Building an M1 Carbine

[flickme]

Ive been doin alot of thinkin about buyin a ww2 gun. Im really into ww2 and would like to start collecting them. Im just curious as to what kind of work it would take to build an M1 carbine.

[American Patriot]

You want an original WW2 one built by Winchester or one of the commercial ones made in the 60-80's?

[flickme]

Well if im gonna buy one then yes i want it made by either Winchester or Inland. But im talkin about building one.

[American Patriot]

Finding parts kits and receivers should be easy. As far as assembly I have no idea, sorry.

[flickme]

Ya it doesnt look like it should be hard at all to find parts. If anyone could tell me about any parts that would be hard to find please do. Thanks.

[California Joe]

You could start by looking at http://www.shotgunnews.com. The have boatloads of ads from surplus and gun parts dealers. There were actually about 8 or 10 different manufacturers of M1 Carbines during the war including International Harvester and even Rockola (a jukebox company) You could probably find enough parts to put one together but you'll need a Federal Firearms License to buy the reciever or at the very least a Curio and Relic license. There was some information about that on that miltech site. Make sure a competent gunsmith checks out the parts before you go firing it at anything.

[flickme]

Im probably gonna get my dad to buy the stuff with me and ive got an uncle who builds and repairs guns for a living so it wont blow up in my face. Ive also got a couple of those shotgunnews magazines layin around. Thanks for the tips.

[Durandal]

Listen to Joe...he speaks with wisdom.

Probably the most crucial part is gaping...making sure the round seats well when the bolt carries it forward. a mistake there will kill you.

I can see building an M1 as certainly being fun (the only reason you would do it). They are cheap though even the vintage ones. You can pick up a Korean War era carbine for about 450.00.

I just got done sending an email to a guy in North Carolina that is looking to sell his for 300.00. Looks to be in good shape.

Personally, I stay away from building a gun just because I do not have the right tools. Joe builds his own, but I think there is something far cooler in building long rifles...black powder types than simply buying parts for an existing mass produced rifle.

But thats me. If it is fun for you that is all that matters, you will probably end up spending more on the gun than it is worth though. I just looked over some on-line parts lists for M-1s and I was a bit suprised at the costs...especially for such a common carbine.

Keep us updated man. There are quite a few of us on here that do stuff like this at one level or another.

[flickme]

Ive been lookin around and the places that i have looked they are kinda expensive. Around 800$. Ill just have to keep lookin. Im gonna have to do quite a bit of research before i start anything.Thanks for the info.

[California Joe]

Plus there is a huge difference between a shooter and a collectors grade piece. A collectors piece like the rare Rockola ones are sought after and never "restored". You destroy a collectable firearm by doing anything other than mild cleaning. I build longrifles because it interests me and I'm not a machinist, I can do everything I need to with a drill press and hand tools. A modern firearm takes a lot more technical metal working skils.

Durandal is right though, if you aren't desperate to have one that was used at Bastogne you should be able to find them cheaper. Clean up the stock yourself and have the thing re parkerized and shoot it.

Another place I thought of that has tons of stuff is the Gunparts Company, formerly Numrich Arms, they have lots of odd parts.

[Durandal]

Did a search for you here...

http://www.gunsamerica.com/1990/1990-random-1.htm

So you can see how the prices vary.

Joe, they have a nice curios and relics section too.

[Mark Sman]

http://gunbroker.com
Has some cool stuff from time to time. Even parts and misc stuff like slings, oilers, original carry bags, original cleaning kits, bayonets and lugs etc. I think a gun store by me has a vintage carry case for sale. Will post a price if I swing by there soon.

[Mark Sman]

Oh, also as far as headspace goes, dont just use a go,nogo gauge or a field gauge. You need to use the full gauge set.

On a necked cartridge this means two sets, don't know about a straight cartridge like .30 carbine.

But find out and use the right one before you put your face near it.

Most of the time it will just blow the bolt into a u shape and send the magazine flying, but hey who wants to send their hard work up in smithereens.

Best of luck, I have an Inland folding stock, and could kick myself for not buying one that was an IBM for $400 in the '80s.

It was even stamped International Business Machine on the receiver, which I found amusing.

[flickme]

How much do you want for the folding stock. Your talking about the paratrooper model right. How much do you want for it.