It was only natural; as soon as I was old enough and had the funds saved up, I bought an M1 Carbine. Unfortunately for me, the first one I came found, while I had $95 burning a hole in my pocket, was at a local emporium in the San Fernando Valley of Los Angeles. It was a brand spanking new Plainfield Machine Company M1 Carbine. Unbeknownst to me at the time, Plainfield carbines were assembled using surplus parts. However, Plainfield has a colorful history, and is worth some investigation to those interested.
Anyway, I couldn’t wait to share the news with a friend who was a much more experienced firearms aficionado. When I told him, the first comment he made was that I had to reload to keep the shooting costs down. I didn’t have a clue, so he gave me a list of components to buy and said, he would show me how to reload, which he did. That became my first reloading experience, which turned into a life long pursuit still going strong for over 55 years. It was at that time that I also came to realize another very interesting and attractive quality of the M1 Carbine, it really was very easy to reload for. Add another plus on the popularity side.
The problem with the previously mentioned Plainfield Carbine was that it just did not hold up to even the small amount of ammo I subjected it to—despite it’s cool looking, perforated handguard. After the brazed on gas piston housing separated from the barrel, it prompted another separation—our rather unceremonious parting of the ways. However, genuine G.I. was still scarce on the commercial market, so I found a Universal M1 Carbine to fill the void in my need. It was also assembled from G.I. Surplus parts and a cast receiver. Alas, it was not much better and soon discarded.
Despite the bad experience with the commercial versions of the M1 Carbine that I had tried, I was still enamored with the sexy little carbine, so I did my best to learn as much as I could about it. The more I found out, the more I wanted one. Eventually, I acquired a genuine G.I. Inland Division M1 Carbine in very nice arsenal-upgraded condition.
I went to gun shows and scrounged sporting goods stores for magazines, tools, pouches, and a bayonet. About that time, I discovered the joy of weekends spent in California’s high deserts in pursuit of jackrabbits. It was fun and inexpensive. I can’t think of a better way to learn how to compute lead on fast erratic targets than with jackrabbits and the fast-handling agile carbine. The laws in California have certainly changed, but my fondest memories are of days spent walking the desert with a handful of 30-round magazines and plenty of ammo.
Those early trips improved my shooting and taught me many lessons—one of which was that the carbine’s range and utility could be improved with a scope. Now please remember, we are talking prehistoric times as far as things concerning anything shooting are compared to the things taken for granted today. It was really hard to find a means of mounting a scope to an M1 Carbine—no internet or mobile devices.
Eventually, I was able to find an outfit that made a scope mounts for the M1 Carbine. The mount fit in the rear sight cut and was secured by a bolt. In that mount with Redfield rings the scope rode high enough over the receiver so as to not impede function. I couldn’t wait to mount the 1.5-4x Bushnell Banner scope the salesman said would be just the ticket.
That combination did in fact prove to be very deadly, and I would not even attempt to guess at the number of jacks taken with it, but it was a boatload. It did, however, exhibit a vexing problem. The base worked loose and caused the scope to lose zero after a day afield. After replacing the unit for a newer upgraded model that proved not much better, I eventually remedied the on going problem using the “ol’ iodine trick.” For those unfamiliar, back in the day, prior to Loctite when you wanted something to stay put, a little Iodine on the threads would rust them together. Afterward, the only way to remove the screw was to drill it out. That did correct the problem, and it has held its zero till this day.
Over the years, I acquired more carbines and at one point decided I just had to have the white unicorn for my own. I had to have an original, as issued, museum-quality example of the M1. Through a friend, I was put in contact with a well known collector and dealer who had a couple of examples he was willing to part with—at enormous expense. He then asked if I had an M1 Garand to match the carbine I was looking at. I did not then; I do now, but that is another story.
That visit started me on the never-ending path of carbines as collectables. There have been so many manufacturers, upgrades, parts changes, variations, modifications, and accessories that it might be impossible to collect examples of them all, but it sure is fun and educating to try.
The most obvious accessories are magazines, and let me tell you, there is a whole world of variations and manufacturers. Needless to say, it’s like the proverbial onion, the more you learn, the more layers that are exposed, and the more there is for you to learn. I might add; it is just not enough to have good, functional, reliable magazines. You will feel compelled to get examples of those made by all the manufacturers (WWII, post war, foreign, and domestic). Then, there are the bayonets and scabbards not to mention slings, oilers, mag pouches, and carbine-specific tools such as the bolt take down tool and gas piston wrench. With all the interest, forgeries abound, so one must decide if collectability or functionality is important. It never ends, but if collecting is in your DNA, it can be very entertaining and loads of fun—not to mention some of the characters one meets along the way.
To say my love affair with this ol’ gal has lasted and still grows today is an understatement. Yet, another reason for my appreciation of the M1 Carbine, and I believe a whole new generation discovering it, is its newly found application as an urban defensive tool. As a firearms instructor, I have recommended the M1 Carbine as the perfect home/urban defense tool for many years while others down talked it. Again, they try to equate the battlefield with the living room or front yard, and that just does not work.
Faith
It was manufactured to be a weapon of battle in a much harsher time. As such, it is built tank tough to last with little or no care or attention. Remember, lots of people buy a gun for defense, shoot it once, and then it gets put away until the excrement hits the fan. If they are fortunate enough—and remember they have an M1 carbine and it is loaded—it will work and work reliably. It is light and handy—meaning it is friendly in confined spaces such as homes and vehicles.
Women, children, the elderly, and infirmed can all use the M1 Carbine effectively. The defensive ammunition available today includes newly designed defensive ammo with a plethora of expanding projectiles at 2000+ feet per second. That trumps the hottest .357 Magnum loads, which I might add is considered a gold standard for self-defense.
Remember, the .357 in a handgun is difficult to master and shoot accurately. It also has tremendous muzzle blast and recoil. Most often, it will only have six rounds on board too. The carbine is much quieter, exhibits less recoil, is easier to shoot accurately, and depending on where you live, it can accommodate from 10 to 30 rounds. In a pinch, you can add the bayonet previously mentioned or use it as a club. Ah! Such versatility; it just warms my heart.
Other popular platforms, such as today’s MSRs are just not as user friendly in my opinion. Plus, I just happen to like wood and steel. I have said for a long time that gunmakers stopped making guns better and started making them cheaper during the mid to late 1950s. Driven by increased labor costs, firearms manufacturing looked for cost-cutting procedures and materials to be more profitable and as a capitalist. I understand and appreciate that.
We went from steel with lots of machining and hand fitting to aluminum and tubular construction, cast parts, and heaven help us plastic guns. Yes, they still go bang! but with less elegance and certainly without a soul. Do we really like and think these new modular firearms are better, or have we been brain washed into thinking so? I, for one, also feel that if a battle rifle’s caliber does not begin with a 3, it’s for varmints.
When I went trough basic training in the Stone Age (mid 1960s). The M16 was the service rifle, but we went through training with the M14. We were told they had not developed a manual of arms for the new Mattel-a-Matic. I was probably one of the last trainees to qualify as a bayonet expert. Would somebody please demonstrate how you do a bayonet drill with a pistol grip? Oh, the inhumanity!
Recently, I had a good friend over who happens to be one of the premiere firearms instructors in the country, if not the world; he is also one of the top competition shooters of all time. I brought out a few of my M1 Carbines and started to go on about them when he turned to his companion and said, “We need to get a couple of carbines, they are lots of fun and make a really good home defense tool for anyone.” I love that kind of validation for what I have been preaching for all these years, especially from someone of his stature.
Zombie Gun
Now let’s look at the requirements of a zombie gun and a comparison of the contenders. The term zombie gun may no longer in vogue, but the concept endures. The first thing I look at is reliability. The M1 Carbine was made to arm our troops under the worst conditions and to last the duration and beyond. That means it will hold up and it is made from good American steel, forged, and machined. It has an economy of parts, which means less to go wrong. If something does go wrong, which is unlikely, there are so many in circulation that finding parts should be easy. This is true to a lesser degree of other U.S. Marshal arms but not as true. Remember, there were 6.2 million made plus boatloads of spare parts. Add to that commercial variants, and the supply is just short of unlimited. It has proven itself for 75 years.
It is light at 5.2 pounds. Lighter than any other battle rifle or carbine with like features. When walking, lighter is better. Remember, gasoline has a finite shelf life. The Carbines’ slight weight will allow anyone to be able to use it. It’s so light it can be handled and shot effectively with one hand.
Compared to Other Popular Defensive Calibers
The ammunition is compact and light—smaller and lighter than any AR or AK platform calibers. All calibers available for those platforms are overkill on zombies or under kill like 9mm or .22 LR. You might say that 9mm is smaller and lighter, and while true, it gives up mightily in performance. Even out of a 16-inch barrel, it is well below 300 ft. lbs. at 100 yards.
Police in Northern Ireland had no faith in their MP5s at more than 50 meters—so much for the 9mm. One could make the case for MP5s in 10mm, but good luck finding one—and then there is the problem of ammo. 10mm is not exactly a household name, although its popularity has increased in recent years. M1 Carbine ammo, on the other hand, is everywhere and everybody makes it. Remember, it was designed to be effective out to 300 yards. I, for sure, don’t want to be shot with one at any range. Additionally, 30-round magazines are plentiful. Consider weight and size; you can carry more of everything—always a good thing.
One of the features I like the most is that it was designed to use a bayonet and has a traditional wood stock. Today’s modern rifles are difficult-to-impossible to correctly wield a bayonet. The M1 Carbine allows that in spades. Try that with a MP5 or any bullpup.
Now, I know that all of you young whipper snappers are foaming at the mouth, throwing yourselves around saying the AR is better cause you can attach all sorts of modern gizmos to it. Well, hold on. You can attach all the same gizmos to the venerable M1 Carbine.
There is an outfit called UltiMAK that makes a slick Picatinny mounting system that replaces the handguard. It is a rock-solid system that allows you the ability to mount scopes, red dots, lasers, lights, or whatever to modernize the Old’ War Horse into the ultimate home defense machine. With the addition of the Aimpoint Patrol Rifle Optic you just put the red dot where you want it and squeeze.
For all the reasons stated and more, I believe the M1 Carbine to be one of the most interesting, effective, versatile, popular, and just plain fun firearms around. For the collector, its story is one of the most interesting—as is the firearm itself. Do yourself a favor, and get M1 Carbine fever… You will thank me.
I was in the military for 13 yrs, in which I used the M1 in Vietnam, shot expert with on the rifle range.. I want to say that the M1 will work under any condition, under any weather condition. If you have one, don’t get rid of it.
The only problem I have with my carbine, is that it ejects the spent case directly into the middle of my forehead. And yes, I shoot left-handed. Other than that, it’s probably one of my most loved firearms.
This may have been a good combat rifle. There were thousands of these around after the war. They were selling for $25 and down. They were worth $25 and down. The 30 caliber carbine cartridge is anemic at best. It was a lousy deer rifle. I believe Ruger made a revolver chambered in for this cartridge. I cannot understand why anyone would buy this rifle.
Wayne,
In its initial design parameters, it performed very well. I won’t get into that too much, he talks about it in part one and part two. People love history. It is a gun that is fairly accurate, fun to shoot, and if you know where to look, can get cheap ammo.
Maybe it doesn’t fit your purposes. To each their own.
I love owning a weapon made in the 40’s that still functions reliably, can ping steel at 200 yards, and is something older members of my family carried with them in WW2 and Vietnam.
– Tim
How about the paratrooper version with the folding stock. Do you have one of those?
Had one….wooden pistol grip very much too short for modern sized persons…..WW II had a smaller size people…6 feet was a tall man think the average man was 5 feet 8 inches 5 feet 9 inches and weight was under 170 pounds…….Captain America was described as 6 feet and 180 pounds….meaning a large muscular male….Hollywood settled with his description for actors for years…heartthrobs of the 1950s and early 1960s had Studio issued news ” descriptions ” as the same……most of the Hollywood descriptions were as accurate as Alan Ladd 6 feet 180 pounds…..mere Agent words….no reality
The folding stock M1 Carbine was awkward to carry….often the stock was wobbly from mishandling…the leather cheek piece was soon destroyed under action ….the barre heated up in a hurry….burned hands were common….had to learn to use the magazine as a hand hold…given the folding stock type, I would trade it for a regular stock as quickly as possible…cartridge was really less than 100 yards weapon…pistol ranges…jungle ranges
I’ve got a Rock-ola that I inherited from my father-in-law. I recently used it to win two M1 Carbine matches. Great little gun!
My dad was issued the M1 in WWII, he was in the 35th Infantry (D-Day=30) and part of the signal corp. he loved his M1 for two reasons, it was light and never failed. though the original ammo issued to GI’s would not penetrate German winter jackets at any range, my dad had told me that was never an issue for him, as they were so close to the Germans they had to shoot it was well within the guns capability. he’s gone now, but I wish I had bought an M1 when he was here for nostalgic reasons if nothing else….
I liked your article on the M-1 Carbine.I’ve been on the fence about getting one. Your different articles about the M-1 Carbine has just helped me decide I want/need one.Any help about where to look for one with good quality and price would be much appreciated. Thanks again for these good articles. Matt
As a company grade Adjutant General Corps officer in the early 60’s my assigned weapon was an M1 Carbine. I served in Korea in 1960-61 as CO of an Army Postal unit in Pusan. My TOE weapon was again an M1 Carbine. Because of a problem with my right eye which still dogs me to this day I barely qualified with an M1 Garand, I heartily disliked the M14.
I did somehow manage to earn an Expert marksmanship badge with an M1 Carbine in 1963. I have owned an Inland manufactured carbine for over 25 years. One of my sons recently gave me a Fulton Armory reproduction parartooper stock for it. It fits prefectly and when installed makes an excellent home defense weapon. A last note: the Fulton Armory stock has a cut for a selector switch in it so it can be used with either an M1 or an M2 carbine.
I live in Piedmont, and my father worked at Anniston Army Depot for many years, and he purchased a great Inland M-1 Carbine through the NRA from the Depot in the 60’s for $25 also! My father was the inspector over the Gun barrel and sights on the tank!! I now have that sweet shooting weapon, and yes that killer deal with the CMP has been gone for a while!!!
My Father was a Navy Seal in Vietnam and carried a full auto M1 carbine. He preferred it to the M16 and the AK 47. I have never owned one but I can respect the reasons my Father gave me for his preference of it. He said it was very controllable, very dependable and worked well in the short range situations that he operated in.
What would a set of 10 from all WWII manufactures be worth?
It’s a great rifle no doubt. The penetration lacked in it couldn’t get through the thick winter jackets of the North Koreans.
Suggest you check YouTube for several examples where this statement regarding frozen NK winter jackets is shown to be untrue. My co-worker’s father, combat injured in the Korean Conflict, also agrees that the winter jacket issue is a hoax.
I too carried a M2 carbine in RVN in ’64 as a USAF AP. We got the ar’s in Sept 1964, but very little ammo was delivered.
My M1 carbine will penetrate 32″ of ballistic gel. It is not lacking in penetration. The soldiers that had trouble in Korea were issued defective ammo.
I remember WW2 vets talking about the M1 carbine and they said they would sometimes see a Grande or a Bar laying on the ground that had been discarded; but never seen a M1 carbine discarded.
I have wanted one of these awesome guns for years, but, nobody makes a new version that I have found; and / or for a reasonable price. This gun is legit, but I won’t spend +AR price for this established technology, new or used. Anyone have any ideas? THANKS!
Purchased a Universal over five years ago from a pawn shop, still cannot get the piece of crap to work, no one will buy it neither, as soon as I say its a Universal they turn and run.
Patrick,
Are you in Illinois? Son of Jim Cotter?
I can help fix that rifle.
Joe C
Even if you’re not a M1 Carbine aficionado, I’d suggest reading up on its amazing history as no fewer than 10 manufactures were involved, and then there’s the story of Carbine Williams. Just a note: Aftermarket hi-cap mags should be purchased by word of mouth and/or trial and error as their holding tits are often too soft and will not hold the mag up high enough for the bolt to recycle another round. Prices continue to climb in this era of ridiculous gun control, so choose wisely.
My dad had an Inland M1 carbine. It was a joy to shoot and a lethal firearm at 100 yards with open sights. As stated in the article it makes a perfect defense gun. I have AR’s and AK’s but wish I had the carbine in my gun safe. I like metal and wood in a gun. Still like the feel of a wood stock and blued revolvers.
I had my dad’s m1 that he picked up out of a wrecked Jeep in September or October of 1944. He was tired of not being able to reach out and touch someone with his .45 (he was 1st army engineering planning staff). He put it in his trunk when he got shipped back to the states for trans-shipment to the Pacific. While on the train heading west to take ship peace was declared and ended up being separated from the service before his trunk showed up a year later, no depot maintenance. I loved the little gun.
I used to take it to school and put it in my locker and go target shooting after school. Sadly I I lost it and my house in 2009.
I got out of the USAF in 64. Bought a Carbinel thru the NRA and it came from the Gov arsenal in Illinois it was classifd as combat unserviceable due to the fact it had no magazine with it. It’s a Winchester it cost me a whole 20 bucks. I have a regular military scope mount on it. Also have a M5 bayonet for it. With an original sling and oiler. It’s a sweetie and shoots great. Have been offered almost 2000 for it, but that’s a no sale. Will go to the boys after I am gone.
Had quite a few carbines pass through my hands, some mine and others for repair or refinishing; Every gunman loved the originals and hated civilian copies as junkers.
Yes it is a good urban and suburban home defense weapon for all ages and partially infirm.
Have friends who own extensive collections and even in a different caliber. VIET infantry were of small stature and liked them.
we supplied Hmongs and Yards who were even of smaller stature. And as Charlie and the S. VIETS ( it was not illegal to shoot or kill what they called “Monkey Peoples) that those little carbines, especially on full auto was a ville best left alone.
Biggest fix needed was do not use unjacketed lead both for barrel grooves and cycling action.
Gonna be called a terrorist but f’ the Hillary and her Clitonistas for denying S korean export to US of their huge inventory of M1Carbines.
If ever there were a group of less american than that Clitonista bunch it has to be a muslim fanatic.
The Clinton clan should all be jailed and labled International thiefs and yes war criminals.
S. KOREA had enough M1’s that every American could of afforded to owm a classic part of Americana.
I have a M1 Carbine that my father-in-law brought home from WWII. How can I find out its value?
Carried a M2 Carbine in Korea, and a chopped M2 in Vietnam. Loved them both, and have a few now. I used at least 15 different model rifles while in the Army for 22 years, and the Carbine is my favorite.
I put together a web page about the M1 Carbine that some may find useful.
http://webpages.charter.net/wd4ngb/
I purchased an M1 Carbine off a friend several years back. My friend lives in KY and I live in CA, so it was an interesting process doing the transfer, but too good a deal to pass up. Upon acquiring the rifle, it appeared to have not been cleaned in decades and so I had to subject it to a complete field-strip and thorough cleaning. Then, when taking it to the range the first time, it had issues feeding… Thankfully that was only due to the inferior-quality new-production 10-round magazine and switching to a vintage 15-round one solved the problem. The rifle shot reliably and accurately from that day onward. For years, my M1 Carbine was my home defense weapon and thus far, the only firearm I have had to draw against an intruder in self defense. My girlfriend even loves to shoot the Carbine given its lightweight and compact design with limited recoil. The M1 Carbine is a fantastic weapon and one of the gems of my collection!
I also Live in Kalifornia which has a 10 round mag. limit, Up until recently larger mags. were “grandfathered” . That has been changed to none at all; except for LEs. So, all of my collection of 15 rnd. and larger mags. have a home with one of my sons in Oregon. So, if you still use the nice working 15 rnd. mags. beware…..Big Liberal Brother/Sister may be looking over your shoulder. The way the laws here keep changing (for worst) I will probably have to move my collection of carbines “assault rifle” out of state, also.
My father’s best friend (when he was a teenager in the Navy) was a landing craft pilot in the Pacific theater in WWII. During an assault on one of the islands (Iwo Jima?) held by the Japanese he found an M-1 Carbine on the deck of his landing craft after delivering a load of wounded Marines to the hospital ship (it fell off a stretcher). He kept it and sent it home in pieces. I was shocked and honored that he gave that carbine to me a few years back. It is in excellent condition and one of the favorites in my collection but most of all I love the history behind it. Loved the articles.
I was raised in Anniston Alabama, practically next door to CMP and as an Explorer scout, my M-1 carbine cost $25. I shot several deer and lot’s of rabbits with it (it tore squirrels up too bad). When I left town for the navy I sold it to a friend. The master plan was to buy another one when I got out. It took 23 years for that to happen and by then the killer deals at CMP was history. The desire is still there on my bucket list.
I too owned a Plainfield. Like Yours it was a POS and the slide guide wore out and the slide kept jumping out of the track. The rear sight was poorly staked. Finally saved what parts I could use and made a tomato stake out of the barrel/receiver.
I AM NOW 59 Y/O.
I BROUGHT MY UNIVERSAL CARBINE AT A GUN SHOW IN AMARILLO TEXAS IN 1975 FOR $90.S, IT CAME WITH 2 BANDELEERS OF AMMO, 3 15 ROUND MAGS AND 2 30 ROUND MAGS.
I HAVE NOT HAD THE PROBLEMS YOU HAVE HAD WITH YOUR NON MILITARY CARBINES, I DID REPLACE THE BOLT SPRINGS AND THAT WAS AN ADVENTURE WITHOUT THE BOLT TOOL.
I PUT A 4X SCOPE ON IT USING THE REAR SIGHT SCOPE MOUNTING SYSTEM.
I HAVE KILLED MANY SOUTH TEXAS DEER WITH IT INCLUDING THREE RUNNING DEER. ALL THE DEER I HAVE SHOT HAVE BEEN ONE SHOT HEAD AND NECK SHOOTS USING MILITARY FMJ ROUNDS.
I AM A TEXAS PEACE OFFICER AND FOR MANY YEARS BEFORE I HAD AN AR-15 I CARRIED MY CARBINE IN MY PATROL CAR.
I HAVE HEARD THAT THE UNIVERSAL CARBINE COULD BE USED AS AN M-2 WITH MILITARY PARTS BUT I HAVE NOT TRIED OR SEEN IT DONE.
I AM VERY PLEASED WITH MY CARBINE, IT WAS MY 1ST RIFLE.
I HAVE MANY FIREARMS BUT THIS IS MY FIRST AND WILL ALWAYS BE MY FAVORITE.
I too am a M-1 Carbine fan and enjoy plinking at my local range. The service weapon manufactured in the 1940s functions flawlessly and serves as tribute to those who carried and served our nation. Several years ago when the Carbines were available through CMP I gifted one to each of my children with the proviso that they pass the weapon th their children. Days at the range with our respective carbines are fond memories.
Loved your article! I inherited a Universal M1 carbine from my grandfather when he died in 1981. I plan to give it to one of my sons or grandchildren soon.
My question is, even thought it’s been very reliable whenever we shoot it, what can I do to make certain it stays that way? Is there a list of common trouble spots to look at?
Thanks again!
Jerry
I got mine from the CMP in Anniston, AL when they announced the Rockola release. I didn’t care what mfr I got – as my traveling partner did, so when the door opened that morning and those waiting in line rushed to the Rockola corner, I looked at crowns of others along the display wall. I found one in good shape and bought it. When I got it home and started cleaning it up, I noticed that a previous “owner” had carved “Vietnam 67” in the stock. Out of respect for some mother’s son, I immediately replaced the furniture with new CMP stock, and saved the “veteran” stock in a safe place. What a wonderful shooter.
As in Anniston Army Depot, (Bynum), at the time the worlds largest Tank Factory before Billy Clinton destroyed it? I too have one of those weapons that was purchased through the NRA in the 60’s! My father worked there for many years after he got out of the Army! His name was George R. Steward and was an inspector over the gun barrels and sights for the tanks! Sadly my father passed away 2 years ago, but I have that sweet little weapon and one of my first to ever shoot!! 🙂
I have Harvested a lot of Deer with rifle , I have a pistol of the same Cal.
Perfect for survival >>
EXCELLENT article but one that has me trying to find a way to properly kick myself in the backside without hurting myself too much.
I came across an all original Rockola version carbine many moons ago and enjoyed shooting it. Being without a good paying job at the time it was pretty much all I could afford at the time. I bought it from an aging friend knowing little about the gun and at a price that would make your jaw drop given it wasn’t a Blue Sky import or other amalgamation of parts of unknown quality.
Then came along a better job (after going to a good Tech School…Take THAT, Four Year Colleges!) and with a better job came an increase in pay and discretionary cashola.
Then came the craze for all things AR and trinkets with which to adorn it and it was infatuation at first sight! (Actually, that infatuation became a long-term Love but that’s another story for another day) But I kept my little Rockola with oodles of magazines, a genuine bayonet, proper oiler(s), (yes, plural but don’t ask why. I think they had babies), add on cone flashhider(s) (yes, plural AGAIN! What was WRONG with me?!?), proper Web slings (there’s that plural AGAIN!!) and other doodad’s too numerous to mention.
But I fell into some kind of time warp since ALL components were verified as being original and NOT cheap copies and imports but, best of all, I wasn’t taken to the cleaners buying all of those goodies from the chap I bought them from.
He just wanted to know it was going to s good home and would be properly and we’ll cared for (It was).
While the little blaster wasn’t a one-hole tack driver, it was easily well within what was considered to be accurate for what it was designed to be. My then pre-teen kids liked it because it didn’t kick like my M1A or any .30 caliber bolt rifle so it did get a good workout.
But as previously stated the AR craze came along, the kids grew up and they, too, became enamored by the AR bug, the result being the little carbine was relegated to the back of one of the safes, infrequent to see the light of day.
Then came along a friend and fellow employee (new to the company and at the bottom of the pay totem pole) who was very nearly of Lilliputian dimensions who was trying to assemble a small collection of guns with which he, his equally diminutive sized wife and pretty tiny youngsters could shoot without being set on their derriere’s and not put them into the poor house.
Well, HERE is a guy and a fine family who not only cannot afford Uber high quality (read expensive) guns, who have a NEED and, because of their own lack of size dimensions, absolutely fell in LOVE with the Little Rifle, and I got to thinking.
Self, sez I to me, these folks are good people who deserve to be protected by QUALITY firearms and have a genuine NEED for the Little Rifle, so I put forth a trade deal. They would “trade” me a reasonable quantity of current day script for the USA and I’d “trade” them the Little Rifle and all of the accoutrements I had assembled for it since I had acquired it.
These folks were fairly ecstatic over but not in possession of my asking price (which, BTW, was the same as I bought it for and about 1/3rd of the commercial asking price) so I allowed them to make payments while I retained the Little Rifle until it was paid off.
Long (!!) story almost at an end, we were finally able to conclude our “trade” and we became fast and lasting friends. I felt good that I hadn’t taken advantage of someone in need just because I COULD (sadly, today so many people lack morals to help others without a price tag attached and who will argue that being a capitalist isn’t bad but taking advantage of a fellow human being is just Okie Dokie with them. HTF can they so much as LOOK at themselves in the mirror is beyond me! And the .22 LR Hoarding SOB’s are in the same category IMO) and the gun went to a Good Home where it resides to this day.
My point in all this is that while I absolutely enjoy all things AR related, I recall wistfully that Little Rifle, the Rockola carbine and wish I still had it. Especially now that I have a Fiancé with MS and suffers from lack of upper body strength and the same affliction of her hands and arms.
I really believe she would do well with a Little Rifle such as I once owned. But in our “Golden Years” (Golden my ASS!! What a cruel description!) it makes little sense to continue to be on the prowl for yet another gun.
That said, I think it is past time I complete my AR pistol project since it MAY be just the ticket for my Sweetie and much easier for her to wield if faced with a SHTF situation. But I’ll definitely need to convince her it would be in her best interests to put on some ear protection BEFORE firing a 10.5″ barreled .556mm “pistol” or suffer the ear-splitting consequences.
To those thinking about acquiring an M1 Carbine, I highly recommend you do so. They ARE fun guns to shoot and even hunt with if stoked with the proper ammunition. And with that same ammo, they can be called upon to serve as a Personal Protection Device when the circumstances warrant it.
Considering it has a bit more Oompf than many handgun cartridges, it would seem to be a No-Brainer as long as the situation and surroundings dictate their judiciously applied implementation.
Good Luck and God Bless.
IN THE SIXTIES I SHOT MI CARBINES AS AN AIR EXPLORE SCOUT AT RICHARDS GABAR AIR FORCE BASE. THEY WERE TERRIBLE INACCURATE WITH BALL ISSUE AMMO. YES, THEY WERE GENUINE MILITARY SURPLUS NOT FAKE COPIES. THE ARTICLE WRITTEN DOES INDEED COVER THE WANT TO OF THE LITTLE WEAPON AND I SHARE THE SAME WANT TO’S AND DESIRES FOR IT BUT HOW CAN THE BABY .30 BE MADE TO SHOOT MORE ACCURATE? 6″ GROUP AT 25 YARDS IS NOT COOL. WHO MAKES AN ACCURATIZION RETROFIT FOR IT TO ENABLE 1″ AT 50?
Those M1’s were either defective or you needed more training. My M1 is plenty accurate enough. Mine will shoot a 3 or 4″ group at 50 yards rapid fire.
I had bought a M1 carbine. It was a inland. I was so stupid because I sold it because I needed to pay off a debt from college. I should’ve just paid it off little by little. I miss my M1 carbine so much. That was one of the biggest mistakes in my life.
After 21 years in the Air Force I became a Deputy Sheriff in Virginia and as such was authorized to purchase, on our Department’s letterhead stationary, most any firearm for our personal carry in uniform or vehicle.
I always wanted a M1 Carbine of my own. That is what I trained on in the Air Force. The carbine that I received from a distributor in California is one made by Inland Div of GM. All serial # match, the wood is like new. Upon receipt of the weapon I disassembled it and cleaned it, which it really did not need. That was in 1976. Of course I still have it and will pass it on to my son,. I have fired it at least 10,000 rounds without a problem and I have heard about its use in the Korean war and its failure to be effective. Well I found it to be a match for the 357 magnum pistol. Yes is great for home defense. I have not used it in that role. Hope I never have to. Loved your articles.