M1 carbine advice

[Marshall 357]

Went to a gunshop and found a M1 GI carbine for $700 in great shape. The guy told me he would get a Mini-14 instead. .223 ammo is cheaper and easier to get. What do you think?

[Marshall 357]

Went to a gunshop and found a M1 GI carbine for $700 in great shape. The guy told me he would get a Mini-14 instead. .223 ammo is cheaper and easier to get. What do you think?

[Ron H.]

Sir, having had both, I'd get another M1 carbine before I'd get another Mini-14. The M1's more accurate (at least with the guns I've owned and shot), more historically interesting, and you can get spare parts and magazines for it at reasonable prices. Ammo availability's poor on everything right now, so that's hardly a factor.

Hope this helps, and Semper Fi.

Ron H.

[john traveler]

There is a lot to be said for getting a service rifle caliber. Ammunition is cheaper and more readily available than the .30 M1 Carbine. It also shoots a lot flatter and has more energy. Accessories are readily available. The downside is that the Mini-14 platform is only "okay" in accuracy, producing about 3"-4" groups at 100 yards. About the same as the average M1 Carbine. Factory magazines (the only really reliable ones) are hard to find and expensive. For the knock-around truck rifle for varmints and ranch rifle, it is about ideal.

[mississippi revolverman]

The old M1 carbine is fun to shoot. Sportsmans guide has UMC ammo afforable. Also see 50/ $14 at www.buysurplus.com

Check the manufacture is true military some brands are very collectable

[Marshall 357]

Yeah I think the M1 wins ! Thanks. I needed that!

[Jack Flash]

That's really a tough call. It all depends on what you want it for.

I really like M1 Carbines. I think they are entirely adequate for home defense and they are the only semi-auto that I actually enjoy shooting. Most of the surplus ammo is long gone, but when things settle down with the commercial manufacturers, you will be able to find ammo easily enough.

If I wanted a semi-auto that shoots .223 I would be more inclined to buy an AR-15 than a Mini-14, due to better resale value and (I've been told) accuracy. Besides, you can use an AR in CMP matches.

[bummer]

Originally posted by mississippi revolverman:
The old M1 carbine is fun to shoot. Sportsmans guide has UMC ammo afforable. Also see 50/ $14 at www.buysurplus.com

Check the manufacture is true military some brands are very collectable

How do you you shoot computer parts out of a M-1 carbine?

[Gutpile Charlie]

In my case, that is not a tough call. The M1 Carbine is an American classic. Enough said.

The Mini-14 is a current commercial rifle, that some people claim has serious accuracy issues.

Here again, depends on what you want. They are not making any more M1 Carbines. Might as well get one while the getting's good?

[GatorFarmer]

You were given good advice, though an AR15 type rifle of quality make would be a better choice still. If you want a piece as an example of type, or to collect, then get an M1 carbine. For practical use as a weapon? Yeah, Mini 14 or AR/Sig 556, et al.

Ammo is getting to be a bit of a problem for M1 carbines, it isn't as powerful as a 5.56mm round and good quality carbine mags are also problematic.

[cowart]

Originally posted by Gutpile Charlie:
The Mini-14 is a current commercial rifle, that some people claim has serious accuracy issues.

Ruger has started making the Mini-14 with a much heavier barrel, which has a much thicker section where it attaches to the gas block. I have seen reports that these models are way more accurate than the skinny barrel models, although I have not tried one myself.

[sar4937]

All quality issues aside there is this. http://www.auto-ordnance.com/PA-1AO_m1.html

[max]

I was at the DCM last week and they had some carbines for $419.

[Marshall 357]

$419 The one i saw was $700. What is DCM Are They in Michigan too?

[hoglaw]

It's no longer DCM, it is now called CMP (Civilian Marksmanship Program). The CMP sells a variety of former military rifles, I've ordered several over the years.

Their web site is odcmp.com give them a look.

I agree with previous posters who suggested either the carbine or an AR15. I have both and like both. I wouldn't want to have to choose.

[Andy Taylor]

How do you you shoot computer parts out of a M-1 carbine?

I think he was showing targets to shoot with an M1 Carbine.

[Jack Flash]

If you have a problem finding USGI Carbine mags, drop me an e-mail. I have seen them locally for $15 - $20. 'Course, there would be shipping too ...

If you are concerned about the 50 year old springs, Wolf Springs can fix you up with new ones. Personally, I have never had a problem with USGI Carbine mags, ancient springs and all.

[Marshall 357]

I cant buy guns from them.

[charlie sherrill]

All you have to do is pass a NICS and join a club. Lots of them around that would qualify. Some have dues as low as $5.00. I'm sure there's one in your area. I went over there a few weeks ago and got one of the $419 Inlands. Shoots like a champ.

[GatorFarmer]

Originally posted by Marshall 357:
I cant buy guns from them.

Where are you at in Michigan? The Midland Sportsman's club used to have qualifying matches. I shot the one with M1 Garands back when they also taught a class in their use.

[G-Mac]

Originally posted by charlie sherrill:
All you have to do is pass a NICS and join a club. Lots of them around that would qualify. Some have dues as low as $5.00. I'm sure there's one in your area. I went over there a few weeks ago and got one of the $419 Inlands. Shoots like a champ.

Charlie,

Unless something changed, don't you have to pass a military rifle shooting course also?

I joined RWVA (the Appleseed group), attended an Appleseed shoot, and got the training certificate.

FWIW...I've had LOTS of Mini-14's, all flavors....they're ALL GONE.

I've only owned one M-1 Carbine...it's still here and will NEVER leave.

[Ron H.]

Originally posted by G-Mac:
Unless something changed, don't you have to pass a military rifle shooting course also?

Sir, formal match participation is no longer required--hasn't been for some years. The eligibility requirements are posted here. It's surprisingly easy. While there's still a "shooting requirement," it's very broad.

Hope this helps, and Semper Fi.

Ron H.

[n4zov]

Well, I've owned both, and they suffer from one serious problem - neither shoots a round that is very useful! The Carbine, AR (in 5.56), and Mini 14 are good for plinking, varmints, and home defense. None is suitable for deer. However, the Mini 30 does all the others do and is adequate for short-medium range deer hunting. In addition, surplus ammo is available. The new models have greatly improved accuracy, and the gun easily mounts a scope. It is a much more versatile gun IMHO.

[sar4937]

Just curious why you think an AR is not a good deer rifle. I know quite a few guys that hunt with them, although you do have to place your shot. A .308 would be a better recommendation. I'm not sure I would hunt with surplus ammunition anyway.

[marine2541]

I've had a M1 carbine with a winchester receiver
(unfortunately sporterized stock) on consignment in a Michigan "gun store" for 4 months now. I'm only expecting $400.00 for it, but the dealer is selling it for more. Hmmmmmmmm, I wonder.

[GatorFarmer]

Originally posted by marine2541:
I've had a M1 carbine with a winchester receiver
(unfortunately sporterized stock) on consignment in a Michigan "gun store" for 4 months now. I'm only expecting $400.00 for it, but the dealer is selling it for more. Hmmmmmmmm, I wonder.

If it is otherwise GI, I don't see why you couldn't just replace the stock and restore it to issued condition. Original stocks still turn up, and GI type recreation stocks are also to be found.

However, a dealer would have to sell a consignment gun for more than what he's paying the owner, otherwise he wouldn't make his profit. Whatever percentage that is should have been reflected on whatever you signed when you put it on consignment.

[Marshall 357]

I will have to look into this futher. Thanks

[Marshall 357]

Hey Marine 2541 Maybe we could work something out?