I read a write up in Gun Tests magazine about the M1 Carbine being a good candidate for home defense. The argument is it is handy, points naturally, and with the right ammunition, such as a hard hitting Buffalo Bore 125 gr round (normal is 110 grain), that they thought it could be a good gun for defense of home and ranch at short ranges.

When I think about it I'm naturally comparing it to a short AR, a Mini 14, and when it comes down to it, I think I sort of agree it might be a good tool for the job. Maybe comparable to a 357 magnum on steroids. I'm not totally sold on the over penetration argument in well built houses with separation between them in certain neighborhoods with larger yards, but if that were something to consider, I'd think the M1 gets a point for that. I'm also thinking for someone who doesn't already have one of those rifles, then would the good old M1 carbine be a reasonable choice. Also, there are three or four manufacturers out there now producing new guns from scratch, and some of them are getting good reviews. And naturally, I'm not considering collectibles in this thread.

So what do you think ?

i am not an expert on the round or rifle. But do think it is very capable setup. GI's used it effectively in WWII with success so I see no reason to argue it's abilities in a home defense situation. If I had one, it would be handy.

The M1 Carbine would make a suitable rifle for home defense, I see no reason why not.

I don't think Buffalo Bore ammunition is necessary, or has anything to do with its suitability. In fact, if you put hot modern ammunition through a vintage M1 Carbine, you're going to beat on it.

Actually, I've opened quite a few threads about putting Buffalo Bore into this that and the other thing. Whoever is doing their marketing sure works hard. While I do think there is something to choosing appropriate specialized ammunition for a particular purpose, there only seems to be one kind of ammunition made by Buffalo Bore. At least, that people are interested in.

If the pressure is safe, ok, but if it's too high, no.

I would completely test the carbine and magazines with your carry round. A great many carbines are heavily used and less than reliable. Would probably be worth paying a premium for new in wrap GI mags and a new spring kit.

My M1 Carbine is an early war Inland, courtesy of the CMP.
I certainly do consider it a part of the HD selection.
Mine is loaded with Hornady Critical Defense, but I would be happy with any of the old soft point loads that are readily available pretty cheap.
It is light, compact, and points so well for me.
The carbine is a lively, fast weapon. A great cqb choice, and true example of American know how.

The M1 carbine works for your intended role.

But it won't do anything that an AR-15 or Mini-14 can't do. In reality, the AR-15 will do things that the M1 can't.

Both of my USGI carbines shoot very well with Hornady Critical Defense ammo, which performs well in ballistic testing. I would have no issue using either one as a defensive rifle.

With modern hollow/soft point ammo, like Critical Defense or Gold Dots, and an Ultimak rail with a light and optic, a M1 Carbine could be just as useful as more modern rifles for home defense purposes.

For example:

Essentially the whole idea of the M1 Carbine was one of the original "PDW" type concepts.

Light, quick handling, short, and with adequate power.

When loaded with Hornady Critical Defense - Roughly 1000ft/lbs of muzzle energy with a rapid follow up shots and modern bullet technology - I would feel well armed.

I've seen a decent sized 6 point white tail be dropped at 75 yards with one shot just behind the shoulder with the aforementioned ammo.

It was also the original law enforcement "patrol rifle", a role that it filled with good effect for many decades. Prior to the AR taking over, a number of law enforcement agencies issued M1 Carbines for when a long gun was needed.

I have a Winchester that came from a PD in Indiana (no idea which one)
part of a lot sold back in the late 80's

quote:

Originally posted by arcwelder76:
The M1 Carbine would make a suitable rifle for home defense, I see no reason why not.

I don't think Buffalo Bore ammunition is necessary, or has anything to do with its suitability. In fact, if you put hot modern ammunition through a vintage M1 Carbine, you're going to beat on it.

Actually, I've opened quite a few threads about putting Buffalo Bore into this that and the other thing. Whoever is doing their marketing sure works hard. While I do think there is something to choosing appropriate specialized ammunition for a particular purpose, there only seems to be one kind of ammunition made by Buffalo Bore. At least, that people are interested in.

If the pressure is safe, ok, but if it's too high, no.

the Buffalo Bore folks must have taken notes from the CorBon folks,

I remember everyone was recommending CorBon ammo for a good while, now not so much

Very cool collection of photos Rogue. Thank you.

I particularly liked the MSP troopers

I'm sure it would be just fine. So would a 30-30 lever action or a Browning Citori. The notion of owning a fully accessorized dedicated home defense gun is a relatively new one. The deer rifle did double duty for protection.

I'd guess the number of people who die each year defending their home with a firearm other than what we would consider optimal and where a different weapon would have made a difference is a REALLY small number.

Until we issued everyone a Sig M400, we had several M1 carbines issued as patrol rifles. Only concern I have with them is that I do not know of a current manufacture magazine that's reliable.

IMO, an M1 Carbine set up with a RDS and light as pictured in Rogue's post gives up nothing to an AR in the HD role if loaded with good soft or hollow points. The "Ultimak" rails are also 100% reversible back to GI configuration, so it isn't like you have to "Bubba" an great warhorse either.

That said, unless you are in some sort of ban state where the M1 Carb. would be legal and an AR isn't...an AR makes more sense, especially given that prices on each have reversed making the AR way less expensive.

quote:

Originally posted by K.O.A.M.:
Until we issued everyone a Sig M400, we had several M1 carbines issued as patrol rifles. Only concern I have with them is that I do not know of a current manufacture magazine that's reliable.

GI 15 rounders are and still can be found fairly easily...

I haven't had any issues with the recent production KCI/PW M1 Carbine magazines in either of my rifles.

But I have a ton of USGI mags too, so those are my first choice.

Interesting discussion in regards to the M1 carbine as a HD weapon but I would stick with a AR15 for the HD role. I think the AR15 is simply a better platform and more versatile/customizable than the M1 carbine. There's no shortage of various optics, iron sights, stocks, rails, ammo choices, magazines that can hold 100 rounds and numerous other accessories for the AR15 plus AR's are dirt cheap so why select the M1 for HD unless that's all you have available?

I love my tacticool M1 carbine. Mine is a quality Hardware frankestein, but mine was completely re-parkerized with all new springs by a gunsmith. I benefitted when the person who had it done lost his job.

I added a Choate stock with pistol grip, front rail, and a Vortex SPARC red dot. Shoots like a dream and up to 100m it is super easy to hit center mass with it. It might be my favorite gun to shoot for pure joy.

quote:

Originally posted by arcwelder76:
The M1 Carbine would make a suitable rifle for home defense, I see no reason why not.

I don't think Buffalo Bore ammunition is necessary, or has anything to do with its suitability. In fact, if you put hot modern ammunition through a vintage M1 Carbine, you're going to beat on it.

Actually, I've opened quite a few threads about putting Buffalo Bore into this that and the other thing. Whoever is doing their marketing sure works hard. While I do think there is something to choosing appropriate specialized ammunition for a particular purpose, there only seems to be one kind of ammunition made by Buffalo Bore. At least, that people are interested in.

If the pressure is safe, ok, but if it's too high, no.

You're absolutely right about Buf Bore ammo. It's a specialist, and they're all too heavy and expensive for general use.