Wow! I feel like such a traitor to the one true path of the venerable M1icon carbine! "Bless me Father, for I have sinned!"

Since I first started shoting my cousin's M1 Carbine around 1962, it has been my absolute FAVORITE long gun. Even before that, I grew up knowing my Dad's Inland M1 carbine brought him home alive from Iwo Jima in 1945. Since 1982, I have continuously had an M1 carbine (occasionally more than one, but usually just one). It has always been my first choice for home defense, plinking and casual shooting, and even as my primary LEO trunk weapon for much of my career (unless I had a department issued full auto!). I just loved having and shooting my little Carbine.

Then it happened. This new 582 Series Mini-14 snuck into my life, and is now top dog! I suppose I can ultimately blame it on "Carbine Williams" because of his design influence on the Winchester SCHV .224 Light Rifle, who I am sure Bill Ruger then stole the idea for the Mini-14 from. While the Mini-14 is a bit over a pound heavier than the M1 Carbine, it is just as handy to tote, and has the same ergonomics as my beloved M1 carbine. The sight picture is virtually identical, and the weapon's handling is identical, capitalizing on 50 years of M1 Carbine "muscle Memory".

The more I shoot this little weapon, the more I really appreciate it. The MK262 Mod1 77 grn 5.56 OTMs have 810 ft lbs ME at 300 yards, where the carbine barely make that ME at 70 yards!

Anyway, the 6 digit Inland M1 Carbine has been cleaned, oiled, and put in a silicone gun sock in the safe. As it is a pristine 50s rebuild in a high-wood, cartouched stock (and no import markings), it is probably worth more than, and harder to replace than the Mini-14. While I certainly don't plan on getting rid of it (it would seem right not to have an M1 Carbine after all these years), it will be preserved and cherished for its historical value and link to my father. It will not, however, be my favorite weapon to shoot anymore. My new Mini has stolen my heart...

I await your assignment of penance and absolution for my blasphemy!