afternoon and ran 100 rounds through it and have to say that the feeding and accuracy on it were impressive for a carbine. Before firing I took it all apart and lubed it up properly so there would be no excuse if it didn't cycle properly. Oh there was a few FTF but not any more than I sometimes get on my USGI carbines. It even seemed to like the 5/30 round mag which my other carbines don't seem to like.

I will say my USGI carbines come apart alot easier but we are taking about 70 years old guns that have been worned in compared to a brand new gun. Only real disappointment was the mag catch. You needed to play with it a bit in order to get the loaded mag to seat. I'm hoping that will go away with use.

Feel like I got a good deal from Phoenix Gun Range for $845.95 (before tax). Believe I saw them going at other places for $899 plus shipping.

All in all quite happy with it so far.
 
If I'd ever seen one of these, I'd definitely look hard at buying one. The odd thing about the Carbine (from a Canadian perspective, of course) is that probably the most useful, useable rifle available is restricted to the range.
 
Back
Top Bottom