M1 Carbines...

[MoJo]

For you who have an M1 carbine and are looking for a reliable home defense round check out the CorBon DPX loading. They aren't cheap but, neither is your life. If I had one that's what the first mag would be loaded with.

[doc540]

For you who have an M1 carbine and are looking for a reliable home defense round check out the CorBon DPX loading. They aren't cheap but, neither is your life. If I had one that's what the first mag would be loaded with.

Are they Barnes all copper?

good rounds, indeed

[74novaman]

truth be known....my dad who will turn 90 in November has forgotten that I earned the money for that carbine.

Over the years, it's become his home defense rifle.

He keeps it handy with a loaded, 30 round mag.

I'm totally fine with that, and once in a while I ask if I can "borrow it" for a range trip.

Very cool story, and nice gun.

[Weg]

.30 Carbines are great little guns, as long as you understand their limitiations, it's basically .357ish in power. Also, If you get a G.I. Carbine, it was made before 1946, so it's probably gonna have worn parts.I've shot and killed hogs with mine ( in the neck at close range, 50 yrds or so) and put them down quite well. As for which ones to get...any G.I. carbine, I once had a Universal and it was junk. You will probably pay around $800 for one nowdays. Everyone I ever bought needed a new op rod spring, which are easy to find, think I bought several back in the 90's from Fulton Armoury. I shoot steel cased in mine, I have gone through one extractor, but I'm pretty sure it was the original one or close to it. Ammo is easy to find and will cost you around $18.00 per 50. Make sure you get a bolt dissassembly tool if you get a carbine as it is a tool you will need if your have to change a firing pin or extractor. My latest Carbine is an Inland, and has been very relible now that I have changed out the extractor and op rod spring.

[Zergrush]

I bought an IBM from the CMP because I thought it would be cool to have a firearm and a laptop from the same manufacturer. The laptop doesn't run so good anymore but the M1 is still going strong.

[Chemist45]

+1 on Universal carbines being junk.
Some had some GI surplus parts - all had poorly made receivers.
Nothing Jambs like a Universal!

[rm9792]

I got an IBM and a RockOla from CMP and they are very nice. The stock on the IBM was in very poor shape but the metal was perfect. I replaced the stock and put the IBM one in the attic. They are fun shooters.

[E150GT]

My uncle gave me an M1 carbine a couple of years ago. I don't know what year it is or even the anything about it. It is just marked "plainfield Manufacturing". Its a very reliable shooter although It is expensive to feed. I love the size of it.

[speedsix]

...it was made well after WWII...you can google up a lot on it...it was, in my opinion, better than the Universal...but not GI quality or value...

http://www.m1carbinesinc.com/carbine_plainfield.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[G26ster]

Dang! The minute I go on vacation, a subject I actually know something about comes up Any USGI carbine from one of the 11 manufacturers will be fine. Avoid Universals, Plainfields, etc. that are commercial carbines. They are not so hot. I have 4 M1 carbines: 2 Inlands, a Rock-Ola, and a Quality Hardware. M1 Carbines that are not "mixmasters" are very hard to find and very expensive. The vast majority went thru the war and post war rebuild programs, and no attention was made to which of the 11 prime contractors parts were put in. Just look for a good condition, good bore, low muzzle wear carbine and you're good to go. I have not had to change a single part in mine, although I have swapped parts to "restore" them as they came from the factory.

If you don't have the CMP .30 Carbine muzzle gauge, you can use a 30.06 round placed in the muzzle. If any of the bullet is still visible, you are good to go. 1/4" bullet showing would be about 0 muzzle wear. Most will group 2-3" at 100 yds and are OK for small game. As for ammo, I buy only prvi partisan 110 gr SP ammo for under $18/50 on the web, or thru Cabelas when they have a sale. In over 700 rds, in 4 carbines, I never had an issue. make sure you get a set of headspace gauges too. At least the GO and FIELD gauges for sure. Never fire a carbine without checking the headspace. True of any rifle.

The best place to buy one is on the CMP Forum Carbine Parts Forum:

http://forums.thecmp.org/forumdisplay.php?f=88" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

New ones for sale pop up everyday. A good one can be found for $700 or less. If you are looking for a "shooter" it's best to buy a mixmaster that has the latest adjustable sights, and flip safety. Collectors like the old 2 position flip sights and push button safeties, but they don't help accuracy. if you are looking for a "collector" grade, then the CMP still has them "at auction" but you will pay thru the nose for one of those.

I'd be happy to help anyone considering buying an M1 carbine, and tell you what key questions to ask the seller.