WTB: M1 Carbine

[G26ster]

I'm looking for an M1 Carbine. Prefer WWII US military vendor manufacture (Winchester, Inland, etc.), but will consider Universal or Auto Ordinance copy if the price is right. Prefer FTF in the DFW area. So if you have one taking up space, let me know.

[The Annoyed Man]

I've heard that ammo for these is getting increasingly hard to find. Is that true? I would love to have one myself. My dad carried one on Iwo Jima.

[G26ster]

I've heard that ammo for these is getting increasingly hard to find. Is that true? I would love to have one myself. My dad carried one on Iwo Jima.

Lots of it for sale locally and on the net. Cabela's has it for about $.50 a round, as do many others. I guess my desire to have one is its history, but having had one briefly in the military it's nostalgia too. Plus, it's a great gun to shoot for anyone, and makes a nice HD weapon IMHO. Is your dad still with you? If so, thank him for me. There is no greater American generation than his.

[almostfree]

If you don't find one here, you might try the Civilian Marksmanship Program (CMP). $479 is a pretty good price. TSRA membership will let you buy from the CMP.

http://www.thecmp.org/m1carbine.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[The Annoyed Man]

I've heard that ammo for these is getting increasingly hard to find. Is that true? I would love to have one myself. My dad carried one on Iwo Jima.

Lots of it for sale locally and on the net. Cabela's has it for about $.50 a round, as do many others. I guess my desire to have one is its history, but having had one briefly in the military it's nostalgia too. Plus, it's a great gun to shoot for anyone, and makes a nice HD weapon IMHO. Is your dad still with you? If so, thank him for me. There is no greater American generation than his.

I wish I could thank him today. We lost him to pancreatic cancer in 1990. His carbine was the indirect cause of his getting WIA at Iwo. He was taking shelter in a shell crater when a Japanese soldier threw a grenade in there. He threw his carbine out of the crater and jumped out after it, landing on the stock and shattering it. Without thinking, he rose to his knees and cussed, and a Japanese rifleman took him through the chest. He did survive his wound, and today, I still have the sidearm he carried after he recovered from his wounds - a 1943 vintage Ithaca 1911A1. I inherited it upon his death, and it was my first ever firearm; hence my love of the 1911 platform.

[cajunautoxer]

CMP is where to get one. Also order ammo from them. I order a little extra for my M1 every yr

[G26ster]

Thanks guys! Only "Rack Grade are available now from CMP. Did you get Rack or Service Grade? Seems like Service is most desireable, but with either it's "the luck of the draw." Here's the description of "Rack Grade"

"Rack Grade Carbines have been refinished and rebuilt at least once and will exhibit in most cases varying degrees of wear on many parts. All the carbines have late features such as, adjustable sights (heavily staked) with bayonet lug bands and rotary safeties. Metal parts are mixed USGI. There are no carbines with early features. All are mechanically sound with good headspace. Bores will have some heavy pitting and exterior finish may show significant wear and some surface pitting. Muzzle will gauge over a three (3) on gauge. All of the carbines we have are returns from one of several countries and may have USGI walnut, birch, or other foreign replacement wood. Stocks may be M2 type pot belly. Wood may have seen heavy use, may or may not have original cartouches and may have foreign markings. Wood is sound, but will have dings, dents, gouges and cracks that do not affect the function of the carbine. Metal may have some foreign markings. Carbines in this grade show considerably more use and wear than the service grade."

Is it worth the chance? Prices are about 2/3 - 1/2 of auction sites and LGS's.

[rm9792]

I have gotten 2 Garands and 2 M1's Service Grade and all look literally brand new but one IBM carbine. It needed a new stock but the metal is perfect, Thier rating guy is very generous.

[almostfree]

I haven't bought a carbine from them, but of the garand's that I bought looked like what they were.....a mechanically sound rifle with dings and blemishes that give it character and indicate a rich history of service. If I wanted a carbine, I wouldn't hesitate to buy one. That said, I think you can pick up a new production auto ordnance for a reasonable price if you want something that looks new. You will pay a big premium for a WWII era rifle in great shape.

[cajunautoxer]

Just order one of each that's what I do every time ;)

[G26ster]

Just order one of each that's what I do every time ;)

I got some good info from the M1 Carbine forum on which CMP models to order. Apparently their rater is very conservative with ratings, and everyone who responded to my questions highly recommended ordering one. I have all the paperwork filled out and ready to go. The wait is 30-60 days. That said, a member (Army retired and a gunsmith) who restores M1 Carbines, Garrands, 1911s had a nice WWII model for sale for about $75 more. I've requested more info and photos on that one too. Looks like I am about to own one very soon.

[The Annoyed Man]

TSRA membership will let you buy from the CMP.

http://www.thecmp.org/m1carbine.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Not by itself it won't. But having a Texas CHL will help: http://www.thecmp.org/eligibility.htm.

[almostfree]

You are correct. I should have been more specific. It was actually buying from the CMP that first got me to join the TSRA. I am very glad that I did.

[G26ster]

Basically, its: Proof of age, Proof of citizenship, member of one of the listed orgs (TSRA is on the list), and proof of firearms training if under age 60 (CHL or past military or LEO service or FFL or C&R license or certification from a range official). Only required to buy rifles.

[longhorn_92]

Thanks guys! Only "Rack Grade are available now from CMP. Did you get Rack or Service Grade? Seems like Service is most desireable, but with either it's "the luck of the draw." Here's the description of "Rack Grade"

"Rack Grade Carbines have been refinished and rebuilt at least once and will exhibit in most cases varying degrees of wear on many parts. All the carbines have late features such as, adjustable sights (heavily staked) with bayonet lug bands and rotary safeties. Metal parts are mixed USGI. There are no carbines with early features. All are mechanically sound with good headspace. Bores will have some heavy pitting and exterior finish may show significant wear and some surface pitting. Muzzle will gauge over a three (3) on gauge. All of the carbines we have are returns from one of several countries and may have USGI walnut, birch, or other foreign replacement wood. Stocks may be M2 type pot belly. Wood may have seen heavy use, may or may not have original cartouches and may have foreign markings. Wood is sound, but will have dings, dents, gouges and cracks that do not affect the function of the carbine. Metal may have some foreign markings. Carbines in this grade show considerably more use and wear than the service grade."

Is it worth the chance? Prices are about 2/3 - 1/2 of auction sites and LGS's.

M1 CARBINES SOLD OUT. The CMP is now sold out of M1 carbines except for the few they will still be selling on their auction program. At this time, they have no reason to expect to receive more.