who makes the best M1 carbine?
- Thread starter JTF#
- Start date
Go with a USGI if you can get your hands on one. The fit and finish seem to be much better than any of the aftermarket ones. I had an Auto Ordnance one for a while but just found I prefer the real ones.
Finding one with a paratrooper stock will be even more of a challenge as anything that is original will be very pricey. Good option is to purchase a carbine and look for an aftermarket paratrooper stock. I found I did not really like the paratrooper stock to shoot with. Did not like the feel of the steel rod against my check. Not the most comfortable.
Finding one with a paratrooper stock will be even more of a challenge as anything that is original will be very pricey. Good option is to purchase a carbine and look for an aftermarket paratrooper stock. I found I did not really like the paratrooper stock to shoot with. Did not like the feel of the steel rod against my check. Not the most comfortable.
I also say get a usgi one, better quality and value will only go up. I love mine. never been all that impressed with the new ones to hit the market.
Trevor
Ps. They are a blast to shoot and a lot more accurate than they get credit for. Nonrestricted is good to, because it does a great job on gofers.
Trevor
Ps. They are a blast to shoot and a lot more accurate than they get credit for. Nonrestricted is good to, because it does a great job on gofers.
I've got both.......Restricted in original configuration with flip side and no bayo lug. Restricted in post war re-built configuration with adjustable sights and bayo lug and a NR with a 19" replacement barrel.
And yes they are a hoot to shoot. Unfortunately the cost of ammo for them has gone up significantly.
And yes they are a hoot to shoot. Unfortunately the cost of ammo for them has gone up significantly.
The only reason to get a civilian copy would be to get it in non-restricted configuration. The best ones out there are the USGI ones, as pointed out.
A fantastic little rifle, and super easy to handload for as the ammunition is essentially a straight walled pistol cartridge. Handloading is the only way to fly with these things.
I'm quite suprised we haven't seen Norinco copies yet...
A fantastic little rifle, and super easy to handload for as the ammunition is essentially a straight walled pistol cartridge. Handloading is the only way to fly with these things.
I'm quite suprised we haven't seen Norinco copies yet...
I sold a vet bring back (Korea) M1 with folding stock for $125. Wish I had it back.....
he also brought back his issue 1911 (Remington). I sold it for $100. Wish I had that one, too.
He was Canadian army, artillery. I never asked him why he had American small arms.
he also brought back his issue 1911 (Remington). I sold it for $100. Wish I had that one, too.
He was Canadian army, artillery. I never asked him why he had American small arms.
There was a great anecdote about that in one of the books about Kapyong; something about an M-1 carbine (or two?) going for a bottle of whiskey in Korean-War exchange-rate...
An old gentleman I hunted deer with 45 yrs ago told me he was issued an American carbine before they landed on Kiska. I wasn't smart enough at the time to put it all together. His son later showed me a picture of his dad taken at Helena Montana. Then the light came on- 1st Special Service Force. The gentleman who passed away years ago was a farmer/logger/trapper from the Bancroft area. Joined up as a Hasty P as did most Bancroft Army veterans. Hardly any left now but I did have the privilege of knowing a few.
USGI if you can find one in reasonable condition and don't mind the restricted status.
My Plainsfield Machine 70's vintage Carbine with the 19" barrel and "pot belly" stock has never let me down.
I bought it off of an M1 Carbine collector. He didnt want it because it was not genuine USGI.
My Plainsfield Machine 70's vintage Carbine with the 19" barrel and "pot belly" stock has never let me down.
I bought it off of an M1 Carbine collector. He didnt want it because it was not genuine USGI.
