M2 Carbine Durability?

[Gunslinger]

I'm looking at an M2 Carbine that has a registered receiver (as opposed to the conversion kit) and I'm a bit concerned about the durability of these guns. I've read and heard horror stories about the receiver wearing out along the sides and becoming non-repairable, essentially reducing the value of the investment to almost zero. Is this really a concern or is it overblown? I'm estimating that I might fire a thousand to fifteen hundred rounds a year through this gun. It doesn't show much wear but I don't want to spend several thousand dollars only to have it become worthless.

 

Separately, this gun is currently priced at $5500 through my local dealer. It comes with an aftermarket folding paratrooper stock and a few different flash hiders. The barrel is very nice as is the finish. As I noted above, it shows little wear. In fact, the top of bolt still has 95% of its finish. I bring this up only because the seller is refusing to honor his initial price and raised it at the last minute. Business ethics not withsanding, any opinions on whether it's still a worthwhile investment?

 

Thanks

[jim c 351]

I have to admit I don't have a M2 carbine. I do have a dozen M1 carbines but no M2. Someday I will probably buy an M2 when I come across a good deal.

That being said, I don't consider the carbine a good bullet hose. Its a light weight gun shooting a high presssure/high velocity cartridge(compared to a 45 ACP). It overheats after one mag.This will wear rifling quickly ,compared to a TSMG. Its best thought of as a semi-auto gun that can fire full auto in an emergency.

If you want to do a lot of mag dumps use your M1 Thompson or Uzi.

Still, its a nice firearm to have.

If you reload you might try the load I suggested furthur down on this forum.

I use a 110 gr Berry plated bullet and 7 gr of Unique for a velocity of 1600 FPS.

The combination of a plated bullet and reduced velocity will be easier on your carbine receiver and rifling. If 7 gr does not cycle the action then slowly increase the powder until it does.

When it heats up , let it cool before continuing.

If you follow this advice it should last a long time and be a lot of fun.

Jim C

[n64atlas]

M2's will break. Bolts are the main thing that will break along with extractors. Receivers can also break.. Considering the price of a M2, full mag dumps are not recomended. As to the parts kits. Of the 7 parts in the kit, the trip rod is the one the is usualy marked. These break also. A M1 carbine is going to caust you at least $600+ in todays market.They are fun to shoot and one of the least expensive MG's. Yes, you could buy a Thompson at at least three times the price of a M2. Uzi's at about the same price range as Th M1 Thompson.