M1A1 Carbine/Ammo Question.

[Kyle1886]

Can the M1A1 Carbine utilize modern commercial ammo or does it have to be modified or use surplus like the M1 rifle? (I carried briefly a M3 way back in the early 60's and never thought too much of that carbine/infared scope set up---or the carbine in general). I may have an opportunity to get a M1A1 but if it needs modifing, etc I'll have to put more thought into it. Thanks for any info.

Respectfully
Kyle

[DannyInSoCal]

It should run the 110 grain stuff just fine.

The only thing I've "heard" to avoid is the 85gr ammo -

But I havent seen any for awhile anyway.....

[GMG]

Here's some info, hope it helps.

[Kyle1886]

GMG, I don't think your "info" made it in your post.

Danny, you think the 110gr would be okay then?

Thanks guys, other opinions welcome too.

Kyle

[ShooterDK]

110 gr., FMJ, round nose and your good to go. UMC and American Eagle loads are just fine.

[Kyle1886]

As a follow up question, if I recall the rifle normally takes 15 and 30 round mags. One, are there 10 round mags to satisify CA. or does one need to block a standard 15/30 rounder to 10 round only? Two, if so, best method of doing so?...a bullet button?

Thanks
Respectfully--Kyle

[cheifpoka]

There are 5 and 10 round mags available for the m1 carbine. The 110 gr. FMJ works great and it is a fun gun to shoot.

[Kyle1886]

Thanks Cheifpoka, if I can find the ten rounders, and 110gr FMJ's will work, I may look into acquiring it then. I suppose Midway, etc will have the 10 rounders... never looked for them before.

Thanks again
Kyle

[Mssr. Eleganté]

The M1A1 is considered an "assault weapon" in California because of the folding stock and also because of the pistol grip. You can't have either of those features on a semi-auto centerfire detachable magazine rifle. Also, I'm not sure how long an M1A1 is with the stock folded. If it is less than 26 inches with the stock folded then it would be considered a "short barreled rifle" under California law.

A magazine locking device would allow you to have a folding stock and pistol grip, but only if the overall length of the carbine was over 30 inches with the stock folded. A semi-auto centerfire rifle with a fixed magazine is an assault weapon if it is under 30 inches in overall length. I think the M1A1 might fail on this too.

So to get the look of an M1A1 you would need a magazine locking device and you would need to modify the stock not to fold. You would also need the fixed magazine to be able to hold no more than 10 rounds.

[Mail Clerk]

Can the M1A1 Carbine utilize modern commercial ammo or does it have to be modified or use surplus like the M1 rifle? (I carried briefly a M3 way back in the early 60's and never thought too much of that carbine/infared scope set up---or the carbine in general). I may have an opportunity to get a M1A1 but if it needs modifing, etc I'll have to put more thought into it. Thanks for any info.

Respectfully
Kyle

Kyle,

I have shot PMC 110 grainers in all my M1 carbines and have had no issues with it? Just give your a good cleaning and enjoy it as it's a very soft kicking rifle. I've read about the so called 85 grain bullets but I personally never seen any so as long as the 110's work I happy.

Mail Clerk

[r3dn3ck]

My carbine digests whatever I put into it. Military surplus, PMC, white-box reloads, anything. I have to start reloading for it soon... ammo is too expensive and you can reload them almost for free. They don't burn much powder at all.

In 25 years of shooting my carbines I've never seen a box of 85gn ammo. All I ever see is 110gn.

[bohoki]

some of the best stuff i ever shot was the aguila 30 carbine

[Kyle1886]

Thanks for the info on the ammo. As far as the 10 rounder mags, I've done a cursory check of Midway, CTD, ATG and a few others and either "sold out" or the only other ones are ProMag. I've "heard/read" to steer clear of those. Opinions? Likely source for 10 rounders, plenty of 15/30 out there, but...

Your feedback is appreciated
Kyle

[r3dn3ck]

just block off a 15. It's easy and you won't have to find iffy mags.

[saltyesq]

You can find the 10rnd mags on eBay. I purchased 5 and they work fine.