What's it like to shoot an M2?

[Greystone45]

I've really enjoyed my M1 carbine since I bought it 2 years ago but I sometimes think what it would be like to shoot the Select Fire M2 carbine. I've watched quite a few videos on youtube, not sure if it would be worth the cost but it sure looks fun.

[browningautorifle]

They're OK but you don't hit lots. Unless you're real close. Fun for a minute though...

[emmagee1917]

I have one , and it is fun . They are light and have a very fast rate of fire . Very hard to hit anything in FA beyond point - blank range , but the closed bolt semi option is far more accurate at longer ranges than the open bolt SMGs . I have found that after the thrill of Full Auto , it maintains to be fun only if you can hit what you aim at. This is much easier in FA with guns that tend to be heavy for thier caliber or have a slower rate of fire. I shoot my Thompsons and Greaseguns far more than the Reisings and M2 for that reason. The Merlle / Blackdog .22 conversion for the Thompsons allow for cheep , controlable FA fun.
So .... I'm glad I have one . I do shoot it . I would not recommend it if you could have only one , unless short range blasting is your only goal. I live in the deep open desert , so longer range shooting is available and the norm.
Chris

[Greystone45]

It does seem like the thrill would wear off pretty quick and I wouldn't be able to hit anything..... from watching youtube videos. I guess I'll stick with my M1 carbine and be happy with that.

[imarangemaster]

I fired couple back in the day as an LEO and AF SP reserve afetr the Army. I really liked it. as long as you use burst discipline (2-3 shot bursts), it is as good as Uzi or MP5 (both of which I have fired), but more firepower. It is more accurate in full auto than an M3 "grease gun" or 1928 Thompson. I wish I could have one.

[emmagee1917]

Well , I disagree . I have the hammers , vice , clamps , prybars , punches , and rolls of protective tape to adjust those non-adjustable sights on the greasegun and M1 thompsons. If they are sighted in to hit , at across-the-room to 25-50 yds I shoot far tighter groups with the M3s , M1928s , and M1 Thompsons over the M2 on full auto. As you pass 25 yds , the short sight radius of the M3 causes it to drop out . The semi-auto open bolt accuracy of the Thompson is also not good . I can do pretty good , but not at any speed . So after 25-50 yds , the M2 carbine on semi wins hands down. That's been my experience anyway .
Chris

[JimF4M1s]

In Vietnam my boat had .50 cals. But in close to the river banks, or when doing an insertion or extraction of a team, we were off the big guns and using our small arms. In 1968 I had an M-2 carbine and a .45 acp pistol. Granted, we are talking no more then 30 or 40 yards and under some stress, but the carbine in full auto will hit and take down a target. What percentage of hits, I didn't stop to count. Wrapping the sling around your hand up at the band, then pulling your elbow towards your body can hold down the muzzle rise to be controllable factor. My next tour we had M-16's, they were easier to keep on target.

Shooting an M-2 in the 80's without being shot back at was a lot more fun. But this time I was paying for the ammo ($8-$10 a box), that was not fun. Had a Thompson and M3 in the 80's also. The Thompson was the most fun to shoot for me. I liked the wood stock of the Thompson over the wire of the grease gun. Sad to say now restrictions have stopped that in my area. But it was a blast. No pun intended. I envy emmagee1917 having that fun today.

[ABPOS]

Oh my. Thank you for your service and I'm glad you made it back!!!!!!

Did you ever have problems with reliability with your M2, more than any other weapon system? Just curious. I guess I should ask that about the M-16's also.

[tenOC]

I've wanted to build a short barreled M2. That should shunt some of the muzzle climb.

[JimF4M1s]

Lost an extractor, not at a critical time. Broke a lug off on a bolt, again not at a critical time. Plenty of spare parts at the depot. Otherwise no feed issues. Only went through either five or six spam cans on that tour. Three crates, don't remember if we finished off the last or not. But it started my fascination with the carbine. Could afford to buy my first in 1974, by chance it was a Rock-Ola.

Jim

Oh my. Thank you for your service and I'm glad you made it back!!!!!!

Did you ever have problems with reliability with your M2, more than any other weapon system? Just curious. I guess I should ask that about the M-16's also.