The Down Range Forum

Member Section => Tactical Rifle & Carbine => Topic started by: Krazy Okie on December 17, 2009, 03:00:01 PM

Title: If all you had
Post by: Krazy Okie on December 17, 2009, 03:00:01 PM
Ok, this is one that should be carefully thought out; If all you had for a home defense weapon was a M1- Carbine, would you feel undergunned?  In my case it is not the only gun I own, however, if push came to shove and all you had left after your other guns were taken away; and you had stashed the M1 away, do you feel that you could take care of yourself and your family?
Title: Re: If all you had
Post by: Ranger Dave on December 17, 2009, 03:11:51 PM
For home defense I would feel comfortable with an M-1 carbine. When I was younger I killed several deer at 25 yards with the one I had. I wouldn't think you would be shoooting further than that in a home defense situation.
Title: Re: If all you had
Post by: fightingquaker13 on December 17, 2009, 03:13:34 PM
I wouldn't think twice. Its not my first choice for anything, but a great choice for everything under 50 yards. Enough power to stop a man or deer at 50 yards, hi-cap mags to keep you in the fight, easily available ammo, and a battle proven design. What's not to like? Just treat it as an over sized pistol/under powered carbine, and not a rifle and you're good to go.
FQ13
Title: Re: If all you had
Post by: Pathfinder on December 17, 2009, 03:25:16 PM
Yes, no problem. It is an excellent close-in rifle, and was a front-line weapon in the Korean war as well as for some of our guys in early Nam.

So I would have no problem using an M-1 carbine if that was all I had.
Title: Re: If all you had
Post by: tombogan03884 on December 17, 2009, 03:34:43 PM
Lot's of German's, Japanese, N Koreans, Chinese, Vietnamese, Algerians, and deer have been killed with the M1 Carbine. I WOULD stock up on ammo and mags in advance though.
Title: Re: If all you had
Post by: ericire12 on December 17, 2009, 03:37:35 PM
It looks like its unanimous... put me down for a big +1 to everything that has been said.
Title: Re: If all you had
Post by: Krazy Okie on December 17, 2009, 03:38:25 PM
Lot's of German's, Japanese, N Koreans, Chinese, Vietnamese, Algerians, and deer have been killed with the M1 Carbine. I WOULD stock up on ammo and mags in advance though.

Already done, and hidden just like the M-1.
Title: Re: If all you had
Post by: Badgersmilk on December 17, 2009, 03:55:17 PM
Ballistics for an M1 Carbine are identical to a .357 magnum pistol...  If you feel undergunned you'd better move the hell out of that neighborhood!  

The whole thing about .30 cal. not being strong enough is from people that read it in a magazine and just blurb it back out without knowing what their talking about.  Tards!

No.  I don't own one.  I just don't like tards.  And I DO think their great little guns.
Title: Re: If all you had
Post by: tombogan03884 on December 17, 2009, 04:00:49 PM
FO BM, I base MY opinion on tests done with .060 steel and .125 aluminum plates where 9mm out performed .30 carb.
Title: Re: If all you had
Post by: Badgersmilk on December 17, 2009, 04:14:33 PM
If you posted I still haven't read it as yet, and my comments aren't directed at anyone in particular.  But I hear all the time about how weak the .30 carbine is, and it wouldn't kill a fly...  You in particular (being familiar with real world history) know that the .30 carbine was never supposed to be a full battle rifle.  And it's not.  Nor do people need a battle rifle for defense.  Heck, give me a .30 carbine (which again, performs identicaly to a .357 maganum pistol) over a .223 poodle shooter ANY DAY!!!
Title: Re: If all you had
Post by: tombogan03884 on December 17, 2009, 04:22:10 PM
 The numbers may be the same, and yes it has killed lots of people in combat, just like the 5.56, but the actual performance isn't that good, it would not penetrate plates that 9mm blew through in comparison tests I did back in the 90's (when I had a carbine)
9mm and .357 both went right through .060 cold rolled steel and .125 Aluminum. 30 Carb would not penetrate either one.
Title: Re: If all you had
Post by: r_w on December 17, 2009, 04:29:21 PM
Guns don't kill people, bullets do...

I hear so much about how X gun sucked and not good for nuthin, it couldn't shoot my oil-soaked WWII surplus ammo I stored in my attic in FL for the last 30 years so any gun in that caliber is worthless.

Guns need to cycle and go bang when and where you want them.  It is your AMMO that decides how the target will react. 

Within reason of course, but you get the point.  rant off
Title: Re: If all you had
Post by: Krazy Okie on December 17, 2009, 04:33:58 PM
The numbers may be the same, and yes it has killed lots of people in combat, just like the 5.56, but the actual performance isn't that good, it would not penetrate plates that 9mm blew through in comparison tests I did back in the 90's (when I had a carbine)
9mm and .357 both went right through .060 cold rolled steel and .125 Aluminum. 30 Carb would not penetrate either one.

We are talking about use of the M1 in a home defense roll, not out trying to bust through steel targets pr amored cars. 
Title: Re: If all you had
Post by: Badgersmilk on December 17, 2009, 04:43:02 PM
Looking at the powder loads, velocities achieved, bullet diameter, mass / energy of the calibers.  My guess would be that the .30 fell short in your tests due to the particular type of bullets in the rounds tested.  Just saying "FMJ" doesn't begin to tell the whole story of a bullet.  Most people would be amazed at the research Russia did before releasing 7.62x39, testing and comparing lead densities, thickness of the brass cases, grades of brass used, where the weight of the lead in the bullet would be / how thick the brass was at the base, nose, and sides of the bullet.  The 7.62 looks like poop on paper.  But consistantly impresses in the real world because this research.  An EXCELLENT book IMO on this kind of stuff is "Modern Handloading".  Or "The Complete Book of Practical Handloading" isn't bad.

Again, bummer the .30 didn't pass those particular tests, but there are several manufactures out there for the caliber today, and all kinds of handloading supplies for it.

IMO...  The US did little to no research on bullet construction back then (so surplus ammo would still be crap).  History states clearly they were in a rush to get into production with it.  But a .30 Carbine with modern ammo would be no kind of disadvantage over anything else for the average citizen.
Title: Re: If all you had
Post by: Ulmus on December 17, 2009, 05:13:27 PM
For home or even "neighborhood" defense  I think the .30 carbine is a great choice.

You're not going trying to fight off a whole army, just a group of 5 to 7 thugs who are more likely to leave and go after easier game.
Title: Re: If all you had
Post by: texcaliber on December 17, 2009, 06:29:06 PM
For home or even "neighborhood" defense  I think the .30 carbine is a great choice.

You're not going trying to fight off a whole army, just a group of 5 to 7 thugs who are more likely to leave and go after easier game.

True, unless the local gang or gangs are the "army" terrorizing you and yours because your the only or even last "game" that has prepared and they would like what you have. Carbine may be adequate,true, but I rather a belt-feed, rocket-propelled, Track-driven, BMF'er for me and  mine.

If I had to chose a carbine it would be AK or AR. Simple on AK ammo being equivalent to 30-30, rather than the 357.  AR although  22caliber, just for argument sake, how many deer and people have been taken down with 22lr. and 22mags? and the 30carbine does not look as good.

Also last point, carbines are on the higher end of the price point and ammo while available doesn't have a good selection of Personal Defense options while also stocking up for your worst case hypothetical. Yes, in my opinion the are at least 2 different types of rounds in the same caliber. FMJ and  HP or AP or API or ROFAUS ...........
Title: Re: If all you had
Post by: tombogan03884 on December 17, 2009, 08:06:11 PM
I never said the M-1 sucked, it's a great handling little rifle but you need to know you won't be shooting through car doors or any other type of cover.
Title: Re: If all you had
Post by: bulldog75 on December 17, 2009, 08:09:37 PM
Good little rifle just know your limitations. You are not going to see me trying to shoot through stuff with a 5.56 either. Thats for the big boys. 
Title: Re: If all you had
Post by: texcaliber on December 17, 2009, 09:25:05 PM
Mr. Pincus and Mr. Janich showed how well 556 chews through vehicles being used for cover. Even with frangible. Arguing how "poor" the 556 preforms then using the other side of face to bet your bacon on 30carbine. Not buying it. Now in comparison to 30cal battle rifles I am in total agreement with you. But to reiterate the fact that you can find AK's for less money and better performance of ammo than that of the 30carbine is the point i was trying to make. The reason for an AR is the incredible versatility of platform, along with better preforming ammo in 556, you can go from 22lr to 50BMG on the same lower in seconds and makes it the best pick for the "If all you had" one rifle.

NO WAY am I stating you are wrong for going with the carbine30, training and mindset are better than any bought tool, but make sure you look at every option of tools in price range is my point. Also enter twice when DRTV give away for carbine class comes along.  ;)
Title: Re: If all you had
Post by: m25operator on December 17, 2009, 09:40:34 PM
Nothing wrong with the rifle, until lately it has been ammo, now better expanding ammo is available, and it turns the tables. ball ammo in this caliber, historically is awful, but with moderns expanding ammo is going to work great.

Yes you could trade your M1 and get money back getting an AK47, but the M1 C is a great LITTLE gun.
Title: Re: If all you had
Post by: Badgersmilk on December 17, 2009, 10:41:44 PM
This should keep you busy for a few days.   ;)

(http://ammo.ar15.com/project/Self_Defense_Ammo_FAQ/DocGKRData/HomecarbineWP.jpg)

http://ammo.ar15.com/project/Self_Defense_Ammo_FAQ/index.htm#.30%20carbine

Title: Re: If all you had
Post by: TAB on December 18, 2009, 01:51:44 AM
I've been thinking very hard as of late of swaping out my DE for a m1 for my Home defense gun.  another plus is even my wife could use it.
Title: Re: If all you had
Post by: USSA-1 on December 18, 2009, 09:32:52 AM
I wouldn't hesitate to use a M1 Carbine.  Easy to shoot with plenty of ammunition capacity and with some of the new loadings available, I would expect it to be quite an effective man stopper.

http://www.dakotaammo.net/Self-Defense-DPX/30-Carb-100gr-DPX-Hunter/DPX30100-20/200/Product

USSA-1
Title: Re: If all you had
Post by: L.E. Keeney on December 18, 2009, 10:13:52 PM
Ok, this is one that should be carefully thought out; If all you had for a home defense weapon was a M1- Carbine, would you feel undergunned?  In my case it is not the only gun I own, however, if push came to shove and all you had left after your other guns were taken away; and you had stashed the M1 away, do you feel that you could take care of yourself and your family?

Id feel much better if I had a choice in ammo..for example, a hollowpoint hunting load or something from cor bon.
Title: Re: If all you had
Post by: fightingquaker13 on December 18, 2009, 10:30:28 PM
I've been thinking very hard as of late of swaping out my DE for a m1 for my Home defense gun.  another plus is even my wife could use it.
The other plus is the clips. I sold my grandad's to a friend of his who wanted it and I felt obligated. :-\ The thing is though, it had 600 rounds of ammo in stripper clips that fit in a few bandoliers. That and two or three twenty rounders and you should be good with a lot less weight than an AR or AK would reuire to carry that much ammo. Again, I'd treat it like a pistol caliber carbine, but given that limitation, I think you could do a whole lot worse.
FQ13
Title: Re: If all you had
Post by: Woody on December 19, 2009, 11:05:19 PM
 I wouldn't mind one at all,  send me one.