Which would you buy?

USNRet93 · January 16, 2020, 08:29 AM

I know, I know, it's cold outside and the outdoor range is still snow clobbered..2 sons and I going to the gun show in Denver on the 25th. I know, 'gunshow' but we are thinking about one of these 4 'choices'...assuming a budget would cover any of them..which? Just for range plinking, fun..

Ruger mini-14
Ruger mini-30
New manufacture M1 Carbine
Old, decent shape, WW2/Korean era M1 Carbine.

AND before anybody says 'AR type platform'..oldest son already has one of those..looking for 'different'...

bobn · January 16, 2020, 10:01 AM

when mini 14s were cheap.that. ...now that they are high priced not so much. m1 carbines have moved the decimal place over. however at least they will hold the value. the others not so much. jmho. bob

Ben Dover · January 16, 2020, 10:37 AM

Not a fan of either. But if I had to choose, I guess I'd hold my nose and get the Ruger.

pete2 · January 16, 2020, 12:47 PM

M1 carbine if money is no object, a real good GI gun.

mcb66 · January 16, 2020, 12:53 PM

Surplus M1 is always going to bring decent money and there will always be a collectors market. Potential upside on investment.

Pathfinder45 · January 16, 2020, 01:22 PM

You never know what you will find at the gunshows. You hope for the best and maybe none of that happens, or something unexpectedly good that wasn't quite what you had in mind but has to come home with you anyway. Maybe nothing and you can call it a trip to the museum. Hopefully you will get lucky.

jmr40 · January 16, 2020, 01:33 PM

I'd save my money for something I actually wanted. None of those interest me.

Remington74 · January 16, 2020, 02:31 PM

Out of that selection I'd take the Mini 30.

bamaranger · January 16, 2020, 11:40 PM

Me, I'd get the Mini 30, provided money was no object. Why? I'm primarily geared as a hunter and outdoorsman, and I see the 7.62x39mm cartridge as more versatile than the M1 .30 carbine, or the (gasp) .223. Given the degree of accuracy available from most Mini's, your not giving anything up much in terms of range, even though the .223 is faster and flatter. And though many think the .223 is a deer/hog cartridge with the right slug, the x39mm certainly is with 125 gr or 150 grain factory slugs. The fact that I could get one with synthetic stock from stainless steel would be another strong selling point on a rough use woods carbine as well. My econd choice would be a Mini14, but what a new one brings money wise seems way high these days. The AR has the semi/.223 market flooded these days for half the price.

A GI .30 carbine seems a roll of the dice, thing might run reliably, and it might not. No good way to scope one either, old or new, important if you don't have young eyes.

std7mag · January 16, 2020, 11:56 PM

Easy!

WWII/Korean conflict Inland M1 Carbine all tbhe way!!

10-96 · January 17, 2020, 02:05 AM

Provided there is no "Blue Skyy" stamp along the barrel, I would go for one of those. They are just plain tons of fun.

Scorch · January 17, 2020, 02:46 AM

I personally would not recommend an M1 Carbine. Yeah, in the day they were kinda cool, but never really cool. Ammo is expensive and anemic. An original is tired, and new production ones are kind of hit and miss as far as reliability. Minis have come a long way in terms of accuracy, they are honest 2"-3" at 100 yds guns now with decent ammo (Mini-14s a bit more than Mini-30s, mainly because of ammo). And a Mini is still cheaper than an M1 Carbine. So in my book there is no comparison.

kozak6 · January 17, 2020, 04:34 AM

Depends on the budget and intent.

Since hunting wasn't listed and you guys already have a 5.56, I'm leaning towards the Mini-14 since ammo commonality is huge. I saw Mini-14's at the December gunshow for the high $400's and up, although keep in mind that Ruger won't service the 180-series anymore.

USGI carbines are going for something like a grand and up these days.

Commercial carbines could fall anywhere in between those two prices ranges.

Pathfinder45 · January 17, 2020, 01:50 PM

Sometimes less power is actually better. I'm thinking that the M1 carbine may actually be a better home defense tool than either of the mini options for that reason; less power, penetration, and range.

mxsailor803 · January 17, 2020, 02:11 PM

I do like the M1 but if you’re looking for something different and would be more economical, have you looked at the Ruger PC9? Nothing against your other suggestions but the PC9 would be much more economical to shoot unless you reload.

540mope · January 17, 2020, 06:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Remington74

Out of that selection I'd take the Mini 30.

Me as well. Perfect for pest control and plinking. I'd look for a 582 series, or newer. They have the heavier "improved" barrel.
The only issue with them is the cost. I don't see them being a $900 rifle...but they usually are. I found a barely used Mini 30 Ranch at a local pawn shop for $550.. i would never pay the 'new' price.

50 shooter · January 17, 2020, 06:19 PM

What about getting a couple different uppers for the AR lower? 300 B.O., 6.5 or 6.8 will fit also on the lower.

Plenty of brass and ammo out there that you won't have to make your own. Plenty of die selection also, so just choose the company you like the most. If you reload, there's plenty out there to keep you busy.

Pathfinder45 · January 17, 2020, 07:24 PM

Real M1 Carbines have wood stocks. If they would make the Mini in 300 Blackout with a Walnut stock, I could get tempted.

Sure Shot Mc Gee · January 17, 2020, 07:42 PM

Having a Korean M1 Carbine (paratroop model) its fun to shoot but getting more expensive every year. 110 FMJ bullets especially. (components)

Since you have a AR available. Why not a Rusky Mini.

Elliottsdad · January 19, 2020, 12:49 AM

Me? Mini 30.

JWT · January 19, 2020, 02:16 PM

Definitely old manufacture military M1 carbine in good shape.

**44 AMP** · January 19, 2020, 09:25 PM

Quote:

Just for range plinking, fun..

Mini 14

You already have ammo to feed the AR, so that's a big plus, ammo commonality.

IF you want a "piece of history" that's still fun to shoot, then the GI carbine in any functional condition.

No mention made of hunting, self defense, or other, so not taking any of that into consideration.

I've had AR, still have an old Mini-14. Never bothered with the M1 carbine because the round doesn't do anything I don't already have well covered, when they were cheap and since now they aren't even remotely cheap, my interest is even less.

kenny53 · January 20, 2020, 12:11 AM

I like my Mini 14, have two AK's so I don't need a Mini 30. Plus 5.56/.223 ammo is everywhere and fairly cheap. I guess for Home defense you can use sub sonic ammo.

USNRet93 · January 20, 2020, 08:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 44 AMP

Mini 14

You already have ammo to feed the AR, so that's a big plus, ammo commonality.

IF you want a "piece of history" that's still fun to shoot, then the GI carbine in any functional condition.

No mention made of hunting, self defense, or other, so not taking any of that into consideration.

I've had AR, still have an old Mini-14. Never bothered with the M1 carbine because the round doesn't do anything I don't already have well covered, when they were cheap and since now they aren't even remotely cheap, my interest is even less.

Thinking that's the way to go..Mini-14..I shoot a lot so ammo $ is a consideration..yup, outdoor range, 25-50 yard plate and paper target shooting..NOT HD or hunting..

Plus pretty easy to find one used and I think a used Mini-14 would be generally more reliable than a 'used' M1 carbine..

agtman · January 20, 2020, 08:19 AM

M1 Garand ...

... is the correct choice.

January 16, 2020, 08:29 AM	#1
USNRet93 Senior Member Join Date: October 23, 2018 Location: Republic of Boulder, USA Posts: 1,475	Which would you buy? I know, I know, it's cold outside and the outdoor range is still snow clobbered..2 sons and I going to the gun show in Denver on the 25th. I know, 'gunshow' but we are thinking about one of these 4 'choices'...assuming a budget would cover any of them..which? Just for range plinking, fun.. Ruger mini-14 Ruger mini-30 New manufacture M1 Carbine Old, decent shape, WW2/Korean era M1 Carbine. AND before anybody says 'AR type platform'..oldest son already has one of those..looking for 'different'... __________________ PhormerPhantomPhlyer "Tools not Trophies”

January 16, 2020, 10:37 AM	#3
Ben Dover Senior Member Join Date: April 11, 2013 Location: High up in the Rocky Moun Posts: 665	Not a fan of either. But if I had to choose, I guess I'd hold my nose and get the Ruger. __________________ The soldier's pack is not so heavy a burden as the prisoner's chains. Dwight Eisenhower It is very important what a man stands for. But it is far more important what a man refuses to stand for.

January 16, 2020, 01:33 PM	#7
jmr40 Senior Member Join Date: June 15, 2008 Location: Georgia Posts: 10,805	I'd save my money for something I actually wanted. None of those interest me. __________________ "If you're still doing things the same way you were doing them 10 years ago, you're doing it wrong" Winston Churchill

January 16, 2020, 11:40 PM	#9
bamaranger Senior Member Join Date: October 9, 2009 Location: North Alabama Posts: 8,300	Mini 30 Me, I'd get the Mini 30, provided money was no object. Why? I'm primarily geared as a hunter and outdoorsman, and I see the 7.62x39mm cartridge as more versatile than the M1 .30 carbine, or the (gasp) .223. Given the degree of accuracy available from most Mini's, your not giving anything up much in terms of range, even though the .223 is faster and flatter. And though many think the .223 is a deer/hog cartridge with the right slug, the x39mm certainly is with 125 gr or 150 grain factory slugs. The fact that I could get one with synthetic stock from stainless steel would be another strong selling point on a rough use woods carbine as well. My econd choice would be a Mini14, but what a new one brings money wise seems way high these days. The AR has the semi/.223 market flooded these days for half the price. A GI .30 carbine seems a roll of the dice, thing might run reliably, and it might not. No good way to scope one either, old or new, important if you don't have young eyes.

January 16, 2020, 11:56 PM	#10
std7mag Senior Member Join Date: June 23, 2013 Location: Central Taxylvania.. Posts: 3,609	Easy! WWII/Korean conflict Inland M1 Carbine all tbhe way!! __________________ When our own government declares itself as "tyrannical", where does that leave us??!! "Januarary 6th insurrection". Funny, I didn't see a single piece of rope...

January 16, 2020, 10:01 AM	#2
bobn Senior Member Join Date: December 30, 2006 Location: midwest Posts: 1,105	when mini 14s were cheap.that. ...now that they are high priced not so much. m1 carbines have moved the decimal place over. however at least they will hold the value. the others not so much. jmho. bob

January 16, 2020, 12:47 PM	#4
pete2 Senior Member Join Date: May 15, 2012 Location: Texas Posts: 2,566	M1 carbine if money is no object, a real good GI gun.

January 16, 2020, 12:53 PM	#5
mcb66 Senior Member Join Date: February 1, 2013 Posts: 117	Surplus M1 is always going to bring decent money and there will always be a collectors market. Potential upside on investment.

January 16, 2020, 01:22 PM	#6
Pathfinder45 Senior Member Join Date: January 7, 2008 Posts: 3,224	You never know what you will find at the gunshows. You hope for the best and maybe none of that happens, or something unexpectedly good that wasn't quite what you had in mind but has to come home with you anyway. Maybe nothing and you can call it a trip to the museum. Hopefully you will get lucky.

January 16, 2020, 02:31 PM	#8
Remington74 Senior Member Join Date: August 5, 2012 Location: Carthage, NY Posts: 231	Out of that selection I'd take the Mini 30.

January 17, 2020, 02:05 AM	#11
10-96 Senior Member Join Date: October 19, 2005 Location: Tx Panhandle Territory Posts: 4,159	Provided there is no "Blue Skyy" stamp along the barrel, I would go for one of those. They are just plain tons of fun. __________________ Rednecks... Keeping the woods critter-free since March 2, 1836. (TX Independence Day) I suspect a thing or two... because I've seen a thing or two.

January 17, 2020, 02:46 AM	#12
Scorch Senior Member Join Date: February 13, 2006 Location: Washington state Posts: 15,248	I personally would not recommend an M1 Carbine. Yeah, in the day they were kinda cool, but never really cool. Ammo is expensive and anemic. An original is tired, and new production ones are kind of hit and miss as far as reliability. Minis have come a long way in terms of accuracy, they are honest 2"-3" at 100 yds guns now with decent ammo (Mini-14s a bit more than Mini-30s, mainly because of ammo). And a Mini is still cheaper than an M1 Carbine. So in my book there is no comparison. __________________ Never try to educate someone who resists knowledge at all costs. But what do I know? Summit Arms Services

January 17, 2020, 04:34 AM	#13
kozak6 Senior Member Join Date: June 16, 2005 Location: AZ Posts: 3,113	Depends on the budget and intent. Since hunting wasn't listed and you guys already have a 5.56, I'm leaning towards the Mini-14 since ammo commonality is huge. I saw Mini-14's at the December gunshow for the high $400's and up, although keep in mind that Ruger won't service the 180-series anymore. USGI carbines are going for something like a grand and up these days. Commercial carbines could fall anywhere in between those two prices ranges.

January 17, 2020, 01:50 PM	#14
Pathfinder45 Senior Member Join Date: January 7, 2008 Posts: 3,224	Sometimes less power is actually better. I'm thinking that the M1 carbine may actually be a better home defense tool than either of the mini options for that reason; less power, penetration, and range.

January 17, 2020, 02:11 PM	#15
mxsailor803 Senior Member Join Date: February 8, 2010 Location: SC Posts: 1,344	I do like the M1 but if you’re looking for something different and would be more economical, have you looked at the Ruger PC9? Nothing against your other suggestions but the PC9 would be much more economical to shoot unless you reload.

January 17, 2020, 06:19 PM	#17
50 shooter Senior Member Join Date: August 6, 2002 Location: SoCal PRK Posts: 986	What about getting a couple different uppers for the AR lower? 300 B.O., 6.5 or 6.8 will fit also on the lower. Plenty of brass and ammo out there that you won't have to make your own. Plenty of die selection also, so just choose the company you like the most. If you reload, there's plenty out there to keep you busy. __________________ I see the world thru bloodshot eyes Streets filled with blood from distant lies The dogs of war never compromise, No time for rearranging.

January 17, 2020, 07:24 PM	#18
Pathfinder45 Senior Member Join Date: January 7, 2008 Posts: 3,224	Real M1 Carbines have wood stocks. If they would make the Mini in 300 Blackout with a Walnut stock, I could get tempted.

January 17, 2020, 07:42 PM	#19
Sure Shot Mc Gee Senior Member Join Date: January 2, 2012 Location: Minnesota Posts: 3,876	Having a Korean M1 Carbine (paratroop model) its fun to shoot but getting more expensive every year. 110 FMJ bullets especially. (components) Since you have a AR available. Why not a Rusky Mini.

January 19, 2020, 12:49 AM	#20
Elliottsdad Senior Member Join Date: November 23, 2010 Location: Glenwood, Iowa Posts: 238	Me? Mini 30.

January 19, 2020, 02:16 PM	#21
JWT Senior Member Join Date: March 16, 2007 Location: Southern Arizona Posts: 3,888	Definitely old manufacture military M1 carbine in good shape.

January 20, 2020, 12:11 AM	#23
kenny53 Senior Member Join Date: December 30, 2015 Location: My back yard Posts: 971	I like my Mini 14, have two AK's so I don't need a Mini 30. Plus 5.56/.223 ammo is everywhere and fairly cheap. I guess for Home defense you can use sub sonic ammo.

January 20, 2020, 08:19 AM	#25
agtman Junior member Join Date: July 26, 2001 Location: midwest Posts: 2,374	M1 Garand ... ... is the correct choice.