Any recommendations for where to get an M-1 Carbine inspected/repaired?

[Neo-Luddite]

Just a general question; can anyone offer a recommendation of where I might get our early/mid WW II production Inland M 1 Carbine inspected and repaired? While it is in ok original (if well worn) condition, never appears to have been re-arsenalled or upgraded and retains the "old style" mag catch & safety, it just isn't very reliable and I'd like to see some improvement in that area. I've tried the obvious fixes with new springs, better lubrication, NOS correct GI mags, hotter ammo and so on...but I'm ready to let an experienced pro take a look. Not looking to refinish or make the rifle pretty, just a better shooter. This rifle has a lot of sentimental value to our family as my late FIL owned it for almost 35 years, so I don't mind spending a few bucks...I can send the weapon to and receive from fairly easily as it is on my C&R FFL Log, etc. Additionally, although it *appears to not be* a newly-restricted AW under IL law...I'm am exempt from it owing to my occupation and can send/receive it as my property regardless. Any ideas would be appreciated...thanks!

 

[dfariswheel]

Fulton Armory has a great reputation, and they build new Carbines also I'd probably go with them...........

Fulton Armory

Our M14 gunsmith at Fulton Armory handcrafts the most exceptional rifles across the entire United States. Shop your source for service rifles, parts, tools, and more today at Fulton-Armory.com.

www.fulton-armory.com

If you join the CMP, they offer Ordnance level work on most USGI rifles and Carbines...........

Custom Gunsmithing - Civilian Marksmanship Program

The CMP Custom Shop provides a variety of repair, upgrade and custom services for U.S. Military rifles, specifically those from early eras.

thecmp.org

Orion 7 has a good rep.............

Orion 7 | Orion7 – the M1 Garand Specialists. Home to M1Garand.com

Nationally recognized M1 Garand rifle specialists, Purveyors of quality M1 rifles, parts, tools and accessories. Our 26th year serving U.S. Rifle Cal. .30 M1 shooters, collectors, and enthusiasts! Springfield Armory M1 Garand, H&R, HRA, Winchester, International Harvester, IHC., as well as m1...

www.m1garand.com

 

[Nodakdad]

What issues are you having?

 

[Mercy Me]

You make want to check the cmp forum.

 

[rdnktrkr]

Not a carbine but one of my Garands had issues, I stopped by their Anniston facility, and they repaired it in a couple of days while I was in town. I think it was something simple. They are GREAT people to talk to and do business with so they would be at the top of my list.

 

[Neo-Luddite]

Thanks everyone!

 

[Neo-Luddite]

What issues are you having?

Extracting but not picking up a fresh cartridge.

 

[MJD]

I know this is a simple question, but curious if you've ruled out the magazine by changing out the spring?

**edited to add: I see you've probably addressed that via new springs. Assuming you've changed both your mag springs and recoil spring, the advice by trackskippy below is sound.

 

[trackskippy]

In the past half dozen years or so, Ive picked up 5 GI carbines, 3 Inlands and 2 Winchesters. All of them had function issues right from the start. The two things that took them from around 50-60% function-wise or so up to 95% plus, has been to rebuild the bolts and ditch the GI mags for the Korean KCI mags.

All the dozen or so GI mags I got with the guns were nothing but trouble and only one of those works well enough that I still use it. Its also usually the mag thats in the gun when I do have a stoppage or malfunction.

The KCI mags are goods stuff! Both the 15 and 30 rounders. You can also get some of them with a BHO follower. Not something I really care for, but do have a couple, and that might be something that could help you sort the not stripping the next round off the mag issue.

What you describe almost sounds like it might be short stroking. When you have the gun apart, is the piston still staked in, and if so, does it move freely? 4 of the 5 guns I bought had the staking of the nut broken and they were loose. Which I actually prefer, as I clean everything after I shoot, and I clean the piston as well. I just make sure to snug it down tight each time. Id look there first.

How does the slide look as well? Is the lug or track beat up and maybe causing things to drag?

If you're comfortable doing the bolts yourself, Numrich has the parts you need and you'll need the bolt tool as well. They also have the wrench for the piston nut.


The CMP has a good primer on the Carbines thats well worth the read.

I like to tinker, and I didnt get into anything I couldn't fix with mine. They are pretty simple and seem to have pretty common issues like the ones above, as well as later rear sights that people seem to not resist knocking out of their staking as well and that causes issues there too.

The only other thing you might check is the recoil lug in the stock is secure and in place properly. Dont really see that being a problem, but if its loose, who knows.

 

[carbine85]

These are easy rifles to work on.
Check the gas piston and make sure it's not stuck and check the length of the recoil spring and make sure it's up to specs. As far as lube is concerned you only need a few drops here and there.
No need for special ammo either.
Post a few pics of the rifle broken down.

 

[Nodakdad]

For the slide spring did you install a USGI one or one of the "extra" power ones?