Need help finding an M1 Carbine for my nephew

[Bruce McAskill]

As I said before the Korean magazines in both 15 rounds and 30 rounds are as good as USGI magazines and they are very affordable. $10 for a 15 round and $15 for a 30 round magazine. Excellent quality from a country that has had many thousands of carbines as standard issue. They are now regulated to reserve status and for sale.

[Neal Myers]

Bruce, what are the markings on the Korean mags? Are they the AYP mags?

USGI 30 rd mags are tough to find today. I have 2 Seymour Ind mags (SEY), but the are hard to find & pricey.

For "duty" use, I would stick with 15 rd USGI mags, as they are 100% reliable, & you don't need a Type III mag catch (underlined M). Plus, easy to carry in a short pouch, & you don't bump the mag if you have to go prone in a hurry.

Neal

[imarangemaster]

AYP are european Military mags., FN I believe. I have several AYP and they are excellent. There are fake AYPs out there, though. They have thinner steel, and somewhat rounded corners, instead of sharp ones.

[enfield303t]

My son has a Auto-Ordnance M1, he describes it is not good quality and quality control is very poor. Front barrel band came off, rear sight improperly installed and the bolt assembly comes disconnected from the charging handle all the time..... so quality control is a joke and they require modification to work and they still won't work well. He is being polite!

He would never buy anything they make ever again.

[imarangemaster]

My son has a Auto-Ordnance M1, he describes it is not good quality and quality control is very poor. Front barrel band came off, rear sight improperly installed and the bolt assembly comes disconnected from the charging handle all the time..... so quality control is a joke and they require modification to work and they still won't work well. He is being polite!

He would never buy anything they make ever again.

I also have first hand knowledge of the horrible QC for Auto Ordnance M1 Carbines. I had one when the first came out. It would not feed more than 3 rounds without a jamb, even with USGI magazines shooting factory Remington or USGI 110 FMJs Tried replacing recoil springs, ejector spring, and extractor/spring. Nothing worked. Also took three tries with Customer service to gat a stock and handguard that fit. Handguards kept popping off. I then worked part time in a gunshop in Southern Illinois 2010ish. we sold three auto Ordnance Carbines while I was there. All three came back on warranty for functioning issues : FTEs, FTF, light primer strikes/headspace.

[Seaspriter]

Apparently James River Armory will restore an USGI M-1 to full operating standards, including replacement of worn or unsafe small components.
Restoration M1 Carbine - James River Armory
I haven't used them for this service -- has anyone had first hand experience?

[Seaspriter]

I too am going to purchase a "shootable" M-1 carbine later this year, and have been giving consideration to the options. This is what the options seem to be:

Option 1: Buy a New Reproduction
Brands seem to be Auto Ordnance, Inland, Fulton, James Armory or Chiappa (9mm)
Pros: A New Carbine
Cons: Pricey for Fulton and James Armory; Quality Control for Auto Ordnance and Inland;
All will depreciate immediately upon purchase

Option 2: Buy an Older Reproduction
Best Brands seem to be the earlier Universals and Plainfield
Pros: Made with USGI parts, Price can be in the $500 range
Cons: Never know how many rounds have been through them
Will never really appreciate in Value

Option 3: Buy an Authentic USGI Carbine
Pros: It's the real deal. Can still be purchased for $700-800 on GB
Cons: Unknown condition -- never know how many rounds have been fired, but can be fully restored by James River for ~$300.
Will appreciated in value.

(Apparently the CPM option is not available, but is probably the best route if it were available. If you can find a lightly used CPM USGI carbine, I think you'd be happy.)

It appears to me Option 3 is the best route given today's realities-- you get the "real deal -- USGI" with Arsenal quality if going for the full repair with James River.
Does anyone have better alternatives? Always looking for the great advice from my Forum mates.

[JimF4M1s (Deceased)]

I'm not knocking the aftermarket carbines, but I am also not a purchaser of them. In my mind they haven't had to prove themselves through three wars. Quality and reliability is not the same. It says something to me when a 70 year old weapon is more reliable then one being currently produced. GI parts are still available to replace worn or broken items. Working on a carbine is not hard and to me enjoyable. Spending $100-$150 for basic tools will allow you to change sights, take the bolt apart, head space, etc.

James River is $350. I'm guessing there is added shipping both ways as well. Add that to which ever aftermarket carbine you buy and you can most likely get a very nice and reliable GI carbine for the same or less money. I don't believe James River reworks these with maker matching parts. So it would then be a mix master. That also contributes to value.

We all go in different directions. That is part of the fun.