Universal M-1 Carbine Question

Ala Dan · 02-21-2004, 03:45 AM

Back in the early to mid 70's, I owned a
.30 cal M-1 carbine; and it was made by
Universal Arms (?) I suppose. Mine was
a very good copy of the original; as it
proved to be flawless in material and
workmanship. What ever happened to
this company?

Big Dog · 02-21-2004, 04:56 AM

While the early Universals were okay copies of the GI original, later the company began taking shortcuts to cheapen production. Quality control went down, and most parts no longer were mil-spec - wouldn't interchange with the real thing. There are stories galore of anything from simple Jam-o-matics to major Kabooms with the later Universals. Some Carbine purists poohpooh all non-GI carbines. I have an IAI clone myself, and I like it.

BattleRifleG3 · 02-21-2004, 12:38 PM

A friend of mine had a Universal that had an aluminum trigger guard/mag well, which broke along the mag well. It now works after getting a replacement M2 trigger housing.

PAPA G · 02-21-2004, 12:49 PM

Universal started making carbines with their own parts, if a Universal has an open cut unlocking track for the bolt, and 2 recoil springs, they are junk. the early productions like the one you had ALA Dan weren't bad as shooters.

Universal was bought out by Iver Johnson in the 80's and they got worse!!! now IJ is gone too.

02-21-2004, 03:45 AM	#1
Ala Dan Member Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Bessemer, AL Posts: 28 Trader Rating: (0)	Universal M-1 Carbine Question Back in the early to mid 70's, I owned a .30 cal M-1 carbine; and it was made by Universal Arms (?) I suppose. Mine was a very good copy of the original; as it proved to be flawless in material and workmanship. What ever happened to this company? __________________ Best Wishes, Ala Dan, N.R.A. Life Member

02-21-2004, 04:56 AM	#2
Big Dog Moderator Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Tallahassee, Florida Posts: 10,063 Trader Rating: (0)	While the early Universals were okay copies of the GI original, later the company began taking shortcuts to cheapen production. Quality control went down, and most parts no longer were mil-spec - wouldn't interchange with the real thing. There are stories galore of anything from simple Jam-o-matics to major Kabooms with the later Universals. Some Carbine purists poohpooh all non-GI carbines. I have an IAI clone myself, and I like it. __________________ Moderator of: AR15/M16, M14/M1A, New/Beginning Shooters and Militaria/Collectables.

02-21-2004, 12:38 PM	#3
BattleRifleG3 Super Moderator Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Western PA Posts: 11,401 Trader Rating: (0)	A friend of mine had a Universal that had an aluminum trigger guard/mag well, which broke along the mag well. It now works after getting a replacement M2 trigger housing. __________________ Trust is earned, not... GIVEN away. - Worf

02-21-2004, 12:49 PM	#4
PAPA G Guest Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: somerset, kentucky Posts: 12 Trader Rating: (0)	Universal started making carbines with their own parts, if a Universal has an open cut unlocking track for the bolt, and 2 recoil springs, they are junk. the early productions like the one you had ALA Dan weren't bad as shooters. Universal was bought out by Iver Johnson in the 80's and they got worse!!! now IJ is gone too.