M1 carbines......your thoughts?

[Mr. 16 gauge]

Was at a local gunshop last week browsing and saw that they had two M1 carbines in the used gun rack: a Universal 'civilian' model and a refinished (or appeared to be refinished) military model with bayonet lug....prices were $295 & $395, respectively.
I picked them up and handled them.....kinda short for my frame; sights didn't come right 'on line' like some other models. Both came with 15 round magazines.

I'm wondering who might be interested in these firearms, other than a person with a hankerin' for nostalgia?? The guns themselves aren't all that accurate, surplus ammo has dried up, factory ammo is outrageously expensive (esp. when comparing the round to something like the .223), then gun is difficult to mount a scope on, the round isn't really a long range round and lacks much of a punch....most states outlaw it for big game, and it really lacks the range for any serious varminting.

I realize that they are 'inexpensive', but a Ruger mini14 or mini30 isn't that much more expensive, and ammo abounds for either rifle.

Not trying to pick on the gun.....I know the history behind the idea (light carbine to replace the .45 for folks such as cooks, orderlies, hospital personell, ect, i.e. people who most likely wouldn't be in a fight, but might find themselves in one at any minute), but the rifle/round just seem to have more things going against them nowadays than for them.

Your thoughts?........and did anyone here actually carry one in the service? My Uncle supposedly did while in the marines in the pacific in WWII, but he never really gave an opinion on it, and passed away before I could ask him.

[Larryjk]

I currently have an M1 carbine in the rack with my military rifles. I have had occasion to use a carbine as a civilian and they do a great job of intimidation. Nothing like a few fast rounds to change someones mind when they are contemplating something stupid. I like them because they are so "handy". Accuracy is certainly adequate when you are considering enemy personnel up to 200 yards. Varmint rifle; not hardly nless you are counting on a random hit. Mine is also a partner to a Ruger Blackhawk in the same caliber.

[Adam Helmer]

Mr. 16 gauge,

The M1 Carbine had a place in time and is very collectable as a military piece. Yes, there are better rounds 70 years later. I trained on one in the early 1960s in the USAF. I have a couple in the vault that enhance a military collection of WWII arms.

For a farm gun, I much prefer the SKS.

Adam

[GoodOlBoy]

I love the m1 carbine despite it being a bit short. Every one I have ever shot has been a good accurate rifle, and honestly they will take deer if you do your part. I have never owned one as I never had a good price and the money at the same time. My understanding is a few years back there was a company that had a m1 carbine version chambered in 357 mag, but it never hit mass production. Don't get me wrong a m1 in 30 carbine is nice, in 357 it would be nicer I think, but I dunno.

GoodOlBoy

[Gil Martin]

The M1 Carbine is an interesting surplus arm. I have several M1 Carbines and prefer the military rifles over the civilian clones. Once you have an M1 Carbine, that is usually enough. All the best...
Gil

[skeet]

I have an Early Winchester..It shoots ok..Still have some old Korean war surplus ammo..but not enough for a real war..Only reason I have it is cause it's a Winchester.. I had a guy give me one years ago and 5000 rounds of surplus to go with it..Wore that gun ou and all the ammo. I must say I never had any breakage either..robusst little rifle.. Tather in law was issued a bunch to his copany for training and evaluation purposes before they were issued. He told me they were a POS ...but this is a guy who even as a left hander..preferred the 03. It was a "real" rifle is the way he put it. His other favored weapons were the Sten gun and the big ol British machete(cut a man clean in half with one of them...his words)...but he fought with the Brit Commandos for almost 4 yrs.. He kinda admired their "Kill 'em all and let God sort them out attitude". He did carry a Garand but only cause they took his 03. His other gun was a bunch of Browning machine guns..His squad had 110% casualtie rate till the balle of the Bulge..

[popplecop]

Carried an M2 in Korea many years ago, 25 rds in a 30 rd. mag. and it worked well. Since then have owned a couple as squad guns, replaced with a Mini and that was years ago, cause I've been retired for 22 years.

[wrenchman]

You actualy did good they tend to run a little more around mich my niece has killed a hog and a couple does with one.
It is a great gun for packing and for youth and there are some after market stocks to swap out if you want.