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Posted: 1/8/2010 2:45:38 PM EDT
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For consideration of those with significant experience on both the M1 Carbine and the Marlin 1894…
Last year, having postponed it for a long time, I decided to go the PDW route. I wanted to do this not so much for myself (though there’s ALWAYS a reason to buy a new gun) as for my daughters’ future use. I have high regard for the M1 as a solid, reliable platform, light (in both recoil and weight), not too complex, and adequately powerful for an “urban” SD / civil unrest role (out to 50m or less). I had a chance to buy two at a good price. Both are outfitted with UltimAK rails and Burris Red Dots. We also found a goodly quantity of 50’s era 30 rd mags, which I reconditioned (blasted and repainted, replaced springs, etc.). We put 500+ rds through each, verifying good function of mags and the rifle/optic setup. Upon leaving dorm life, each girl will get a carbine, a “combat loadout” of six 30rd mags, 1000rds, and “tuition” to a good carbine training program. The little guns are a delight. They shoot up a storm without problems. They mount to the shoulder naturally ––- I have found that the closer that the dominant hand, bore, and sights are to a shared axis, the more instinctively a rifle points. If you think about it, that’s the way we would “shoot” each other with pretend guns as kids. ––- Not many rifles come close to the M1 in this regard, and that’s a BIG plus for the occasional or novice shooter. But then I shot a Marlin 1894C over the Thanksgiving break when I ran into a friend exercising his carbine. (He has a job that takes him to Chicago about 50% of the time, and his company set him up in a nice apartment there. Trying to stay legal in Dickey Daley’s People’s Paradise, he settled on a used 1894 purchased a few years ago to scratch his Cowboy shooting itch. He has become quite competent with it.) I have to say I was impressed. While about a half-pound heavier than the M1, it didn’t feel like it: brought quickly to the shoulder, it was instantly on target. Full reloads are much slower than the M1, of course, but you can keep it “topped off” while maintaining it in ready position. Finally, it’s a .357, a more effective cartridge than the .30M-1, with a much broader range of ammo available. And speaking of available, that’s been a real problem with the M1, even with ammo inventories much higher than they were last year at this time. You just can’t find M1 like you used to. As a handloader, that’s not as big a problem for me, but it will be for the kids. So, I’m considering selling the M1s and setting the girls up for the Marlins instead. I have time to decide, with one not hitting the road on her own after graduation next June, and the other just wrapping up her first semester. If you have solid experience with both, what would you do? (And, I guess even if you DON’T, I'd appreciate your educated view, too.) |
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I think you should ask your daughters that question. Especially after they have both been exposed to both the M1 and the Marlin.
One may say M1, and the other one may say Marlin, or they may both go with the M1, or both go with the Marlin. Personal preference has a lot to do in matters like this. There really is no wrong answer between the two. Both are good choices. My self, I would prefer the M1. This is if I can get good high quality JHP ammunition. If FMJ is all that is available, I would rather have the Marlin. Unless excessive penetration is a major concern, I would prefer 158 grain bullets in the Marlin. Lighter hollow points may not penetrate because of the higher velocity from the long barrel. Ruger's Mini-14, though often derided, is another carbine that handles well. Mine is plenty accurate for most purposes. |
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The M1 carbine is a great rifle that is under appreciated. Its cartridge is often under estimated.
http://m4carbine.net/showthread.php?t=19956 Dr Roberts seems to indicate that if anything the .30 carbine has a leg up on the .357(although not by a perceivable difference). You would certainly be underestimating the cartridge if you thought it couldn't hang with the .357. The Carbine itself is significantly easier to operate. Easier reloads, simpler malfunction drills, faster follow up shots, etc. The lever is susceptible to shooter-induced jams and isn't as serviceable as the carbine. It all comes down to the shooter and their proficency with their rifle. Seeing as you already have the carbines, ammo, and training I would say its a no-brainer to stay with the superior weapon. The one real snag you have is ammo. Ammo is comming back... it seems like manufacturers are focusing their efforts on the popular calibers(9mm, .45, .223) right now. Before the shortage you could find both steel and brass cased .30 carbine ammo at the online ammo vendors(aim surplus, ammunition to go) and from the CMP. If you hang in there I'm more than certain you will be able to find .30 carbine in the future- especially with the demand from all of the carbines the CMP has sold. I would keep any eye out from some Remington softpoints in .30 Carbine. If they pop up I'd buy as much as possible. Or you could shell out the big bucks for Cor-Bon... From Dr. Roberts: "The best ammunition choices for the M1 Carbine are the Remington 110 gr JSP (R30CAR) and the Corbon 110 gr JHP DPX loading using the all copper Barnes X bullet. 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. Likewise, the Corbon DPX load penetrates 18.9" and expands to 0.56" in bare gelatin." |
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I have one of the 1892 .357 Carbines. It's light, it's accurate, it's a .357. I'd take a USGI M1 carbine over it any day for a PDW.
Carbine: Better sights, lighter, shorter, more rounds, faster reloads, better trigger. The only advantage of the .357 is the ability to use 180 grain bullets, this is a good thing for a woods gun, where you might run into mountain lions or small bears (for big bears I'd want something a LOT bigger). I also second the recomendation of the Remington soft point ammo for the M1. |
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I have a couple of 336's that they have never fired. Once it gets a bit warmer at spring break I'll let 'em try these out for the general comfort measure. In the meantime ol' Dad will load up another couple of thousand M1 rounds: the two of them just nageed me about having enough ammo for a big "picnic shoot" come spring, so the Visa bill just got a fresh new number for a metric shitload of M1 components.
Note to prospective parents: kids are not free. They are also priceless, however, so be prepared... |
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Tough decision. 357 leverguns are a damned fine SD weapon if one trains on operating the lever quickly. 357 ammo is readily available, as is 38 special which can also be used in a 357 lever gun.
On the other hand, the US Carbine is a weapon that has been proven in combat and not found wanting. Let your daughters try each and let them decide. Ammo availability on 30 Carbine is somewhat sketchy, but it can be had if one is willing to mail order it. Federal still loads 110gr soft points for it, which would be a good all around performer with superior terminal performance to military ball. Corbon also loads some premium (and expensive) stuff with 100gr Barnes bullets which are excellent terminal performers. For cheap practice, Federal American Eagle loads FMJ. I just checked Graf & Sons, they have some carbine ammo in stock. It's ball, however. They have Armscor 110gr FMJ. They also have steel cased 110gr FMJ from Tula cartridge works. It's cheaper than the Armscor. |
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