It seems that a generation has missed out on some of the M1 Carbine’s positive attributes. “Boy, are they all this light?” remarked one staffer who picked the little gun up from my desk and shouldered it. Many shooters simply have never really spent any time with a carbine. At the range, too, the new rendition of the gun favored by so many G.I.s (stopping power aside) won some hearts and minds of our younger staffers.

At $705 for the walnut-stocked version and $674 for the birch-stocked gun, Auto-Ordnance’s carbine makes a fine alternative to an original for those interested in owning and shooting these fun and historically significant little guns. Best of all, an M1A1 “paratrooper” carbine is in the works. Former American Rifleman staffer Ted Hatfield sent his original M1A1 to the company as a pattern. Auto-Ordnance has produced a sample M1A1, but has advised it will cost around $800. If you would like one, let Auto-Ordnance know, because your input will determine whether or not a new M1A1 will “Stand in the Door” yet again.

Manufacturer: Auto-Ordnance Corp.; (508) 795-3919; Tommygun.com

Caliber: .30 Carbine

Action Type: gas-operated, semi- automatic, center-fire rifle

Receiver: investment-cast 4140 steel

Finish: Parkerized

Barrel: 17 3/4"

Rifling: four-groove, 1:20" RH twist

Magazine: detachable box, 10-, 15- (tested) or 30-round capacities

Sights: protected blade front; two-position peep rear, drift adjustable for windage

Trigger Pull: two-stage, non- adjustable, 4 lbs., 2 ozs.

Stock: American walnut: length of pull, 13 1/2"; drop at heel, 2"; drop at comb, 1 7/8"

Overall Length: 35 5⁄8"

Weight: 5 lbs., 7 ozs.

Accessories: manual, trigger lock, one 15-round magazine

Suggested Retail Price: $705 (walnut), $674 (birch)

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