"Inland" Manufacturing M1 Carbines - 1st hand experience

[Captain O]

I don't understand the logic behind buying a repo carbine when there are so many GI carbines available. Even a shooter grade GI seems to be more reliable than the new Inland's and the AO's. They run about $1K the same as the problematic remakes. Nicer, maybe a more collectible maker, can be $1,200 and up. I just don't get it.

Those that buy the Fulton and James River Armory models aren't thrilled with idea of buying a rifle that may have been abused, or "clapped out" over a course of, at the most, 71 years. The "holy grail" that is the USGI M1 Carbine is slowly being driven into the "wall hanger" or "collectible" status. Many shooters are loathe to shoot a "Collectible".

As of late, the market as become subject to hyperinflation.

[Sleeplessnashadow]

James River bolts may or may not work in a commercial Inland or Auto-Ordnance carbine. This is true of any bolt other than those specifically made for Inland and Auto-Ordnance. Just because the bolt fits doesn't mean it will function properly. But, some will, some won't. The reason for this is the receiver and parts used by Inland and Auto-Ordnance are built to specs that are their own and not the same as GI specs. The bolts used by Auto-Ordnance and Inland have slightly different dimensions than other bolts. The receiver, slide and other parts are designed to work together with each others specs. Insert a GI part and it might work, might not. What allows it to work are the loose tolerances some of the carbines made by Inland and Auto-Ordnance are held too. Some of those tolerances fluctuate so one carbine will work with a GI bolt, another won't. Some will fit and seem to work okay but won't function properly during firing.

This isn't a flaw with Auto-Ordnance or Inland Mfg carbines. It's by design. They are not carbines built to GI specs. They are replica carbines built to the manufacturer's specs. If you want a replacement bolt you would be wise (and it's less expensive) to buy an Auto-Ordnance bolt for your Inland Mfg carbine. It would be even wiser and less expensive if Inland corrected this issue and their bolts had a lifespan that didn't require their bolts to be replaced in the first couple thousand rounds fired.

Jim

[Sleeplessnashadow]

I think the attraction to the Inland carbines over a GI carbine is twofold. First, the name is one people like because of it's history.

More importantly, some people don't want to mess with trying to figure out which GI carbine functions as it did during WWII. It's a gamble they choose not to take. While part replacement is as simple as simple can be with the GI carbines (albeit sometimes expensive) they choose not to have to spend time figuring these things out when all they want is a reliable shooter. Add the Inland name and it draws attention to Inland Mfg over Auto-Ordnance and others.

These folks rely on Inland Mfg to make a carbine that functions. Get past the break-in period and most will function fine. The question is, for how long. Shoot a few hundred rounds now and then and on calendar time they'll be acceptable for awhile. Well past the warranty period.

[Captain O]

I think the attraction to the Inland carbines over a GI carbine is twofold. First, the name is one people like because of it's history.

More importantly, some people don't want to mess with trying to figure out which GI carbine functions as it did during WWII. It's a gamble they choose not to take. While part replacement is as simple as simple can be with the GI carbines (albeit sometimes expensive) they choose not to have to spend time figuring these things out when all they want is a reliable shooter. Add the Inland name and it draws attention to Inland Mfg over Auto-Ordnance and others.

These folks rely on Inland Mfg to make a carbine that functions. Get past the break-in period and most will function fine. The question is, for how long. Shoot a few hundred rounds now and then and on calendar time they'll be acceptable for awhile. Well past the warranty period.

Dear brother:

There are men that have used the Fulton bolts in the New Inland carbines (two of which I know) with good results. I would probably opt to use a full Auto Ordnance bolt in conjunction with a New Inland product for the sake of relative product compatibility.

[m1newbie]

Jim...
You hit the nail on the head, at least in my case. I had expected Inland to maintain the quality of their predecessor by the same name. Silly me. And you are absolutely right about trying to buy a surplus one. It would far easier to get a surplus one that doesn't work at all than to get one that does. How do you find a trustworthy seller? As well, If I was able to find a good surplus one, I would be reluctant to shoot it simply from the standpoint of wanting to keep it in the best condition possible. I agree with Captain O from the standpoint that in my case, a good surplus one would probably become a wall hanger. I would be afraid of not being able to find good GI replacement parts. It just seems to me that trying to buy a good surplus one is like stepping off into a minefield. Unless you know where all the mines are, you're probably going to get bit. (don't ask me how I know that...)

I'm going to keep working with this thing and see what happens. Again, thanks to all of you for your comments and help. Still haven't gotten to the range yet......I'll let you know.

Thanks again.
Gary

[JimF4M1s (Deceased)]

I shoot five of my carbines on a regular basis. A Rock-Ola, two Inland's, two Winchester's, I have minimal issues with them.

There have been two times the extractor broke. Good luck finding the small parts. So a spare extractor, spring and plunger should be a must. About $20-$25 Bolt tool and parts pouch that snaps around your sling, about $60 for GI parts.

That's all I've broken in 40 years. I think a spare bolt, ejector, and maybe a firing pin might come in handy someday. $80 for GI. Most collectors already have parts boxes with all these items.

Remember these carbines, most being through two maybe three wars, were made to be used not hung on a wall. I still shoot my 1911 and 1911A1 a few times a year with my Ed Brown's and Wilson's 1911's. I want to enjoy them, not just look at them. Otherwise why have them?

[wd4ngb]

I have been a fan of the M1 Carbine since I carried a M2 Carbine in Korea, and a chopped M2 in Nam.


I picked up a 43 Underwood about a year ago, and in early Sep, I picked up one of the Inland Advisor Pistols to be part of my SHTF gear, since I really liked the one in Nam.

Since these are to be used for my SHTF gear, and home defense, I wanted to be sure I had back up parts for both for a extended period. I pulled the trigger assembly from the Underwood and tested it in the Advisor, fit and function perfect. I then did the same with the bolt, same results, plus passed the head space test at the gun shop. I went ahead and picked up a spare Trigger assy, and complete Bolt, plus bolt repair kit, a complete spring kit, and a bolt tool. These should take care of any needs for many years, and be on hand in case of any other needs.

I put the Advisor in a cut down M1 Carbine stock, and added a laser/light to it. They both work perfectly.

Here are a few photos of them.
My M1 Carbine

[shadycon]

Why buy a firearm if you are not going to shoot it? GI carbines may be old, but they are built to last! And they are repairable!

[deldriver]

Why buy a firearm if you are not going to shoot it? GI carbines may be old, but they are built to last! And they are repairable!

Generally, I agree with your statement, but you still have to be very careful to the point where collector grade stocks and bolts may want to be substituted when heading to the range. I have seen just enough (not a ton) stories of carbines going to the range and things breaking. The cost of even the most basic replacement parts has gone up for a variety of legitimate and some not so legitimate reasons. I guess in a nutshell one needs to potentially put just a little thought about taking their 70+ year old M1 carbine to shoot it.

I'll also say that there are carbines that are so highly collectible that perhaps shooting them is not a great idea, but the vast majority of carbines can be shot most likely with no issues.

[yoopercollector]

I have been following this thread since it started, it has been interesting to read. I picked up an Underwood a few years ago for $800, not near a collector grade rifle, that I could shoot every now and then. It has been fun to shoot but I have had a few ejection and feed problems, very few though. Not really enough for me to worry about. I just can't see why someone would spend over $1000 on a rifle and have to change parts right out of the box or have to keep sending it back for repair. I would be very upset and would want my money back. Maybe that is just me?