Why is the m1 carbine more expensive than the garand ?

[painter777]

In the post on the other Forum I'd have to call it a 60 - 40 crowd that preferred the Garand. The Pro Garand guys took the usual shots at the Carbine calling it 'Under powered'. Some of the Pro Carbine guys tried to point out that was because it was being used beyond it's intended use. Basically a no win back and forth that didn't really answer the question. Instead of jumping in to the muck I just posted this:

Start:
All US GI Carbine production was during WWII. The 1st Carbine deliveries were in July of 1942 the last in August of 1945. That's 38 months, 10 Prime makers and likely 1,500+ Sub-Contractors++ So over 6 million Carbines from breaking ground to final deliveries in 38 months. Plus the millions of replacement parts, magazines, ammunition, web gear, etc.

Not getting in to all the variants and sub variants there are the M1 models, M2 Select Fire, M1A1 Paratrooper and the M3 with M2 action and Sniperscope night vision. Even as parts were improved or upgraded no matter the maker, early part or newer part they were made to be interchangeable to fit any model. Every War time part big enough to mark had the Sub-Contractors Code and Prime makers code stamped on it. This was so it could be traced back if there was a problem, Think 'Recall'. Example: EW on a Safety. The E was the Sub Eaton Pond, The W was Winchester, EW, Eaton Pond Safety made for the Prime maker: Winchester.

The M1 Carbine was the 1st US service rifle designed for the use of Non corrosive primer ammunition. The Garand has 3 times the power of a Carbine round. While a Carbine round has 2x the power of a Thompson .45ACP has. For the troops the Carbine was designed for this meant a lot more ammo could be transported with less effort at less cost to Ordnance.

This many US service rifles being built along with the companies that built them, some from the ground up in such a short time, with many Subs being small companies is historic. The study of the markings and the timelines we find interesting. Many of us had Family that were issued Carbines or we grew up shooting them. If Audie Murphy was Happy with his. Enough said on my part. To each and all, Just enjoy your collecting while you can. End