For three years as an infantryman I humped the old 21 pound BAR with an ammo belt which weighed at least that much more. So, on transfer to the Army Security Agency I was happy to learn that my issue weapon would be the M1 Carbine, 5 1/2 pounds of pure joy! That was in '63 and I've has a soft spot for the carbine ever since. Besides it's light weight the carbine just has a "sporty look" that few military rifles ever matched. In recent years the old GI carbines have climbed in collector value. My issue carbine back in '63 was a "Rock-ola" which brings the highest prices of all, way out of my reach. The commercal versions sold in the 60's & 70's by Universal, Plainfield and Iver Johnson have not kept pace in price. Some of those are pretty poorly made but the early versions, before they went cheap, are actually nicer than any GI gun. I got an early Universal, serial number 44xxx, and it is a beauty, much better polished and blued than any GI version, with a very nicely finished walnut stock and handguard. The bore held a pleasant surprise, bright shiny "microgroove" rifling! The trigger was pretty horrible, about as heavy and creapy as a Daisy BB gun, but it was not too diffiult to rework it to a crisp 4 1/2 pounds.
My first trial at 50 yards was encouraging, with groups averaging 1 1/2" for Federal American Eagle 110 grain FMJ and PRVI 110 grain soft point, two 5 shot groups with each. I was pretty happy with that for issue sights, 70 year old eyes and shaky hands. The Universal carbines are drilled and tapped on the left receiver rail for a scope mount. Digging through my junk boxes I found two sets of Weaver side mount rings, one 3/4" and one 1", so all I need is the base, which I promptly ordered from Midway USA. I think a scope should reduce group size at least a bit, but actually I'm pretty happy with 3 moa, it ain't a sniper rifle after all.
