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safety factor for M1 carbine

Carter Reed
I have been interested in buying an M1 carbine, but the more I have read, there seems to be a real danger from the cartridge firing before the bolt closes. Is this specific to certain mfg. or is this a common occurrence?
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7 comments

Date Votes
  • dcs shooters
    It is not common for the military rifles. I think there was a aftermarket brand that had a problem.
    If you get one, just make the firing pin channel is clean and dry--NO LUBE in channel to gum it up.
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  • Carter Reed
    I have read the Iver Johnson model is bad about this problem. I would like to purchase a shooter, not just a collectible. Is it safe, in general, to buy a WW11 model to shoot? I realize there are several factors to consider and that is a pretty general question. Of the postwar mfg., what would you consider the best and most reliable?
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  • machine gun moran
    A number of conditions can cause a variety of weapons to fire prematurely, not just the .30 Carbine. An immobilized firing pin, or thin/sensitive primers is often the culprit, and sometimes a high primer can do it. Military primers are often made with a harder cup, to resist the light primer strikes that result from normal bolt-cycling in guns that use free-floating firing pins. If you chamber and then extract a cartridge from such a weapon, you will often see a firing pin mark on the primer. This is also characteristic of the Garand, but it is normal. To actually fire the weapon, a much harder blow is required, but if the firing pin is not free to move easily in the bolt, the gun can be caused to fire. This also can occur in the SKS if there is foreign material in the firing pin channel, or if the firing pin has been incorrectly installed.

    The .30 Carbine was not problematic in this regard, or the M1 Carbine would have 'gone M2' regularly. It didn't. The condition almost always relates to an improper maintenance problem or an ammunition problem.
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  • givette
    quote:Originally posted by Carter Reed
    I have read the Iver Johnson model is bad about this problem. I would like to purchase a shooter, not just a collectible. Is it safe, in general, to buy a WW11 model to shoot? I realize there are several factors to consider and that is a pretty general question. Of the postwar mfg., what would you consider the best and most reliable?


    Rule of thumb: Best rifles were made during WWII. Later ones have the problems. No military rifle was made after WWII.

    See if you can get one released by the CMP. They stand by their sales. Gun will exhibit signs of extensive use, as they are re-imports.

    2nd choice: Completely eliminate function/safety as a concern. Buy one from Fulton Armory (expensive)..but you will have a firearm with every part in "as new" condition. You'll be set for so long, that your grandkids will enjoy the rifle. And it's a reconditioned WWII rifle, not a "newer" one of questionable quality. Use 15rd. magazines. Best, Joe
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  • nmyers
    Just about everything you have "heard" is incorrect.

    A design feature of the USGI carbine prevents the firing pin from striking the primer unless the action is fully locked. As both the receiver & bolt are steel forgings manufacturered to precise tolerances, a failure of this safety is unheard of. A USGI M1 carbine from WWII is as safe as any carbine made, & safer than most; like any other gun, one new to you should be inspected by a competent gunsmith to be sure that it is safe.

    There have been problems reported with late manufacture Universal carbines. However, IJ's are considered to be among the best commercial carbines.

    With the ready availability & reasonable prices of USGI carbines, I see no reason to seek out a commercial one. In fact, it is still possible to get service grade USGI carbines in the $500-600 range directly from the US government --- www.odcmp.com .

    Neal
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  • Carter Reed
    Thanks everyone for their input. I actually feel better now about purchasing one. I will try to follow your advice and buy one mfg by Inland or one of the other WWII models. Thanks
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  • stetson
    One thing, especially true when buying military rifles if you are
    purchasing surplus make sure you know what you are getting.For example ,m-1 carbines made by universal was a mix and match of parts
    from many different rifles.I can remember as a kid seeing M-1 carbines at W.T.Grants for $65.00.Now they are as much or more than a
    M-1.
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