M1 Carbine for home defense

[gregcheck]

I just recently came across a M1 carbine in nice shape and had to purchase it( I must admit I have a soft spot for them). I'm considering using it for home defense if I "feel" the need for something more than a handgun to get the job done( I also have to admit the short barrel is a plus too). Would you consider this a decent round for home defense to use in conjunction a handgun? I'm not worried about over penetration, my neighbors are not to close to me.
If this is considered a " viable" round what would some of you suggest as a home defense round for it? I only see the 30 carbine ammo around me in the " run of the mill " 110gr FMJ stuff. I don't mind target shooting/ plinking with this stuff but if I'm using it in my home for defense I would rather have something better than a FMJ bullet. Any thoughts or insight would be great.
Thanks
G

[DefensiveCarry.com]

[Cuda66]

M1 Carbines - M4Carbine.net Forums

The 110gr Remington JSP and the CorBon DPX are recommended.

[lyz_grace]

No input on the matter, just wanted to throw in a congrats and say that I ALWAYS steal a friend's M1 whenever we take trips to the range together. He's got a pretty extensive arsenal and that little rifle is hands down my favorite. If you run into any more deals be sure to post

[jonconsiglio]

I would have no issues using it for home defense with proper ammo. I have one sitting at my Dad's that I need to pick up actually. Nice little rifles.

I ALWAYS feel the need for something bigger than a handgun when it comes to defense. it's never overkill in my opinion and a rifle will do whatever the handgun can do, just easier and quicker.

Just be sure to understand proper employment of a long arm in a structure and practice it over and over in low light until its natural for you. It doesn't hurt to take a class or two as well, if you haven't already.

Given a choice, I'll always reach for my rifle.

[pgrass101]

The M1 carbine is my families primary defensive long guns Here is the Mr and Mrs, M1 Carbine 1.jpg


The Remington 110 gr JSP, the Corbon 110 gr, JHP DPX, Winchester 110 gr JSP and the Speer 110 gr Gold Dot are all good rounds. I use the Remington myself, this is from an article that I saved

The Remington load has an average velocity of 1864 f/s, expands to around .54” to .58” and penetrates 13” to 16” whether in bare gelatin, through automobile windshields, or Level IIIa body armor. This is comparable intermediate barrier performance to many good .223 loads.

but I don't remember were it was originally published at.

[gasmitty]

M1 carbine for home defense is about as good as it gets. Just use a good expanding type of ammo and make sure that whatever you choose feeds OK in your gun. Some non-GI mags have been fussy feeders, so be sure to wring them out before you need 'em.

I want one!

[gasmitty]

The M1 carbine is my families primary defensive long guns Here is the Mr and Mrs, M1 Carbine 1.jpg


The Remington 110 gr JSP, the Corbon 110 gr, JHP DPX, Winchester 110 gr JSP and the Speer 110 gr Gold Dot are all good rounds. I use the Remington myself, this is from an article that I saved but I don't remember were it was originally published at.

Gun porn! What a happy-looking couple.

Quick question: does the one with the stamped bayonet mount shoot any better or worse than the one without? I recall seeing a test where the bayonet mount seemed to improve accuracy.

[pgrass101]

The one with the bayonet mount is a Inland (mfg 6-1944) and it shoots fine, the one with the heat shield is a Plainfield Machine mfg 1966 and I can't tell a differnce between the two, both can shoot around 3" groups (depending on ammo) from rest at 100 meters.

My wife likes the Plainfiled because it is lighter. The main thing is that a bayonet lug barrel band out generally shoots the other kinds. The 1" wide type 2 band isn't bad, the type 1 skinny 1/2" wide bands are very problematic. The tight fit of the bayonet lug barrel band covers up many problems with carbines. The skinny bands just make the other problems worse. The plainfield has a wide band is better fitted than the Inland.

[OldVet]

Dang. Now I want one.

[kb2wji]

I had one that was a HD gun for a while. Until I did a little homework and found out that the Universal models had a habit of blowing up in your face and killing you. If you have a Universal, look it up. Some serial number ranges were prone to self destruction. Apparently they were built by Sears using old car parts that didnt quite fit properly.

Otherwise, awesome rifles. And more than adequate for a HD gun. Have fun with it !

[F350]

When I spent 2 years in Iraq the gun I left for my wife to use for HD was an M-1 carbine with 2 30 mags jungle clipped together loaded with the 110 gr JHP.

The master bedroom was an addition and there was a 4 foot section of wall leading to the door way, I told the wife if someone was in the house and she was sure they were just outside the door way, start at the corner, pull the trigger as fast as she could and "walk" the rounds to the door at about 4 foot high, even put a strip of masking tape where she should start (no one, and I mean NO ONE but us should ever be in the house).

The carbine is probably my absolute favorite rifle, just absolutely love the way it handles, I would say I own 2; but the wife as informed me "I" only have 1

[gregcheck]

Thanks for the replies all!! The insight is a big help on deciding what ammo to use
for home defense, I didn't think there was much out there for it.
Pgrass101 I have to say nice set ;O) The carbine I picked up is a inland model too, its stamped 12/43.
I didn't get the mag puch for the stock, I'll have to find one of those. Oh & I have to ask does anyone know where to
get the factory GI magazines at or what they would cost?
G

[pgrass101]

Promag makes a good M1 carbine mag. And most 15rd mags work well.

Look at your mag release button, if it has a "M" with a line under it you can use 30rd mags. If it has a 'M" and no line use 15rd mags. if it is blank PM me and I will send you a pic that you can use to determine which mags you can use.

[OldVet]

Thanks for the replies all!! The insight is a big help on deciding what ammo to use
for home defense, I didn't think there was much out there for it.
Pgrass101 I have to say nice set ;O) The carbine I picked up is a inland model too, its stamped 12/43.
I didn't get the mag puch for the stock, I'll have to find one of those. Oh & I have to ask does anyone know where to
get the factory GI magazines at or what they would cost?G

They're all in Korea waiting for our executive's administration clearance to come home.

[CaveJohnson]

Oh goodness I'd LOVE an M1 Garand!