Auto Ordnance m1 carbine quality?

[Exodus343]

Does anyone have a newer production one? I hear their issues have been resolved recently. Experience and opinions are much appreciated

[bruce381]

IMHO buy a GI, even a koren war rebuild will hold value better and be more reliable.

[Exodus343]

What's the average price for a GI?

[rodngun762]

He means Blue Sky import, that would be USGI carbines sold by uncle sam to Korea post ww2 and then imported back to the US in the 80s and 90s. They can be rough and have a prominent import mark on the barrel. Big 5 was selling them(and central american USGI returns) for quite some time(on the high side, 600-700). They go for 400-550 normally, but in today's market expect 550-650+.

Last year I bought a USGI winchester blue sky for 425 at a local gunshop, I really love it, probably my favorite shooter. It had a very good condition barrel on it.

[Exodus343]

All the M1 carbines I see is all $1000+!!!
Where can I find a $500 one?!

[rodngun762]

Yeah, it's not a good time to buy an M1 Carbine... keep an eye on this auction for this Auto-Ordinance will probably sell for over 1000!!

http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=326622539

That being said, at my LGS just a few days ago they had a Universal brand M1 that came in, listed for $475.. sold within a few hours.

As previously mentioned... USGI is the best for reliability and appreciation.

[Exodus343]

That is just crazy!!
I just checked gunbroker and I saw a lot of universals and A-Os but the GI ones are all $1000 or up!

[wingnut948]

Yeah, this might not be the best time to shop for a deal on a USGI m1 carbine. I just took a quick look on Gunbroker, and see Universals selling for more than $550 (Universals are an older commercial version with modified parts that can make them unreliable - I know, I used to have one).

Generally the Inlands (GM) sell for the least since they are the most plentiful. I see some now in the 350-600 range but with a few days left to go on the lower prices (a lot of these have bids on them). I also see $1000 Inlands which didn't use to be the case a few years back (I don't see any bids on those).

Probably your best bet would be to find the gun shops that typically sell C&R rifles and hope they have some. This is probably the only way to get a reasonable price.

[Exodus343]

I mean I can wait til prices go back down
I still have a Garand I have to play with
But the general concensus is USGI M1 carbine the c&r is a plus too
What are some key points to look for?

[nastyhabts26]

I wished for an M1 carbine for many years and finally got one a saginaw with an inland barrel in decent condition, I paid about 550 for it and I love to shoot it, one of my favorites.
Biggest issue is the cost of ammo if and when you can find it.

[Exodus343]

I wished for an M1 carbine for many years and finally got one a saginaw with an inland barrel in decent condition, I paid about 550 for it and I love to shoot it, one of my favorites.
Biggest issue is the cost of ammo if and when you can find it.

where did you get one for $550?! :O
and I reload so ammo is no concern for me

[morrcarr67]

I wished for an M1 carbine for many years and finally got one a saginaw with an inland barrel in decent condition, I paid about 550 for it and I love to shoot it, one of my favorites.
Biggest issue is the cost of ammo if and when you can find it.

$212 shipped to your door for 500 rounds

http://www.thecmp.org/Sales/ammo.htm#Aguila30

[wingnut948]

where did you get one for $550?! :O
and I reload so ammo is no concern for me

I started reloading for my m1 carbine 4 years ago when the supply dried up, and
found that a good alternative to the standard 110gr FMJ is the 130gr SP (Lyman #311410). I got some at Western Bullet since I haven't ventured into casting my own yet.

[Exodus343]

Anyone have experience with universal m1 carbines?

[xrayoneone]

Anyone have experience with universal m1 carbines?

Universals are hit or miss. Early ones had many GI parts or could accept GI parts. Later ones could only take a few parts and the last versions are generally considered to be the worst civilian produced carbine. Parts for the later versions are drying up and unless it was 100% with an extra bolt and op rod and priced at $200-$250 I would pass.

Right now Universals are bringing GI prices when a month ago you could find them in the $150-$300 range.

The AO carbines were priced at $150-$300 OVER GI prices before this so again pass.

Look out for surplus GI. and when you find one for $450-$800 depending on contractor and condition buy it.

If you have extra money burning a hole in your pocket donate to NRA ILA.