Locally, Big 5 Sporting Goods has an I.A.I. (Israeli Arms) M1 Carbine Commemorative for $499 (reg. $599).

A search on the net shows prices anywhere from $595 to a low of $425 for a standard non-commemrative version. The Commemorative feature I could live without siince it is meaningless on this particular rifle.

Fulton Armory sells a premium all original restored M1 for $1099 which is more than an M1 is worth, IMHO.

Where's the middle ground? Normally I wouldn't buy from a mass merchandising sporting goods store like Big 5, but is the I.A.I a good value? Can one find a better price than $425?


Thanks

I own a M1 Carbine IAI, bought it at a gun show last year for 425, I have put about 500 rounds through it, its a great little gun.

Buy it , you won't be sorry its a lot of fun, but stay away from S%B Ammo it was the worst.

I had an IAI (traded it in on a BM), and it was a great little gun, and never once gave me any trouble. Mine came with an old-type barrel band (no bayonet lug), and a metal handguard, so I oredered a late-model band and walnut handguard for it from SARCO. $425 is probably about as cheap as you'll find one these days. If you plan to use 30-rd mags, you'll want to put an M2 mag catch in it.

Last I knew IAI used a cast receiver.  For the money they're asking you can get a USGI original.

If you want a commercial Carbine get one with a Springfield receiver.  They're beautifully machined.

Yes, IAI are investment cast receivers. I've heard of Springfield receivers on sale (somewhere?) for around $65. Is that possible?

Would a Springfield receiver make an IAI gun much better or is it worth the trouble to try and change out the IAI cast receiver?

I would be interested in the Springfield receiver for $65. Where can I find one?

I wouldn't worry all that much about the receiver being cast, as opposed to forged. After all, the SA M1A has a cast receiver.

I have a Winchester M1 Carbine, it LOVES the S&B ammo.

Never had a problem once I replaced all the springs.

425?? wow, I'm glad I got mine for Christmas from my dad! He paid 250.00 for an I.B.M., G.I. issue from a local guy.  He did strip it down and make me put it all together.  I got each part as one present.  Made for alot of boxes under the tree!  Best present I have ever opened!  My wife and I were hooting and hollering each time I opened one.

BTW, anyone catch the Indian guy on Fox News holding up a scoped(large)M1 carbine, walking the steets of India in protest?  Kind of funny.