Looking for my first M1 carbine

dan2116 · 11-14-2008, 01:06 AM

This has probably been asked many times before but I need help. I am looking for my first M1 carbine and would like to stay in the neighborhood of $600.00. Where do I look ,what do I ask and what can I expect for this price range or is this too low to get a decent gun (metal & wood condition in and out).I have looked at the CPM auction and that is way out of my price range. Matching parts is not a must but want a nice solid gun.Thank you all very much for your advise.

oldjarhead · 11-14-2008, 09:06 AM

CMP is your best bet. There are still several makes for sale and hopefully will be more in January. CMP carbines are usually under-graded meaning you will most likely get something better than the grade shown. I've purchased from them with no regrets. If there is a problem upon receipt, they will do their best to resolve it.
Yep, their auctions are pretty much outa sight. They currently have mags available at reasonable prices also.
Auto-Ordinance has mixed reviews of their carbine but their prices have increased. If you are looking for an after-market, try to find a Plainfield but be wary of the Universal and Iver Johnson. You should be able to get a fine shooter for that $600 and maybe even less.

Paper · 11-14-2008, 02:54 PM

CMP auctions must be for folks with way more money than myself.

I've got one Rack Grade Carbine and a couple Service Grade Carbines, and all were fantastic purchases.. The Service Grade Inlands were $495, and I bought both at the North Store at Camp Perry..

The Rack Grade was $419 well spent, and I ordered it from the website..The wait seems to take forever, but it's always worth it when the rifle arrives.

If you have a chance to hit one of the store, it's fun to pick out your own, but you won't be dissapointed when you order a rifle, either.

Morgan · 11-15-2008, 10:38 AM

If you would just like a shooter IAI made M-1s are great. Had mine for 3 years paid 400 for it. The Barrel and reciever are the only non surplus parts. Every thing else was GI issue. Never had one FTF or FTE. I got it after I relized I actually wanted a gun I could shoot and not feel bad about. The GI parts it came with are worth more than the gun based on todays parts prices. If you want a good gun thats not worn out and like me don't want to use your origanal M1 its hard to beat a IAI.

dan2116 · 11-15-2008, 06:10 PM

Thanks everyone.I have started the process to buy a M1 carbine at CMP. Looks to be the best price so far. I appreciate all the help.

Dan

Morgan · 11-17-2008, 07:42 PM

Its not to hard if you need any help let me know I'm ordering another Garand from them at the moment

Taurus Fan · 11-27-2008, 12:22 AM

Don't buy an M1 carbine, unless you're a serious collector of crappy guns. If you do, get a Japanese Nambu pistol to go along with it.

M14man · 11-27-2008, 10:42 AM

Aww Don't pay attention to old Taurus, he is probably jealous cause he can't afford some....

There are alot of people that think otherwise, noting CMP was sold out in days when certain makers went up for sale and they had thousands. CMP said they NEVER had that much mail in a day!

Morgan · 11-27-2008, 04:56 PM

M1 is a great gun I would feel fully confident going in to any situation I would with the M4 out to 150 200 yards. Its not a pop gun like others may say I consider it a very respectable reliable round for close in work 0 to 200 yards max.

Devious6 · 11-28-2008, 09:58 AM

I've got 3 now - and you can't beat CMP's prices especially if it's your first. You'll get a good servicable War Baby for a decent price backed by a solid customer service department.

roverboy · 11-28-2008, 07:25 PM

The little buggers are expensive now.
I wish I'd bought one 20 years ago.

jason1965 · 11-28-2008, 07:29 PM

Hi Devious6, what kind of process did you have to go thru to get a rifle from them?

Devious6 · 11-29-2008, 06:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jason1965

Hi Devious6, what kind of process did you have to go thru to get a rifle from them?

Jason,

There are some eligibility requirements but nothing too rigorous. Their main web page is at www.odcmp.org. This link will show the eligibility requirements: Eligibility Requirements. You can also download the forms you need to establish eligibility and order.

Let me know if you have any questions or need assistance sorting through the requirements.

Mark

dan2116 · 12-02-2008, 01:59 PM

I just finished placing my very first order with CMP and it was no real trouble at all. You do have to belong to an affiliated club ( Garand Collectors Assoc.) was my choice because they send your membership number to CMP after completion and they are very nice people to deal with but CMP has a list of affiliated clubs to choose from and is extensive.The forms are all on the CMP web site to download and very easy to follow there instructions for what to do and what they need from you. There is a check list at the end so you do not forget anything.I priced on the web and locally for M1 Carbines and the prices at CMP are the best. CMP is very busy right now so patience will be needed.I talked to them yesterday and they said they are getting mail by the BUCKETS!!!! If you have any questions they are very helpful and easy to talk to but some days a bit hard to get through.

Have fun and good luck.

jimb2 · 12-02-2008, 05:54 PM

If you don't ask for a Winchester, you'll have a better chance. I'd look for an Inland or Underwood. Theyseem to have a good quantity of both.

11-14-2008, 01:06 AM	#1
dan2116 Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Posts: 10	Looking for my first M1 carbine This has probably been asked many times before but I need help. I am looking for my first M1 carbine and would like to stay in the neighborhood of $600.00. Where do I look ,what do I ask and what can I expect for this price range or is this too low to get a decent gun (metal & wood condition in and out).I have looked at the CPM auction and that is way out of my price range. Matching parts is not a must but want a nice solid gun.Thank you all very much for your advise.

11-14-2008, 02:54 PM	#3
Paper Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: IL/WI Border Posts: 1,534	CMP auctions must be for folks with way more money than myself. I've got one Rack Grade Carbine and a couple Service Grade Carbines, and all were fantastic purchases.. The Service Grade Inlands were $495, and I bought both at the North Store at Camp Perry.. The Rack Grade was $419 well spent, and I ordered it from the website..The wait seems to take forever, but it's always worth it when the rifle arrives. If you have a chance to hit one of the store, it's fun to pick out your own, but you won't be dissapointed when you order a rifle, either. __________________

11-28-2008, 07:25 PM	#11
roverboy Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Moss,Tn. Posts: 1,428	The little buggers are expensive now. I wish I'd bought one 20 years ago. __________________ A redneck boy can survive.

12-02-2008, 01:59 PM	#14
dan2116 Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Posts: 10	what kind of process did you have to go thru to get a rifle from them? I just finished placing my very first order with CMP and it was no real trouble at all. You do have to belong to an affiliated club ( Garand Collectors Assoc.) was my choice because they send your membership number to CMP after completion and they are very nice people to deal with but CMP has a list of affiliated clubs to choose from and is extensive.The forms are all on the CMP web site to download and very easy to follow there instructions for what to do and what they need from you. There is a check list at the end so you do not forget anything.I priced on the web and locally for M1 Carbines and the prices at CMP are the best. CMP is very busy right now so patience will be needed.I talked to them yesterday and they said they are getting mail by the BUCKETS!!!! If you have any questions they are very helpful and easy to talk to but some days a bit hard to get through. Have fun and good luck.

12-02-2008, 05:54 PM	#15
jimb2 Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Ohio Posts: 637	If you don't ask for a Winchester, you'll have a better chance. I'd look for an Inland or Underwood. Theyseem to have a good quantity of both. __________________ Just because you're paranoid doesn't mean that they aren't out to get you!

11-14-2008, 09:06 AM	#2
oldjarhead Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: MO Posts: 1,598	CMP is your best bet. There are still several makes for sale and hopefully will be more in January. CMP carbines are usually under-graded meaning you will most likely get something better than the grade shown. I've purchased from them with no regrets. If there is a problem upon receipt, they will do their best to resolve it. Yep, their auctions are pretty much outa sight. They currently have mags available at reasonable prices also. Auto-Ordinance has mixed reviews of their carbine but their prices have increased. If you are looking for an after-market, try to find a Plainfield but be wary of the Universal and Iver Johnson. You should be able to get a fine shooter for that $600 and maybe even less.

11-15-2008, 10:38 AM	#4
Morgan Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Southern Illinois Posts: 286	If you would just like a shooter IAI made M-1s are great. Had mine for 3 years paid 400 for it. The Barrel and reciever are the only non surplus parts. Every thing else was GI issue. Never had one FTF or FTE. I got it after I relized I actually wanted a gun I could shoot and not feel bad about. The GI parts it came with are worth more than the gun based on todays parts prices. If you want a good gun thats not worn out and like me don't want to use your origanal M1 its hard to beat a IAI.

11-15-2008, 06:10 PM	#5
dan2116 Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Posts: 10	Thanks everyone.I have started the process to buy a M1 carbine at CMP. Looks to be the best price so far. I appreciate all the help. Dan

11-17-2008, 07:42 PM	#6
Morgan Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Southern Illinois Posts: 286	Its not to hard if you need any help let me know I'm ordering another Garand from them at the moment

11-27-2008, 12:22 AM	#7
Taurus Fan Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: COBRA COMMAND HEADQUARTERS Posts: 1,374	Don't buy an M1 carbine, unless you're a serious collector of crappy guns. If you do, get a Japanese Nambu pistol to go along with it.

11-27-2008, 10:42 AM	#8
M14man Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: FLA Posts: 968 Images: 10	Aww Don't pay attention to old Taurus, he is probably jealous cause he can't afford some.... There are alot of people that think otherwise, noting CMP was sold out in days when certain makers went up for sale and they had thousands. CMP said they NEVER had that much mail in a day!

11-27-2008, 04:56 PM	#9
Morgan Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Southern Illinois Posts: 286	M1 is a great gun I would feel fully confident going in to any situation I would with the M4 out to 150 200 yards. Its not a pop gun like others may say I consider it a very respectable reliable round for close in work 0 to 200 yards max.

11-28-2008, 09:58 AM	#10
Devious6 Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: East Benton, PA Posts: 73	I've got 3 now - and you can't beat CMP's prices especially if it's your first. You'll get a good servicable War Baby for a decent price backed by a solid customer service department.

11-28-2008, 07:29 PM	#12
jason1965 Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Bennington NewHampshire Posts: 765	Hi Devious6, what kind of process did you have to go thru to get a rifle from them?