Auto-Ord M1 Carbine vs. GI

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  • BogWalker

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    Curious to know how well the Auto-Ordnance M1 carbines stack up against USGI carbines. I'm seeing the auto-ordnance for $750 on GunBroker, and I'm thinking compared to the condition of USGI you get for $750 that it's probably a decent gun for the money.

    For the same amount of money, would the new Auto-Ordnance or the well used USGI be the better buy? I'm thinking shooting wise, not investment wise. I know which one will tend to accrue value better, but that's not a concern for me.

    Will the auto-ordnance accept any original harware? I'd probably like to put it in an original stock.

    Appreciate the info. I see the Auto-Ordnance get decent reviews, but I'm wondering more how the side by side comparison is on the two.

    Anyone seen USGI carbines go for sub-$750 lately?
     

    Beowulf

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    Mar 21, 2012
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    Curious to know how well the Auto-Ordnance M1 carbines stack up against USGI carbines. I'm seeing the auto-ordnance for $750 on GunBroker, and I'm thinking compared to the condition of USGI you get for $750 that it's probably a decent gun for the money.

    For the same amount of money, would the new Auto-Ordnance or the well used USGI be the better buy? I'm thinking shooting wise, not investment wise. I know which one will tend to accrue value better, but that's not a concern for me.

    Will the auto-ordnance accept any original harware? I'd probably like to put it in an original stock.

    Appreciate the info. I see the Auto-Ordnance get decent reviews, but I'm wondering more how the side by side comparison is on the two.

    Anyone seen USGI carbines go for sub-$750 lately?

    I don't own one of the Auto-Ord guns, but I have heard some mixed reviews about them.

    That being said, here's one for $670 on Gunbroker right now: Auto Ordnance M1 Carbine AOM130 Kahr Arms : Semi Auto Rifles at GunBroker.com
     

    swissrifles1

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    Dec 20, 2008
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    image.jpeg

    I traded for this auto ordnance M1 carbine this year, I finally got to shoot it. The carbine ran like a champ . It's comparable with the M1 US G.I. that I have. The accuracy was very good probably a little better than the US G.I. Assuming because it has a new barrel. Fit and finish are very good ,some parts are interchangeable but some are not. That ,you will have to research ,I do not know which do and which don't for certain. I did find out it uses the GI mags fine.
     

    knutty

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    An import marked example can be found from 700-800 easily. DCM/CMP examples can be found from 800+, so not a huge difference. Its worth it to save a little more for the USGI gun that was produced and possibly saw service in WW2. These new guns have no history, no soul to them.
     

    88E30M50

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    Another option if you are looking for a good shooter is to pick up an early Iver Johnson from when they were building them out of Middlesex, NJ. One of my carbines is just such an animal and there are only two non-USGI parts on it. The receiver and stock. The stock could be replaced, giving it a completely USGI look but it will never be collectible due to the aftermarket receiver. But, the things a fantastic shooter. It's every bit as reliable as my USGI IBM carbine and I can shoot the thing all day long without any concern for impacting its value. I've gone through the rifle using Craig Riesch's book and every last part aside from the receiver and stock is pure surplus USGI. Even with that, I'd have trouble getting more than $400 for it if I decided to sell it. Beware of the later ones, as when USGI part supplies started to dry up, new parts were manufactured and those didn't always meet spec. If I were in the market and saw and early IJ, I'd jump on it in a heartbeat.
     

    BogWalker

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    I didn't think of the Ivers Johnson. As established I'm not opposed to going commercial instead of GI. I'm just trying to find what the best shooter in my price range would be. I know I can get GI carbines in my price range, I'm looking at a few now, I just wasn't sure if I'd get a better shooter out of a new gun.

    Decisions, decisions. Would love to save $1200 and get a nice GI one, but then I'd have enough money to get an M1A, and I couldn't resist that temptation.

    Will probably end up going GI or the Ivers if I really could find one for $400-$500. Take some time shopping around to find the right one, but I've still got saving to do anyways.
     

    in625shooter

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    Mar 21, 2008
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    If you want one strictly for shooting/plinking the Auto Ordinance. If you are into collecting then USGI.

    As far as reviews I would take them with a grain of salt. usually what couple bad issues usually get exaggerated

    JMHO
     

    Denny347

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    An import marked example can be found from 700-800 easily. DCM/CMP examples can be found from 800+, so not a huge difference. Its worth it to save a little more for the USGI gun that was produced and possibly saw service in WW2. These new guns have no history, no soul to them.
    Damn, I gave $150 for my Blue Sky Inland in 2004. NICE!!!
     

    Vigilant

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    Inland is making them again, go that way rather than Auto-Ord. My brother has the Auto, and it won't run a full mag without a stoppage.
     

    BogWalker

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    Inland is making them again, go that way rather than Auto-Ord. My brother has the Auto, and it won't run a full mag without a stoppage.
    The Inlands look nice and I'm sure they are, but they're to the price point where I'd just go ahead and get a decent GI issue. Was your brother using surplus magazines or Korean? 15 or 30 rounders? Or did he diagnose and fix the problem as not magazine related?
     

    Vigilant

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    The Inlands look nice and I'm sure they are, but they're to the price point where I'd just go ahead and get a decent GI issue. Was your brother using surplus magazines or Korean? 15 or 30 rounders? Or did he diagnose and fix the problem as not magazine related?
    Amixture of 15 and 30's USGI, and random. Seems to happen more with the 30's than 15's but it happens with both. The wood is also abysmal, the top cover is uneven to the point of nearly blocking the front sight. All told, I think his money was wasted not buying USGI or an Inland.
     

    BogWalker

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    Glad to hear the review. I do know lots of carbines have trouble with 30 rounders if they don't have the upgraded M2 magazine catch, but this sounds like there are more problems than that.

    Only in the firearms and automobile industries is quality control given such a pass.
     
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