Gunna get a m-1 carbine. what to examine?

[carbine30]

I have seen them at gunshows and shops etc. Any ones I should avoid or just any helpful info on what to look for? I have heard to look for a gi model, and that the universals are good if they are older ones (without dual recoil springs), stay away from iver and plainfield, but the imports are good because they used left over gi parts (like the early universals). Saw one that had a rear scope mount on that covered the stamping and they wouldnt even take it off to see the manuf. So many places are "all sales final" so I am very weary about a purchase, not to mention if the thing will even function. I have no experience with buying these older guns so any help would be great.

[WillBrayjr]

If you're looking for a dependable and accurate shooter then I suggest the Kahr/Auto-Ordnance Milspec M1 Carbine ;)

[carbine30]

I have thought of that and I cant find much at all on the auto ordnance as far as reviews go, being that they are fairly new... :( The stock is really ugly on them too. I could swap a walnut gi on it but...Too have an orginal is what appeals to me.

[gak]

Ditto the Kahr if primarily as a shooter. Otherwise GI. They've gone up, but there's still the occasional "find." I'd avoid any of the "older" commercial stuff...Universal, Iver, Plainfield, as well as older or newer IAI, etc. No particular charm in any of them. (but as a cheap "truck gun" ...maybe) At least with the Kahr/Auto Ord. you get mostly milspec at half-way decent price, waranteed and a major manufacturer to complain to/resolve problems if you should have any/not likely. A fine grit sanding and oiling might help the Kahr...and the metal handguard does nothing for me...if an attempt at better cooling, I've shot the heck out of my GIs with nary a problem. Only real issue (viscerally) I have witht the Kahr's is the choice of the cheap/older commercial junk looking aspect of the metal handguard. Unless obviously junk/shot out, the GIs I've had/witnessed are very reliable and have that great charm and history/pass-on heirloom or other collectability factor. If you find a reliability problem, nothing a good g.s. can't fix fairly easily.

[cheygriz]

Original to collect.

Kahn/Auto ordnance to shoot.

[gak]

Cheygriz, well put..and shorter :) If you can, one of each for purposes stated--one for fun/utility, one for fondling/admiring while you're around and then posterity.

[USP45usp]

With the M1, be careful not to get a Universal or some other "replica" piece of junk.

I have personally owned one made by GMC. My BIL owned one made by Rockola.

The Rockola is worth allot more, yet to have owned a gun made by a car factory, now that's history :).

Right behind the rear sight is where the stamp of who made it is at. Universal is just a "knock off" as far as I'm concerned, yet if you find one made by company's that don't make guns (that was the good ol' days when every company stopped to support the war effort, unlike now) then you have a keeper.

Here's a brief bit of history: http://www.fulton-armory.com/M1Carbine.htm

Wayne

[Jayb]

Under NO circumstances buy a "National Ordinance" carbine.

And by all means......

EITHER CHECK THE HEADSPACE OR MAKE SURE THE SELLER GUARANTEES THE HEADSPACE IS CORRECT BEFORE YOU FIRE IT.

Ask me how I know..... :o