Which one and why?

BlackJack · October 13th, 2007, 10:45 PM

Which one and why?

I am considering an AK vs. an M1 Carbine. I know that I am talking “apples and oranges”, but I’m just not so sure that they are that much different for my purposes. I am looking for a reasonably accurate carbine for shooting at ranges of 250 yards and less. I have an M1 Carbine that I still have not decided whether or not I like, the but stock is about 1 inch too short for my comfort, but it is reasonably accurate and the .30 Carbine round performs better than most people seem to think. It is also light weight and VERY easy to maneuver.

The two things that concern me about the M1 are, as I mentioned, the stock is a bit shorter than I prefer (I think it is referred to as “reach” but am not sure) and as I look at ammo pricing I am just not finding a whole lot of it out there while I see 7.62x39 ammo everywhere in large quantities.

So here is the question….. For CQB out to about 250 yards which one would you choose, and why (The AR is just not an option, I cannot afford even a base model)?

Any opinions welcome.

Thanks,
Tim………….

JD · October 13th, 2007, 10:48 PM

I'd go with the AK,

Parts availability
Future upgrades
Ammo availability
Mags are cheap

Also, I don't think the M1 Carbines have made any "lists", get an AK now, and keep the M1, they are really handy rifles.

Edited to add, if you need to sell your M1 Carbine, I NEED to buy it

SIXTO · October 13th, 2007, 10:53 PM

I agree with JD. I would have a hard time selling an M1 though to replace it with an AK.

BlackJack · October 13th, 2007, 11:41 PM

Thanks for the replies!

No question about it, the M1 Carbine isn’t going anywhere. It has no collectable value since it is a BlueSky “Import” and it has been rebuilt, but it is a fun little gun and I will keep it regardless.

It’s just that I have this thing about having a backup. Sooooo I will either get a second M1 Carbine or I will get 2 AK type rifles. I could get the two AK rifles for just about $150.00 - $200.00 more than I could get the second M1. That I could justify (I can get the Lancaster for about $450.00 or maybe a tad bit less while a new Auto-Ordinance M1 is a bit over $600.00).

I had not thought about the parts availability, but I have noticed the disparity in the ammo availability.

One more point in favor of the AK…

16gauge · October 14th, 2007, 12:09 AM

Of the two, I'd got with the AK, but only because of cartridge performance and no other reason...... I had one, sold it (didn't care for it)....bought it as a close range deer rifle; shot patterns.....not groups.....at 50 yards. Ammo is cheap and readily available, but most if it is from 3rd world countries, and quite frankly, after all the crap with the lead paint from China, I don't think I'll be putting that ammo in ANY of my guns anytime soon!

....Also, with regards to the short stock you were previously talking about....you might want to avoid the Chicom models; the one I had was a tad shorter than those made in the eastern bloc countries. Just a word of caveat emptor.

Good luck.

chenemf · October 14th, 2007, 01:24 AM

This is the same thing I have been thinking about and AR, AK, and M1 have all been on my list. I have been leaning hard towards the AR.

The lead paint comment confuses me. Most bullets I buy are lead based.

Cap'n · October 14th, 2007, 01:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BlackJack

while I see 7.62x39 ammo everywhere in large quantities.

BlackJack, that statement speaks volumes for buying an AK. Also, the 7.62 can still be bought at a fairly reasonable price. Keep your M1 and get a couple of AK's. Your M1 definately has it's place in the scheme of things.

bmcgilvray · October 14th, 2007, 02:08 AM

I like the M1 Carbine better than the AK which is neither fish nor fowl to me. The M1 Carbine is light and handy, better balanced, stows easily, is dead reliably, and spare parts are still available. Saw some quite reasonably priced .30 Carbine ammo at the Fort Worth gun show today. If I require more "pop" than a .30 Carbine can deliver I'll reach for the M1 or M1A rather than an intermediate cartridge.

This is my regular companion to our family acreage on Lake Leon. An Underwood contract rifle dated 10-43.

The next step up in "oomph". A June of'44 produced Springfield M1. I guess I buy American.

Creature · October 14th, 2007, 01:08 PM

Call me traditional because I would choose the M1. My Carbine truly handles like a dream...short reach and all. Much easier to stow and lug around. Plus it is an very quick and easy handling little gun. The power of a .30 Carbine round is on par with a very stout .357 Magnum. While definitely not up in the rifle power region, for the package...it is not too bad in my opinion. Inside the distances you have described, the M1 Carbine would do quite well.

aus71383 · October 14th, 2007, 03:48 PM

I say AK too. The .30 Carbine just won't do it for out to 250 yards. Great for HD but the round just doesn't have much power for a rifle.

Austin

October 13th, 2007, 10:45 PM	#1
BlackJack Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Colorado Posts: 158	Which one and why? Which one and why? I am considering an AK vs. an M1 Carbine. I know that I am talking “apples and oranges”, but I’m just not so sure that they are that much different for my purposes. I am looking for a reasonably accurate carbine for shooting at ranges of 250 yards and less. I have an M1 Carbine that I still have not decided whether or not I like, the but stock is about 1 inch too short for my comfort, but it is reasonably accurate and the .30 Carbine round performs better than most people seem to think. It is also light weight and VERY easy to maneuver. The two things that concern me about the M1 are, as I mentioned, the stock is a bit shorter than I prefer (I think it is referred to as “reach” but am not sure) and as I look at ammo pricing I am just not finding a whole lot of it out there while I see 7.62x39 ammo everywhere in large quantities. So here is the question….. For CQB out to about 250 yards which one would you choose, and why (The AR is just not an option, I cannot afford even a base model)? Any opinions welcome. Thanks, Tim………….

October 13th, 2007, 10:48 PM	#2
JD Senior Moderator Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Bedford County Virginia Posts: 9,479	I'd go with the AK, Parts availability Future upgrades Ammo availability Mags are cheap Also, I don't think the M1 Carbines have made any "lists", get an AK now, and keep the M1, they are really handy rifles. Edited to add, if you need to sell your M1 Carbine, I NEED to buy it

October 13th, 2007, 10:53 PM	#3
SIXTO VIP Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Here and There Posts: 10,436	I agree with JD. I would have a hard time selling an M1 though to replace it with an AK. __________________ In a land of sheep, even a toothless wolf is king. "We don't have to worry about the cost of my federal programs because at my last visit to Long John Silver's I got a map to pirate treasure." - Obama

October 14th, 2007, 01:08 PM	#9
Creature Ex Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Virginia Posts: 343	Call me traditional because I would choose the M1. My Carbine truly handles like a dream...short reach and all. Much easier to stow and lug around. Plus it is an very quick and easy handling little gun. The power of a .30 Carbine round is on par with a very stout .357 Magnum. While definitely not up in the rifle power region, for the package...it is not too bad in my opinion. Inside the distances you have described, the M1 Carbine would do quite well. Last edited by Creature; October 14th, 2007 at 02:52 PM..

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October 13th, 2007, 11:41 PM	#4
BlackJack Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Colorado Posts: 158	Thanks for the replies! No question about it, the M1 Carbine isn’t going anywhere. It has no collectable value since it is a BlueSky “Import” and it has been rebuilt, but it is a fun little gun and I will keep it regardless. It’s just that I have this thing about having a backup. Sooooo I will either get a second M1 Carbine or I will get 2 AK type rifles. I could get the two AK rifles for just about $150.00 - $200.00 more than I could get the second M1. That I could justify (I can get the Lancaster for about $450.00 or maybe a tad bit less while a new Auto-Ordinance M1 is a bit over $600.00). I had not thought about the parts availability, but I have noticed the disparity in the ammo availability. One more point in favor of the AK…

October 14th, 2007, 12:09 AM	#5
16gauge New Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Troy, MI Posts: 1	Of the two, I'd got with the AK, but only because of cartridge performance and no other reason...... I had one, sold it (didn't care for it)....bought it as a close range deer rifle; shot patterns.....not groups.....at 50 yards. Ammo is cheap and readily available, but most if it is from 3rd world countries, and quite frankly, after all the crap with the lead paint from China, I don't think I'll be putting that ammo in ANY of my guns anytime soon! ....Also, with regards to the short stock you were previously talking about....you might want to avoid the Chicom models; the one I had was a tad shorter than those made in the eastern bloc countries. Just a word of caveat emptor. Good luck.

October 14th, 2007, 01:24 AM	#6
chenemf Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Texas Posts: 149	This is the same thing I have been thinking about and AR, AK, and M1 have all been on my list. I have been leaning hard towards the AR. The lead paint comment confuses me. Most bullets I buy are lead based.

October 14th, 2007, 02:08 AM	#8
bmcgilvray Distinguished Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: North Texas Posts: 1,232	I like the M1 Carbine better than the AK which is neither fish nor fowl to me. The M1 Carbine is light and handy, better balanced, stows easily, is dead reliably, and spare parts are still available. Saw some quite reasonably priced .30 Carbine ammo at the Fort Worth gun show today. If I require more "pop" than a .30 Carbine can deliver I'll reach for the M1 or M1A rather than an intermediate cartridge. This is my regular companion to our family acreage on Lake Leon. An Underwood contract rifle dated 10-43. The next step up in "oomph". A June of'44 produced Springfield M1. I guess I buy American.

October 14th, 2007, 03:48 PM	#10
aus71383 Distinguished Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: United States Posts: 1,711	I say AK too. The .30 Carbine just won't do it for out to 250 yards. Great for HD but the round just doesn't have much power for a rifle. Austin