Tools

[3154tm]

i finally have my first carbine and of course now i have the bug for another one. i was thinking it might be nice to acquire a few tools, especially an ME and TE gauge and possibly since i'll be swapping bolts around for an M2 coversion, head space gauges. any recommendations as to which are most useful and where to buy?
thanks.

Information

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[painter777]

Bolt tool is a must have IMO.

CH-P777

[JimF4M1s (Deceased)]

Charlie gave you good advice. The most important is the bolt tool about $45. I'd get a spare pawl also, about $15. As you can see in the picture, easy to break the split end. Another item not very costly at $10 but a time saver is the trigger spring tool. I'd also make a second trigger pin. But only the width of the trigger. Aluminum rod, whatever. That way you can assemble it outside the housing. Saving finger tips and cuticles. Maybe a few choice words too. Drop it in and push the full length pin into place.
The muzzle gauge, maybe. A lot are counter bored and will swallow it anyway. There are other ways to check it, an M2 round for one.
Head space gauges are pretty expensive. I think around $50 each now. Go, no go. Maybe, but not for only one carbine.

[CrossedCannons]

You don't need a NOGO gage for headspace unless you are installing a NEW barrel.

I'd add to your list a "special" screwdriver (bit) hollow ground for the screw fastening the barrel band. While the screw was originally designed to accept a 30 carbine case rim in its slot, and it's sorta fun "reenacting", using a modern tool is much easier for routine disassembly/reassembly

HTH

[3154tm]

thanks guys for all the great info. i think i'll start with the bolt and trigger assembly tools.

[painter777]

I still haven't bought a trigger spring tool.
I pull the guts out of a bic pen.

M2 conversion.......... I'd be grabbing ammo as often as possible.
Have fun, be safe.

Cheers,
Charlie-Painter777

[painter777]

I'd also make a second trigger pin. But only the width of the trigger

This is a huge help. I believe I cut down a number of finish nails and lightly ground the edges smooth.
Being able to put the trigger, sear and spring together outside of the Trigger Housing could save a marriage.
Makes setting the Hammer so much easier.

"The M1 Carbine Owner's Guide" by Larry Ruth and Scott Duff has some useful 'How To' sections.

CH-P777

[DaveHH]

The field HS gauge is the one you want. If it closes on that you have a problem. Go to see if there is enough room. I use a 30-06 case for the trigger spring. Push it in, slide the whole thing into the housing hole catch it with a small tool and drag it out. You might want to have the gas nut wrench too and a spare new plug. These are cheap and if you need one not much else works.

[3154tm]

charlie, i've been trying to find reasonably priced 30 carbine without much luck. i bid on this lot but missed it by a mile. it went for $1200! that's some expensive ammo if you're going to shoot it. is this stuff now a collector's item?
i have the first two "War Baby's" and ruth's owner's guide, that's a lot of info to digest.
frank
LOT #1779 - 13WA-46 LOT OF AMMO

[painter777]

From the Auction site:
2 cans of U.S. .30 cal. ball ammo in 8 round clips and 2 cans of 600 rounds U.S. .30 carbine in 10 round clip bandoleers. A bonanza lot for the M1 carbine and Garand shooters.

2 of those cans are for feeding a Garand.
Unopened=big $$.

I've shot most all the commercial brands. Then started reloading my own. I have a lot more peace of mind shooting my own. Recall some Magtech that were screaming for a carbine load.

Cheers,
Charlie-Painter777