M-1 Carbine --- CMP

[Rastus]

I haven't seen much on the M-1 here.   I understand some disdain for the cartridge, but CMP has some for sale and is getting ready to put some Winchester models up first of December.  I'm thinking about getting one of these (for the wall if nothing else) and saving the wear on my AR's. 

Anybody here have any experience with CMP purchases?

[MikeBjerum]

I have never done it myself, but I have talked to some that have.  They reported that it is very fair, and the representations are right on.  However, they also said it can be a slow and detailed process with the paperwork and membership requirements.

[alfsauve]

I own an IBM myself.   Bought it off the floor rack at a gun store in the early 90's.   It was a Korean war re-import, so it's got the importer stamp on the barrel.   Not a real collectible other than it's an IBM.  Mine's not accurate, but that's due to poor condition of the barrel.  (note to self:  put new M-1C barrel on wish list)   Some of them can shoot really well.

Shooting it is okay, but .30Carb isn't as cheap as .223 or 9mm.  Wolf FMJ is ~$0.29/rd in 1000 round purchase, while on the other end, softnose Federal round is $1.00/rd.  With many at the $0.50/round level.  CMP might be cheaper if they have it.  I keep a 100 rounds on hand for it and try to shoot a magazine worth through it ever couple of years.  (I'm upping that to 200 though next year.)

You might enjoy it as a plinker.  A number of articles have been written about it as a "camp" rifle.  You can throw it in the truck or trunk or take it on the boat without too much trouble.   It's something small and compact that's not a Ruger.   For inexpensive to shoot though, I'd stick with a 9mm or a .223 or a 7.62x39.    And while this is on everybody's mind, in a bugout situation I'd rather have something that uses more common ammo.

[1776 Rebel]

Rastus, I have made quite a number of CMP purchases. Basically get the paperwork done up front now if you want to get the Winchester M1. The paperwork is bascially like filling out the 4473 form at the gunstore. Nice thing is its good for like 3 years. So once you have it on file with the CMP you can buy their guns or ammo pretty much without effort. And they deliver it right to your doorstep. No FFL transfer fee or C&R required. A couple of quick pointers:

Go with the SERVICE grade weapons. Better quality in barrel, stock etc.

When they announce something like the release of the Winchester M1 carbines you need to have all the purchase forms filled out and send it out OVERNITE EXPRESS so it gets there the day of release. Believe it or not they have sold out of particular manufacturers in ONE DAY. Like a THOUSAND weapons. There are quite a large number of folks that have discovered CMP and they buy like crazy from them.

Again once you have the paperwork on file you can register to buy ammo from them on the E-STORE. They have a nice selection of 22LR, 30-06, 30 M1 and 223 ammo. Some is surplus at nice prices. Some is brand new at great prices. I just bought 200 rounds of Rem 223 62gr match ammo at 130 dollars. From what I see at the ammo houses online, its about half price. Here is the 30M1 ammo currently up on the E-STORE

Item ID: 438A
Description:  Carbine .30-Cal-FMJ Ball,brass CASE-AGUILA MFG-500 RDS/CS

Aquila .30 carbine, 110 grain, FMJ, copper jacketed, brass 
case, non-corrosive, Boxer primed.  500 rds per case. 
     
Price: $155.00 plus $8.95 S&H per case.                           
Alaska & Hawaii - S&H $16.95 per case.                   
 

On the E-STORE you can also get some surplus and new tools, replacement barrels (match quality sometimes) and stocks.

This is YOUR national shooting organization. I recommend everyone to use it and support it.

[alfsauve]

Just remembered this morning that the December issue of Handloader magazine has an article on the M1Carbine.   True there's a lot of detail on handloading, but the first page or two does go into some history and other good details.

[Sponsor]

[Big Frank]

If you want one converted into a .45 Win Mag Thumper call Timmy at LeMag.

[Pathfinder]

If you don't want to go through CMP, I have one I was going to try to sell at the gun show here in 2 weeks. Saginaw SG receiver and barrel from '43, with some post-war mods (rear sight and twist safety). Need to pay off the pre and post election binge . . . 

[tombogan03884]

If you want one converted into a .45 Win Mag Thumper call Timmy at LeMag.

 Will / Can they convert one to .357 Mag ?

[Big Frank]

 Will / Can they convert one to .357 Mag ?

I don't think he will but other people have. You can ask him. The .357 Magnum is less powerful than the .30 Carbine so it's not a good project to sink your money into. 10mm Magnun, .357 AutoMag, and .44 AutoMag are good ones if you handload, but .45 Win Mag loaded ammo is available. That's the only one I shot. IIRC it holds 6 in a 15-round mag. The recoil seemed mild but I had a bruised shoulder the next day.    It will split a wooden stock so they're all replaced with Choate synthetics. He did a .50 AE but I don't know how it worked out. He puts new barrels on so reaming the originals isn't an issue, but there's only so much you can mill off the bolt face. One day at work I asked Timmy if he could make me an Enforcer pistol version in .45 win mag and he said sure, when do you want it?  I haven't done it yet because I think a .460 Rowland 1911 would be more practical.

LeMag Firearms
3309 Grange Hall Road
Holly, MI 48442

Phone: 248-634-1312

[Rastus]

I don't think he will but other people have. You can ask him. The .357 Magnum is less powerful than the .30 Carbine so it's not a good project to sink your money into. 10mm Magnun, .357 AutoMag, and .44 AutoMag are good ones if you handload, ...............

10MM ?