Anyone have any experience with either of these companies? I've been thinking of picking up an M1 Carbine. Thanks.

I have a James River AK-74 and overall I would say the fit and finish are pretty good for an AK. No experience with Fulton Armory though.

For M-1 Carbines, there have been many reports of poor quality new receivers. I would recommend you stick with rebuilt military issue. Iver Johnson also made receivers and used surplus GI parts to make pretty good M-1's in the 60's. Avoid Universal (just junks that looks like a M-1 Carbine), Springfield Armory, and IMI receivered guns. There have been a bunch of out of speck M-1 Rifle and M-1 Carbine Brand new receivers mixed in with good receivers sold through parts catalogs. Hardly anyone has the gauges to tell if they good or not, let alone the experience to be an armorer instead of a parts swapper.

In Central Ohio, we still have a few Korean War armorers (until they pass) to keep our M-1 Rifles working, but I know of no qualified M1 Carbine support, just a few old gunsmiths that had been issued Carbines when enlisted. The young ones are AR and AK guys.

For my money I'd find a original U.S. military even if rebuilt it will retain it's value. Just do some shopping and you will find a good one. P/S I've never bought from James River but a buddy got a Garand and is very happy with it.

I've purchased a rebuilt M-1 carbine from Fulton Armory a few years ago.

I have been quite satisfied with it.