M1 carbine info??

Joined
Jan 1, 2011
Messages
662
Likes
53
Feedback: 8 / 0 / 0
Does anyone have any good websites/resources on current offerings? I know Kahr makes one, with mixed reviews, and that there are MANY different older versions out there.

I'm looking for a <250 yard, light(ish) carbine with a good trigger (which lets the AKs right out). Hoping for a more powerful caliber than 5.56 (no offense to the followers of the 5.56), and ammo cost somewhat below the stratosphere..ya, I know, asking a lot. But I figure if anyone can clue me in, it will be the people here!

Oh, yeah, just to be more annoying, how about an easily mounted scope? (not LER a la Scout)

Thanks!
 
Does anyone have any good websites/resources on current offerings? I know Kahr makes one, with mixed reviews, and that there are MANY different older versions out there.

I'm looking for a <250 yard, light(ish) carbine with a good trigger (which lets the AKs right out). Hoping for a more powerful caliber than 5.56 (no offense to the followers of the 5.56), and ammo cost somewhat below the stratosphere..ya, I know, asking a lot. But I figure if anyone can clue me in, it will be the people here!

Oh, yeah, just to be more annoying, how about an easily mounted scope? (not LER a la Scout)

Thanks!

Makes it tough since you're in Massachusetts - tough to find one.

These days, under $250 might be impossible, except for a WELL-USED example.

.30 Carbine is most certainly NOT more powerful than 5.56

Scopes just destroy the magic of the M-1 Carbine - in my opinion.

Your best bet? Shell out $30 for a three-year Curio & Relics license, then find a nice WW II example at one of the on-line auctions. There are also several gun shows each year where you see a few, but at ridiculous prices (like everything else at a gun show).

Good Luck!

*
 
Does anyone have any good websites/resources on current offerings? I know Kahr makes one, with mixed reviews, and that there are MANY different older versions out there.

I'm looking for a <250 yard, light(ish) carbine with a good trigger (which lets the AKs right out). Hoping for a more powerful caliber than 5.56 (no offense to the followers of the 5.56), and ammo cost somewhat below the stratosphere..ya, I know, asking a lot. But I figure if anyone can clue me in, it will be the people here!

Oh, yeah, just to be more annoying, how about an easily mounted scope? (not LER a la Scout)

Thanks!

Mosin m38/m44. certainly more powerful than anything else you will find.
surplus ammo is cheap and plentiful.
but it's bolt action not semi.
as for light trigger issue, those stock triggers are not great, BUT you can easily put-in new Timney trigger and have a blast. [smile]

and I would still not discount AKs just yet. Surplus ammo for those also very much available cheap and with additional investement into 'Red Star Arms' adjustable trigger you can have what you need. BTW even just replacing factory AK trigger with $30 Tapco G2 makes a world of difference.

also if you not afraid to drop 2-3 grand you can get M1A scout and Juggernaut Rogue Bullpup chassis. it'll get you very powerfull semi-auto auto gun in very nimble package, but by no means light-ish. more here

juggernaut-rogue-m1a-m14-bullpup-chassis-system-mount-ben-shooting.jpg

juggernaut-rogue-m1a-m14-bullpup-chassis-system-parts-kit-next-to-m1a-scout-scope.jpg
 
Last edited:
The M1 carbine was not designed to be particularly effective out to 250 yards. It was designed as sort of a mid-way alternative between a full size battle rifle and a side arm. The ballistics of the .30 carbine round are about that of the .357.

If your budget allows it, I think what you're looking for is a basic flat-top AR carbine that you can mount a somewhat inexpensive scope on. That is just based on your description of what features you're looking for.
 
AR-15 in .300 AAC. sure ammo is pricey but it's definitely more power than .223 and close to AK47 and 7,62x39

or if you want to stick with cheap surplus then there is always rugger mini-30 in 7.62x39 it'll cost less than above AR as well to buy and to shoot.
 
Last edited:
I must say your wants can not be found in a M1 carbine. even beat to sknot ones are 300+. Ammo is not cheap for 30 carbine. I reload it for .18 per round.

All in all for carbine fun under 300.00 you may consider a old ruger camp carbine but these have been creeping up in price. Theres a few less expensive manufactures of carbine types also.
Heck even the ruger M1 carbine clone will set you back 300.00

Best bang for your buck for a range plink'n carbine is the S&W AR15 sport and wolf ammo for semi auto. I seen these on sale at cabela's for under 600.00 not long ago
 
The M1 carbine was not designed to be particularly effective out to 250 yards. It was designed as sort of a mid-way alternative between a full size battle rifle and a side arm. The ballistics of the .30 carbine round are about that of the .357.

If your budget allows it, I think what you're looking for is a basic flat-top AR carbine that you can mount a somewhat inexpensive scope on. That is just based on your description of what features you're looking for.

Thanks for the info; I'll look into the 5.56 some more, but just haven't been overwhelmed by the caliber or, to be honest, the whole AR system. (ducks head) Of course, I haven't shot one since the Army days, so I figure they've improved a mite. [grin]

So you suggest something like the S&W ORC?
 
Mosin m38/m44. certainly more powerful than anything else you will find.

I believe it. Great info on the trigger; though I'm not thrilled with an ler scope setup, maybe someone will let me try one at the next shoot.

also if you not afraid to drop 2-3 grand you can get M1A scout and Juggernaut Rogue Bullpup chassis. it'll get you very powerfull semi-auto auto gun in very nimble package, but by no means light-ish. more here

You are an evil person for showing me this. [smile] That looks sweet.
 
Sorry, I read that as under $250 at 4:50 AM this morning...

What are you planning to spend?

No problem :) Due to really odd circumstances, I've got just about a grand, excluding optics. I won't be in a position to buy anything else for quite a while, so this one really has to count. I was even looking at some nice bolt action rifles, but choked when they wanted 75 dollars for a five round plastic mag. I try not to support gouging if I can help it.

I appreciate the help, thanks.
 
I was going to also offer up the high point carbines. Seeing I mks read your post you got a bit more to spend....I would say if your looking for defense I would not go with a obsolete Cal. Like the 30 30. For the price of ammo being a factor 223 seems the way to go to fit your bill.
I think if you compare the s&w sport to the ORC. The price difference doesn't compute with me. There seems to be a ton of AR choices under 1k.
m1 carbine is good fun to shoot. My 1943 underwood cam hold a fist size group at 100 yards of the rest.
I got the gunsamerica news blast about the m14/1A bullpup stock.......like it. But so far off for my budget.
 
Self-defense 90%, Hunting 10%.

i would go with saga in 7.62x39. more powerfull than .223 and cheaper too. you can get commercial ammo for that with soft point bullets which is better for self-defense than FMJ. 7.62x39 is also well suited for hunting as well. and it costing a lot less than $1000 you can spend money on custom trigger and rails for your scope.

TSgt_Ski545.jpg
 
I would lean towards an AR platform as well. These have become the "everyman's" rifle - easy to find parts and components, fairly simple to configure the way you want, and a wide variety of calibers... everything from .22LR to .50 cal.

Because of the modular design, you can start with the basic lower, and then change uppers (and calibers) to suit your needs. Everything doesn't have to be purchased at once, so you can add the "goodies" over time. Look at 5.56x45 (.223) to start, as it would probably be the cheapest "highpower" upper you will find. You should be able to put together a basic package (including optic) for about $1,000

AR's are definitely a good self-defense gun, and an increasing number of hunters are bringing them to the field.

Do some more research, and I'm sure you'll decide it's the way to go.

Good Luck!


*
 
Thanks everyone, I'll be reading up on the ARs..just so @#$@#$ many types!
(WISH I had the cash for that bullpup, though, damn the weight..308 sweetness!)
 
Thanks for the info; I'll look into the 5.56 some more, but just haven't been overwhelmed by the caliber or, to be honest, the whole AR system. (ducks head) Of course, I haven't shot one since the Army days, so I figure they've improved a mite. [grin]

So you suggest something like the S&W ORC?

Don't listen to the M1 Carbine haters. You know you want one. Get a real USGI carbine. Unfortunately the CMP ran out of them :-(
 
get a nice M1 carbine. I found mine with several mags for 625.00 its nice. fun to shoot. Hunting ??????
 
Back
Top Bottom