M1 Carbine variations

[rgs1975]

Howdy,

Ok so I'm looking to get myself an nice M1 Carbine. I know there are several different variations of the M1 out there from original WWII U.S. made to foreign made post war to rifles pieced together with a load of spare parts.

I've done a bit of looking at the original WWII issues and - wow - not cheap! I think the cost of those will keep me out of them.

Are there any M1 Carbines that are actually still being produced new? If so, are they worthless?

Are there any M1 variants that are significantly cheaper than the original WWII models but still of high quality?

 

[ocabj]

If you want an original USGI M1 carbine, go to http://www.empirearms.com and get on Dennis Kroh's mailing list. He usually comes across M1 Carbines and sends out the prices via his mailing list (with photos). He had about a dozen or so a couple months ago and they sold between $500-$700, and they went fast; really fast.

 

[rgs1975]

Thanks for the link and info...I'll check that out but what I'm lookin' for here is info on any newly made M1's or non USGI M1's that are off good quality and won't cost me an arm and a leg. Does such an animal exist?

 

[Rebar]

Are there any M1 Carbines that are actually still being produced new?

Yes, Khar is making them now:
http://www.tommygun.com/ao_aom110.html

 

[MrAcheson]

Auto Ordnance (a division of Kahr) is making at least one model of M1 carbine. I bought one because I didn't want my collectors conscience to bother me after modifying a GI piece. It has run well and I like it a lot. Just clean the hell out of it when you get it because the internals will come quite dirty.

UPDATE: Oh an a picture of mine is available on Flickr:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/26882994@N00/25065398/

 

[mattw]

I have an IAI M-888 (M1 Carbine copy) it is a new reciever with all GI parts, it runs great 100% with junk surplus ammo. they run about $500 brand new. I'm not sure if IAI (Israeli Arms International) is still in business but they made a good carbine.

They do get very very dirty, the dirtiest i've ever seen a weapon from just basic range use. The carbon will cake on super thick after only about 150 rounds. Not to worry though, the WW2 carbines did the same thing and probably only got cleaned about what, every 500 rounds or so? Great weapon, great price from IAI.

Heres a picture of mine:



It originally came with a metal ventilated handguard that i didn't really care for. Believe it or not i found that handguard at a gunshow for $5, i didn't have the carbine with me but i matched its wood exactly! What luck!

 

[rgs1975]

I see that Auto Ordnance offers a couple versions with the main difference being that one has a flat bolt and a barrel band. What advantages does these two things give you?

 

[mattw]

the barrel band just keeps the stock tighter to the rifle, you may sacrifice a bit of long range accuracy, but with a mid-range weapon like an M1 carbine i believe it is negligable.

the flat bolt doesn't have any advantage at all, the round bolt is made of more metal and therefore stronger

(if i'm wrong someone please correct me)

 

[Dave Markowitz]

The flat bolt and barrel band w/o bayonet lug are the earlier, M1 types. The round bolt and barrel band with bayo lug were developed for the M2 Carbine, however, most GI M1s you run across have been rebuilt with the later parts.

The round bolt was designed to stronger for full auto fire from M2s.