Buying an M1 Carbine

bolline

April 07, 2003 12:32

Hello..I am looking to purchase an M1 Carbine. Not necessarily an original GI model. I have done some research. I know Inland, Iver Johnson, Universal, Underwood, Winchester, Israeli Arms and Fulton Armory all have M1 carbines. I was leaning towards the Fulton Armory M1. It's about $1000. Any other suggestions? Possibly one with a lower price that perfoms just as well? Thanks. Jeff.

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  kingjoey

  April 07, 2003 12:37

  I have heard good reviews about the IAI version, pretty reasonably priced as well.
  
  Love them Beavers
  
  
  SUPPORT THE I.N.S. , THE COUNTRY THEY SAVE COULD BE YOUR OWN

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  Laredo Lefty

  April 07, 2003 12:51

  bolline..... I have an IAI carbine, and it is an excellent gun. it shoots great. It was only $450.00. I also have several GI carbines, Natl postal meter, Winchester, Gen motors Inland Div, and the IAI is just as good as it is built to GI specs.
  
  I would stay away from the Universal as it is a commercial "copy" and not to GI specs. The Inland, Underwood, and Winchester you mentioned are all GI guns. Those companies made carbines for the govt during WWII.

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  nmyers

  April 07, 2003 12:56

  Well, not exactly. You're mixing the apples with the oranges.
  
  First, the USGI manufacturers (1943-1945) WERE Inland, Saginaw, Quality Hardware, Rockola, IBM, National Postal Meter, Standard Products, SG Grand Rapids, Winchester, & Irwin Pedersen. These are the only carbines that will have collector value or historical interest.
  
  The other group of carbines are commercial ones, which use a commercial receiver with various combinations of USGI and aftermarket parts. The better ones include Springfield Armory & IAI. Plainfield, Iver Johnson, Universal & National Ordinance vary in quality, but generally are not as good as the others.
  
  Then, there are rebuilt carbines. These range from bad (most of the import marked ones), to US arsenal rebuilt USGI carbines, up to the best (those rebuilt by commercial experts like Fulton Armory, Miltech, Dean's Gun Restorations, & Orion 7).
  
  For the $1,000 you were prepared to spend, I would prefer an all-original USGI carbine by Inland or Underwood. But, the best value would be an arsenal rebuilt USGI carbine, which you should be able to find in the $500-600 range. Of course, you are going to have to be careful, since there is a lot of junk out there, but the folks on the M1 carbine forum at Culver's Shooting Page will give advice freely.
  
  Neal

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  gap1916

  April 07, 2003 14:22

  I have only heard good things about IAI. Basicly they are good shooters. My 2 cents [8D]
  
  Greg

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