View Full Version : M1 Carbine still useful today???
WhiteWulf
06-24-2006, 21:23
I swore I would never buy one, but today found myself trading for a 1943 M1 Carbine. Why I did this is, I have yet to figure out. But the little sucker has to be the most impressive carbine I have ever seen. Use to seeing old worn out rusted junky m1 carbines. But this one has little if any wear and tear marks. Has the orginal case bayonet and one of the side folding paratrooper stocks. Kinda puts me in the mind of a jacked up .22 mag. Anyways I bought the gun to be used in the field and not to be a collector piece. So after a little hard use will post results. Noticed a variety of new manufactured 30 cal ammo, wonder if it can be bought at wal-mart or just special order. Ask this question because Remington, Winchester and American eagle are all making new .30 cal ammo and kinda figured it might be for sale at just about any ammo store?Anyway's back to the orginal question. Is the M1 Carbine still useful today? I would belive that with some of the hot sp loads the m1 would be just as effective as any other light sub type rifle or pistol at close range? What does everyone else think?
gunrun45
06-25-2006, 00:32
Guns & Ammo -Law Enforcement version, just debated this question not more than 2 months ago. They decided that with modern SP or HP ammo, it is still a viable gun for LE today when compared to a shotgun. I love mine and cherrish its history, accuracy and pack-ability.
Several companies make 30 carbine ammo today so your choices are almost 3x what they were 10 years ago. That's not counting re-loading!
Enjoy your new carbine.
faawrenchbndr
06-25-2006, 08:34
I can get .30 Carbine over the counter at WalMart here in Ga.
.30 Carbine ammunition is pretty easy to come by. Most gun shops stock it, as does the 'Evil Empire' (wal-mart), and many other big box stores.
You can also order many flavors of it over the internet.
One thing is for sure, you will never run out of .30 Carbine ammo!
Reloading is a great option too!
Of course the M1 Carbine is still useful. It was useful 60 years ago, and is still useful today. It just depends on what you wish to use it for. The design is still as viable today as it was then.
I am 'on the fence' about getting an M1 for myself. They are neat little weapons, but every time I see one I have to pass on it for some reason. Kind of reminds me of a .30 caliber 10/22.
I am sure that someday one will follow me home.
Enjoy your 'new' M1 and...
Good Shooting!
Speedbump
07-15-2008, 15:27
Isn't there a company that can build or re-chamber an M1 to a 357 mag?
planeflyer21
07-15-2008, 17:19
I found reference recently to someone who had been doing conversions on M1 Carbines.
Not .357 though...9mm magnum!
Jon
Compact, light, reliable, rugged, widely available ammo, good magazine capacity and availability, reasonably accurate ...that's a LOT of good things!
Watch WWII films closely and you'll see a lot of front line combat troops, including Marines, carrying them into battle. Same with early Viet Nam.
A few years ago I read a very persuasive editorial by a seasoned LEO who pointed out all those qualities, including the .30 carbine round's terminal ballistics, and then made the case for buying M1 Carbines vs ARs for patrol work and vs the fashionable (and much more expensive) MP5 9mm for SWAT work in smaller agencies. Think about it.
Good shooting.
The Resurection of a 2 year old thread!
Speedbump
07-15-2008, 18:20
I would NOT want to carrie it for patrol rifle. The .30 round just dosen't have the guts for police work!! Talk to some WW2 vets and Korean War vets. It dosen't have the power needed. The rifle it's self is a damn good rifle, the ammo is the problem. I know some officers that carried them years ago when they flooded the maket. One that sticks to mind; he had to fire into the windshild of a car. The rounds didn't get past the windshild. Like I said, the ammo is the problem. If Carbine Williams would have chambered it for the 357 mag, OH BOY!!! (Retired Deputy Sheriff)
StevieGuns77
07-15-2008, 21:32
My buddies dad is a police chief in one of the local suburbs here. He (my buddy not his dad) that his dad shot an old m1 through a bulet proof vest at the PD. He said it went thru both sides. Is the round capable of that? Im thinking the vest was older and it was close range but my buddy could be misinformed. Opinions?
uncle jerky
07-15-2008, 23:07
I like mine very much and IF I was a soldier, or IF I was a policeman, or IF I ever had to defend my family or home of self, or IF I had to hunt for food, I would not have any qualms about using the M1 Carbine:)
In March 2007, Dallas PD had a similar experience with issued AR ammo. Car chase, officer exited patrol car and approached perp's car, perp fired from inside and killed officer, all the while other officers' (6-7) covering fire including ARs was glancing off perp's windshield.
If the test of a good patrol rifle is penetrating car windshields/bodies, then the AR has shortcomings, too.
If the test of a good patrol rifle is putting a perp down with one torso shot, then the M-4 configuration has shortcomings, too, according to Iraq/Afghanistan reports from our troops.
So, the under 100yd performance-on-the-street gap between the M1 Carbine and the typical LEO AR configuration is not as favorable to the AR as some would argue.
Speedbump
07-16-2008, 08:59
Yes, an M-1 round can enter/exit a vest that dosen't have the trauma plate in it. The 223/5.56mm round can enter/exit a vest with the trauma plate in it. As we can all agree, both rounds have short comings. This is way the U.S. Military is GOING to re-vamp the AR/M-16 to the 6.8mm in the future. Dose anyone know if this is the .243 cal? If it is, I hope Ruger puts a Mini on the market in the .243! A lot of deer has been killed with that round.
magnomark
07-16-2008, 09:57
;)Speedbump-6.8mm=.277cal or .270 in common language.
Whitewulf.................The WW II M1 Carbines with folding stocks are very valuable nowadays. Just the stock itself is selling for $1200. Can you post photos ??? You may have hit the jackpot !!! Yes......The M1 Carbine is a viable rifle today. Just put Remington jacketed hollowpoints in your mags. Georgia Arms Canned Heat is a good choice for FMJ ammo. There are many complaints about the Russian Wolf ammo so don't use it. It could break your extractor. I have 5 Carbines and love them all. I keep an Inland near my bed just in case..........;)
Here is a photo of the Inland.........:rolleyes:
http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e350/mbmphoto/Inland1H.jpg
GREYBEAR
07-16-2008, 21:03
The other day the Military Channel did a show on the French Foreign Legion, and they said in Vietnam the Legion liked to use the M1 Carbine. They then showed with ballistic clay what the difference in wounds were between the M1 and I think it was a Garand. The Garand with 30-06, made a nice hole going in and a bigger one going out. The M1 BLEW the ballistic clay apart, and this shocked even the shooter. At long range it may not be too effective, but at close range, the M1 will be nasty.
:beer::rapid:
Maccabee
07-17-2008, 00:23
Sure it is! Firearms Trainer John Farnum just recently got reaquainted with one and he now believes it is the finest Car Gun around. Ammo is even Available from Wolf. Folks have hunted deer with it for decades using Soft Points and now, I believe that it's CorBon that is making rounds for it with the Barnes X-Bullet designed specifically for it. The X-Bullet is availabel for reloading.
As far as not being able to put a bad guy down. I doubt that includes the use of Soft Points and Barnes' new X-Hollowpoint.
God knows I regret selling my last one about 10 years ago.
A side note: Unless things have changed alot in the past 10 years, stick with 15 Round Mags. Most of the 30's suck. I had one good GI 30 Rounder and it generally went in the carbine first. SKS Chest Pouches carry the 15 Rounders nicely.
CR ><>
COBRADOC
07-17-2008, 19:25
I served two tours in Vietnam. Each time I arrived I was issued an M-16, which I quickly placed back in the arms room as soon as I could acquire an M1 carbine. No, they didn't have the long range killing power of the AR/M16, but I NEVER, I repeat, NEVER had a malfunction. There isn't a soldier alive that has been in combat that can say that about an AR/M-16, and there lots of dead ones that wish they could. For close in, you can't beat the little carbine.
worrdogg
07-17-2008, 23:19
COBRADOC
Just wanted to say that your Quote is the best I read so far !!!!!!
Speedbump
07-18-2008, 07:47
The M-1 Carbine is a good weapon, but as stated before the ammo is not what I'd want to use in battle. I have talked with a few people about the M-1, the story that sticks out the most is from a Retired Army Officer that lives in Clinton Arkansas. He told me when he was a young 2nd Lt. in the Korean War fighting at the Frozen Chosin he had shot a Chinese soldier with his M-1 emptying his 15 round mag. He went on to tell me that he was so close, he could see the chinese soldiers blood shot eyes! He said the only thing that saved his life was his Sgt. that shot the Chinese soldier with his M-3 SMG. He said after he and his Sgt. checked the body for intell, they noticed the M-1 Carbine rounds DID NOT enter the body. The rounds had been stoped by the Chinese Soldiers heavy winter uniform. Another story that I know is true, is about a Michigan State Trooper that went on a domistic between a husband and wife. When the Trooper was walking out in a wooded area looking for the suspect; the suspect shot the trooper in the head from 40 yards away with a M-1 Carbine knocking him out. The suspect was shot dead sometime later by a SWAT Team, and the Trooper that had been shot in the head got a slight concussion and returned to duty 2 weeks later. NO, he didn't have on a kev helmet ether. I'm sorry, but I would not want to bet my life on the M-1 with it's .30 ammo.
The M-1 Carbine is a good weapon, but as stated before the ammo is not what I'd want to use in battle. I have talked with a few people about the M-1, the story that sticks out the most is from a Retired Army Officer that lives in Clinton Arkansas. He told me when he was a young 2nd Lt. in the Korean War fighting at the Frozen Chosin he had shot a Chinese soldier with his M-1 emptying his 15 round mag. He went on to tell me that he was so close, he could see the chinese soldiers blood shot eyes! He said the only thing that saved his life was his Sgt. that shot the Chinese soldier with his M-3 SMG. He said after he and his Sgt. checked the body for intell, they noticed the M-1 Carbine rounds DID NOT enter the body. The rounds had been stoped by the Chinese Soldiers heavy winter uniform. Another story that I know is true, is about a Michigan State Trooper that went on a domistic between a husband and wife. When the Trooper was walking out in a wooded area looking for the suspect; the suspect shot the trooper in the head from 40 yards away with a M-1 Carbine knocking him out. The suspect was shot dead sometime later by a SWAT Team, and the Trooper that had been shot in the head got a slight concussion and returned to duty 2 weeks later. NO, he didn't have on a kev helmet ether. I'm sorry, but I would not want to bet my life on the M-1 with it's .30 ammo.
I have several M1 Carbines. When I got my first one I took it outside and fired one FMJ round into a 14 inch diameter stump in my backyard. The round went all the way through the stump and kept going!!! So I find it very doubtful that a frozen Chinese coat would stop a M1 Carbine round. It is more likely that the GI just did not hit his target. The round to the head of the officer was most likely a ricochet and had lost most of the bullets velocity when it hit him. There are plenty of dead germans and Japanese that wish the M1 Carbine round was a weak as you believe it is. Lesson is don't believe everything you hear. Get a Carbine and try it out.
Maccabee
07-18-2008, 21:05
The M-1 Carbine is a good weapon, but as stated before the ammo is not what I'd want to use in battle. I have talked with a few people about the M-1, the story that sticks out the most is from a Retired Army Officer that lives in Clinton Arkansas. He told me when he was a young 2nd Lt. in the Korean War fighting at the Frozen Chosin he had shot a Chinese soldier with his M-1 emptying his 15 round mag. He went on to tell me that he was so close, he could see the chinese soldiers blood shot eyes! He said the only thing that saved his life was his Sgt. that shot the Chinese soldier with his M-3 SMG. He said after he and his Sgt. checked the body for intell, they noticed the M-1 Carbine rounds DID NOT enter the body. The rounds had been stoped by the Chinese Soldiers heavy winter uniform. Another story that I know is true, is about a Michigan State Trooper that went on a domistic between a husband and wife. When the Trooper was walking out in a wooded area looking for the suspect; the suspect shot the trooper in the head from 40 yards away with a M-1 Carbine knocking him out. The suspect was shot dead sometime later by a SWAT Team, and the Trooper that had been shot in the head got a slight concussion and returned to duty 2 weeks later. NO, he didn't have on a kev helmet ether. I'm sorry, but I would not want to bet my life on the M-1 with it's .30 ammo.
My Pops was at the frozen Chosin and were he alive today (He recently passed away) I can guarantee ya that he would tell ya a much different story of the Carbine's stopping ability. He carried an M2 Carbine after getting rid of an M3 Greasegun that had hardly any range at all against the ChiCom human wave attacks. In fact, the only thing that had alot of effect that shot bullets against the opiumed up ChiComs doing human wave attacks were quad Ma Deuces.
CR ><>
Speedbump
07-19-2008, 05:10
Simply put, I like the M-1 but don't like the round. I've spent 20 years of my life in law enforcement. Working for a County Government that wouldn't supply you with good equipment; meaning you had to supply your own firearms. Did I ever carrie the M-1 in my car? Yes, I did. It was small, compact, reliable, and very easy to handle inside a car. I told my self 1,000's of G.I.s can't be wrong. Then I seen with my own eyes, rounds that wouldn't penetrate a windshild at close range. The story of the Michigan Trooper; which was shot in the head and not from a ricochet. I learned of this in a ballistict class, and a video taped interview with the trooper. The retired army officer had no resoan to lie about this, and I believe him. This is the reason I started carrying the Mini-14. Some of you are getting your panties in a bunch thinking I'm bashing the M-1; I'm not, I don't like the round. As far as shooting through a stump in your back yard; It isn't the same as shooting into human flesh and bone. I've busted cinder blocks with the .223 round, and we all know how that works on human flesh and bone!! Today if a company would retool the M-1 with a better round with better stopping power and better range. You can bet your butt I would carrie it! I wont bet my life on .30 carbine round; you can!
My panties......errrr.......underwear are not in a bunch.
:D
Carbine85
07-19-2008, 17:50
I have 4 M1 Carbines, 3 of which I restored to factory original condition. I was offered $1500.00 for the Winchester but turned it down. I built a fun gun with the spare parts.
Whiles it's clear that I really like the M1 Carbine the .30 round has a lot to be desired. Beyond 100 yards the bullet drops like a rock and has very little stopping power. Accuracy was ok within 100 yards but beyond that it isn't very good.
I always wondered why someone didn't make a slightly beefed up model with a better round. A smaller bullet and tighter barrel twist could have done wonders for it.
The M1 is a lot of fun to shoot.
Speedbump
07-19-2008, 18:28
When I did carrie an M-1 in my car,the sheriff had got a deal for all of us on the M-1. A bunch of us got Rockolas. When I went to the Mini -14, I sold mine to another Deputy for $300. This was about 18 years ago. He still has it. I wish I knew what I had then!
I like the M1 Carbine as a plinker and weapon of interest but can identify with its lack of stopping power.I borrowed one in my late teens and shot plenty of Wallibies and Goats with original WW2 ammo.A Walliby generally only weighs about 50lb and a Wild Goat up to 140lb,even with side on chest shots ,the Goats would usually run some distance before expiring.I bought some soft point hunting ammo and carried the Rifle out several times after Deer,but didn't really get close enough to one to make a humane shot.I'd like one to add to my collection but I'd never use one on medium sized game again.
hawkeye36
07-30-2008, 08:47
Does anyone know where I can buy M1 Carbine 30 once fired brass? I tried Midway but they don't stock it anymore. I've looked at CheaperThanDirt but they only handle new brass. I can't buy the new stuff from Wal-Mart in Jackson because they don't stock it. I don't get to Memphis much, and gas being what it is, it wouldn't be worth my driving the 160 miles round trip to buy there. So, I'm looking for a place that I can order from.
Marlin 45 carbine
07-30-2008, 16:39
did you try Natchez shooter supply? I know they sell new, and there is a website 'brass trader' IIRC that buy/sell brass.
Once fired in calibers like .30 Carbine come and go. Keep an eye on PolyGunbags, Pat's Reloading, Bartlett's, and the discount catalog outfits. If it starts coming back, the discounters often start cataloging it. Don't forget your local places. I snapped up all a local guy here had, he said it'd been sitting in a dusty corner several years. It was all '60s headstamps.
The .30 Carbine has a lot of stories going around about it. I wouldn't believe most of them. If you want to wrap yourself up and test the winter clothing theory out, be my guest. I'd question how much of a headshot that was too. A grazing wound is a grazing wound.
IMHO, the .30 carbine is very much like a .30 magnum pistol round. Very long for its diameter, slow burning pistol powders do best, etc. I haven't yet, but a comparison to the .327 Federal would be interesting.
Windshields can deflect surprisingly stout calibers, if not keep some entirely outside the vehicle. In my experience, the difference between making it into a vehicle and through-and-through is mighty narrow. A vehicle is not very homogeneous.
No scientific expertise here, but I've shot up my share of abandoned vehicles.
I remember some guys at another Forum shot some frozen coats and the .30 M1 Carbine round went right through it. No problem.
;)
I would say that the M1 Carbine is still a viable defensive weapon today just as it was 60 years ago. The biggest problem with the carbine has always been the ammunition available, there never has been a large selection of quality HP or SP ammo, which would increase its effectiveness considerably.
This is why I think for most people a .357 carbine is a better choice if you want something like an M1 Carbine, they offer more power and diversity that outperforms the M1 Carbine.
Plus they are getting expensive these days, much to the point where most would be better off buying a Mini-14 or something.
Hey, I love the M1 Carbine and they are useful but obviously there are a lot more options these days than there used to be.
planeoldguy
09-24-2008, 20:38
Plus they are getting expensive these days, much to the point where most would be better off buying a Mini-14 or something.
I wanted an M1 Carbine, I bought a Stainless Mini 14 ranch for 300.00 less.
Got my carbine for $500 less than my mini, but it was a few years ago when $200 was typical, and mags were $4-8/ea.
Plenty of import ammo the last couple years. Wolf works pretty well, actually. More softpoints would be nice though.
hawkeye36
09-25-2008, 05:49
Maccabee:
I decided to buy one of the 30 round mags. I think I paid about $14 for it. I had to change out the mag parts so it would hold in the mag port. That was fairly simple. I've used that magazine several times at the range without any problems. I bought several 15 round magazines and 95% of them had to have some dremel work on the two catches. Not much taken off, but they work like a charm now. My brother sent me 3 - 30 round mags this week. I had to take the dremel to the side catch and cut it down about half way, but they work great now. I haven't loaded them up and tried them yet in that fashion, but I'll let you know the results when I do.
Pat-inCO
09-25-2008, 06:31
The M1Carbine is quite effective, when you stay within the limits of the cartridge. It delivers the same bullet energy at 200 yards (admittedly howitzer like) that a 9mm delivers at the muzzle. Up close it is about like a .44 Mag energy level.
It is shoulder fired which improves the accuracy potential. Out to about 100 or so yards, I think it is an excellent weapon. For fun, try Hornady 110Gr SPs over enough H-110 to generate 1900fps. AMAZING round.
The only "problem" I've had is weak springs in the mil-surplus 15 round mag's. (kind of a DUH!). :rolleyes: :lol:
COBRADOC
09-25-2008, 21:11
I would say that the M1 Carbine is still a viable defensive weapon today just as it was 60 years ago. .................
Domino, you are dead on target with your statement - the M1 Carbine was designed strictly as a defensive weapon. It was issued to Officers and NCO's to replace the inacurate 1911 .45 caliber pistol.
So when you try to use the M1 carbine for anything other than close-in, you are trying to make the weapon do something it was never designed to do.
Same problem with people trying to make the Mine-14 do things it was never designed to do. The Mini is a brush gun - Ruger calls its latest version a Range Rifle (same-same as a brush gun). The Mini is not an olympic quality target rifle - it wasn't designed to be use that way. The M1 Carbine is not an infantryman's attack weapon - it wasn't designed to be used that way.
It was issued to Officers and NCO's to replace the inaccurate 1911 .45 caliber pistol.
Wash your keyboard out with soap! The 1911 was entirely accurate enough to hit a desired target within the desired range.
Many soldiers weren't effective with the pistol, however, so a shoulder-fired weapon was called for.
COBRADOC
09-26-2008, 06:12
Wash your keyboard out with soap! The 1911 was entirely accurate enough to hit a desired target within the desired range.
Many soldiers weren't effective with the pistol, however, so a shoulder-fired weapon was called for.
Sorry sir, I stand corrected - the 1911 in and of itself is a relatively accurate weapon, but most people couldn't (can't) hit the side of a barn with it. Either case, people were dieing because they couldn't defend themselves with a pistol, so the Army made a small shoulder-fired weapon for them - enter the M1 Carbine.
REMF Staff Officers liked the 45 hanging from their utility belt. In their spit & polish little minds, it made them look like soldiers. Real soldiers did not like the weapon. However pilots found an excellent use for the 45 - it made an excellent groin protector. Just strap yourself in, put the 45 between your legs, and the family jewels were protected.
Father of Reds
09-26-2008, 12:51
A M-1 carbine only weighs 5.5lbs. As some of us older, more mature shooters get crippled up, we need something different than you youngins. We arn't going to assult any positions. We are going to stay in position. We need something that we can carry around without getting short of breath. Its a defensive weapon. I know there is a super light-weight AR but is it mil-spec? Will it hold up over time? With the right ammo the carbine will make a fine garrison weapon for older and crippled up graybeard. My wife chose a Mini because it reminded her of a 1022. I would rather have a M-1 but will switch to a Mini for ease of supply. I did see M-1s used for a excutition in Central America. The guy was shot by three. All went through and through. He was dead right there right now.
If I'm walking a fenceline, I'd take something light like the Carbine or a Mini. Something small and less visible might encourage a goblin to come within range before he notices it, where a full-sized rifle may encourage larger numbers and/or a more stealthy approach on their part. If I'm not going to be humping one around, I'll occupy my position gladly with my Garand or M1A, although I hunted with both when I was younger, which wasn't all that long ago...:(
hawkeye36
09-27-2008, 06:02
CobraDoc:
Thanks for the humor. I've never been in the military but came close in 1958 when I forgot to re-register moving from Ada, OK after graduating from E. Central State College, to Memphis, TN to attend Harding Graduate School. The letter was so hot from the draft board that I burned my fingers just opening it. After reading it, my eyes stayed blood shot for about three days. During that time I quickly registered with the draft board in Memphis. I never came up on their radar again after that.
I'm sure a lot of GI's who were issued the 45 practiced with it about like most police dept do. Once or twice a year they put 50 or 100 rounds down range. No, I'm not a policeman, but I do know quite a few. On the otherhand, an FBI agent that I know, when they went to the Springfield 1911, put 2,000 rounds down range in two days when they first got them, just so they would be familiar with them.
We have some fellows who shoot IDPA that are excellent with the 1911. I have one myself and I like the way it shoots, but like one other fellow on the forum, I'm getting older and Mr. Arthur visits my trigger finger quite often. I'm a "lefty" and have to use that finger to release the magazine and it's getting where I can't push it in due to "Arthur."
Anyway, keep up the humor.
Ray
hawkeye36
09-27-2008, 06:09
Pat-inCo:
You stated, "For fun, try Hornady 110Gr SPs over enough H-110 to generate 1900fps. AMAZING round." I don't have the equipment to measure the fps. I use H-110 with the 110 grain bullet sold by Berry. I don't remember what the book calls for on power weight, but I believe it something like 14 - 24 g. with the fps being around 2100. I'm going to the Smoky Mtns in October and emailed the indoor range at Sevierville asking if I could shoot my M1 Carbine there. He said "yes," if I kept the fps at 1600 or under. How can I load H-110 so the round will produce 500 fps lower than what it produces at 14-24 g.? I'm sure this is a question for another section, but thought I'd ask it of you.
Ray
goatman556
09-30-2008, 16:13
Many Elite law enforcement agencies around the world still use to M1 carbine.
Israeli law enforcement units in the occupied territories are still using rifles chambererd for the .30 carbine round today.
Israeli rifles in this caliber are:
MAGAL rifle = a micro Galil derivative chambered in .30 carbine
HEZI PDW= Is a bullpup modification to the m1/m2 carbine, this is a drop in conversion that I hope will be available to US civilians.
Taurus -Brazil makes the the CT30 carbine which is manufactured under contract thru FAMAE. It is basically a a Sig550 series rifle derivative designed to fire the .30 carbine round.
For urban operations, an m1 carbine loaded with modern ammunition is hard to beat. It offers portability, compactness, maneuverability and firepower.
It recoils less than the 5.56mm , It penetrates less but at the same time punches thru soft body armor. It is a caliber that is harder hitting than most pistol rounds (SMG) , less powerful than assault rifles in 5.56/7.62mm .Newer rifles chambered in the 30 cal carbine round are classed in the PDW category. Just like the FN P90s and HK PDWs. ( 4.9-5.7mm projectiles) If we are talking PDWs, i would think that a 30 caliber round beats a 22 round anyday of the week.
proudamerican831
10-11-2008, 14:33
Hawkeye, The police have the opportunity to practice with their weapons much more than the regular Joe in the army. Remember, in the army you turn your weapons in after each exercise. Most of the training does not include range time. After 6 years in the army and 8 in the reserve I bet I didn't get a total 40 hours of range time. The department where my Daughter's Husband work encourages the officers to practice and of course they get all the ammo they want to do this. As far as the M1 goes, like most guns we own it will get shot a lot at first and end up in the safe, dark, cold, alone and hungry for ammo. I have been wanting a Garand 30-06 but still do not have one. The carbine is in the mix, as prices go down that may be my next gun. I don't want the other guns in the safe to get lonely.
calvinbr
10-25-2008, 19:09
Hello to all,
I am new to the M1 30cal carbine. I got one today for $300.00 with 2 -30 round mags full or ammo, and a full box of ammo. Where would someone fine some information about it? It does not have model number on other than the SN and the Pat number. I am looking where and when it was made. I am also looking for a new used wood stock. The old owner cut the butt stock down at the strap loop. The man put a good sanding and varnish on it. Looks good, but has some cracks in it. They show up with the stain. In the lines it is very dark to dark black in the cracks. I am not sure that I should shoot it before I get a new stock. Other than that the gun is in 96%. Is there a Universal M1 30 cal web sites that anyone knows about to get stocks, information, etc...?????
proudamerican831
10-25-2008, 23:15
http://www.surplusrifle.com/m1carbine/index.asp
This site is perfect, on the right side of the page you will find all kinds of information you need, on the left you will find information on other milsurp guns.
http://www.jouster.com/serial/serial.html
proudamerican831
10-25-2008, 23:17
http://www.fulton-armory.com/MCarbParts.htm
Cheaperthandirt.com
sportsmansguide.com
Ebay has a few listings for the m1 carbine stocks your looking for
Carbine85
10-26-2008, 06:47
Hello to all,
I am new to the M1 30cal carbine. I got one today for $300.00 with 2 -30 round mags full or ammo, and a full box of ammo. Where would someone fine some information about it? It does not have model number on other than the SN and the Pat number. I am looking where and when it was made. I am also looking for a new used wood stock. The old owner cut the butt stock down at the strap loop. The man put a good sanding and varnish on it. Looks good, but has some cracks in it. They show up with the stain. In the lines it is very dark to dark black in the cracks. I am not sure that I should shoot it before I get a new stock. Other than that the gun is in 96%. Is there a Universal M1 30 cal web sites that anyone knows about to get stocks, information, etc...?????
Let me know what you are looking for. I have a couple of GI stocks and could let one go. The don't have cartouches but they are GI. I have some other parts I might be selling.
Look on line for a book called "War Baby Comes Home" and the "M1 Carbine Collectors Guide"
Sounds like you got a pretty good deal
George S
10-26-2008, 09:21
Hello to all,
I am new to the M1 30cal carbine. I got one today for $300.00 with 2 -30 round mags full or ammo, and a full box of ammo. Where would someone fine some information about it? It does not have model number on other than the SN and the Pat number. I am looking where and when it was made. I am also looking for a new used wood stock. The old owner cut the butt stock down at the strap loop. The man put a good sanding and varnish on it. Looks good, but has some cracks in it. They show up with the stain. In the lines it is very dark to dark black in the cracks. I am not sure that I should shoot it before I get a new stock. Other than that the gun is in 96%. Is there a Universal M1 30 cal web sites that anyone knows about to get stocks, information, etc...?????
Another good Carbine website/forum is The EOTAC Forum http://www.eotacforum.com/index.php which is the old Battle Rifles forum. In the index, click on the "Battle Rifles Forum Lobby"and then click on the M1 Carbine section. Lots of good information about the Carbine there.
Also the CMP Forum http://www.odcmp.org/new_forum/ has a Carbine section with some good info. Many of the CMP members that visit that section have just purchased an M! CArbine from the CMP and will post some of the same questions that you may have.
calvinbr
10-26-2008, 15:26
To all,
Thank you for the information. Carbine85 send me a photo of the stocks you have please. I am looking for one that I can refinish and get back to the way it was new.
Thanks
mskdgunman
12-29-2008, 23:21
I carry a personal AR for a patrol rifle but had the PD wanted to issue me an M-1 carbine, I would have taken it and felt pretty confident so long as they made a sensible choice for the duty ammo. While far from an expert, I think that some of the problems attributed to both the 30 carbine and the 5.56 in regards to putting targets down has to do with the fact that the military is limited to FMJ rounds. Those of us outside of the military are not limited to FMJ and have a pretty wide variety of loadings to choose from. Unfortunately, I don't think that the 30 carbine has received as much attention attention from ammo companies as it should and as such does not have AS wide a selection as the 5.56. But with modern soft point or hollow point ammunition, I'm confident that both rounds would perform well for their intended purpose providing the shooter does his/her part with good shot placement (or as good as the situation allows).
My only regret is having sold my old M-1 carbine back many years ago. The only thing keeping me from getting another one is the cost.
With proper bullet selection I would not feel undergunned with an M-1 Carbine. I almost bought one in favour of the Nini-14 I bought yesterday. Gun shops stock 5.56 but may or may not have a box or two of .30 M-1 Carbine available. The MIni looks and feels a lot like the M-1 in my opinion.
Besides, have human bodies changed so much since WW2?
jimbobborg
12-30-2008, 09:58
Earlier this year, someone offered for sale an M1 Carbine converted to 10mm Magnum. The guy was, I believe, a custom gunsmith, and built two, kept one, sold the other. I think that conversion would take care of windshield penetration problem :lol:
Jim
COBRADOC
12-31-2008, 13:38
Earlier this year, someone offered for sale an M1 Carbine converted to 10mm Magnum. The guy was, I believe, a custom gunsmith, and built two, kept one, sold the other. I think that conversion would take care of windshield penetration problem :lol:
Jim
And just how often do you shoot through windshields?
Where are some Pic of this trooper M1 with FOlder..? Is that legal in California? :)
The M-1 Carbine is a good weapon, but as stated before the ammo is not what I'd want to use in battle. I have talked with a few people about the M-1, the story that sticks out the most is from a Retired Army Officer that lives in Clinton Arkansas. He told me when he was a young 2nd Lt. in the Korean War fighting at the Frozen Chosin he had shot a Chinese soldier with his M-1 emptying his 15 round mag. He went on to tell me that he was so close, he could see the chinese soldiers blood shot eyes! He said the only thing that saved his life was his Sgt. that shot the Chinese soldier with his M-3 SMG. He said after he and his Sgt. checked the body for intell, they noticed the M-1 Carbine rounds DID NOT enter the body. The rounds had been stoped by the Chinese Soldiers heavy winter uniform. Another story that I know is true, is about a Michigan State Trooper that went on a domistic between a husband and wife. When the Trooper was walking out in a wooded area looking for the suspect; the suspect shot the trooper in the head from 40 yards away with a M-1 Carbine knocking him out. The suspect was shot dead sometime later by a SWAT Team, and the Trooper that had been shot in the head got a slight concussion and returned to duty 2 weeks later. NO, he didn't have on a kev helmet ether. I'm sorry, but I would not want to bet my life on the M-1 with it's .30 ammo.
I highly doubt that, you hear stories about something that you know is great and someone else hates it.
So NO The U.S. Military would not put them in as many peoples hands if they were THAT bad.
Now maybe the .30 cal is not the most powerful round but it's not a .177 BB either... :)
The guy that says he got shot in the head and it "bounced" off him... Let's line him up at the same distance and shoot again...?
So would he go for that? I think NOT... What kinda mad man would?
My guess is maybe it was a bad round? That happens right? :)
At my range all the cheap American Eagle 223 was sold out. Guess what was in stock in plenty? You guessed it, .30 M1 Carbine. I was shocked as it was cheaper than 223.
However I will most likely buy a Norinco M-14 for $500 or another Mini-14 before the M-1 Carbine simply because of the round it utilises.
I love my Mini-14.
hawkeye36
01-04-2009, 11:51
Teapot:
Where do you find the Norinco M-14 for $500? My nephew is looking for one and what we have located so far, they sell for around $1,200 - 1,500. I've forgotten what brand they are.
Ray
jimbobborg
01-06-2009, 08:00
And just how often do you shoot through windshields?
One of the earlier posters mentioned something about a windshield penetration test. I was a little late in posting. Sorry.
Jim
jimbobborg
01-06-2009, 08:02
Teapot:
Where do you find the Norinco M-14 for $500? My nephew is looking for one and what we have located so far, they sell for around $1,200 - 1,500. I've forgotten what brand they are.
Ray
I highly doubt you can find one at that price today. I've looked for them on Gunbroker and Guns America, they START at $900 and go up from there :rolleyes: .
Springfield Armory starts at $1200, if you can find one. The two that I've seen were going for $1600 and $2400 respectively.
Jim
I will most likely buy a Norinco M-14 for $500
At that price, you should buy at least four of them.
Most of your Poly Tech & Norinco M14s sell for about a grand these days...
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