Hey, M1 Carbine question.?

Question

I've heard that the M1 carbine was underpowered for combat purposes. So would an M1 carbine in .357 Mag. work better?

What is the difference in power between the .30 carbine, and the .357? And finally could an expert gunsmith convert an M1 carbine to .357 Mag?

Answer 1

A .30 carbine round from a rifle is on par with a .357 magnum from a handgun.  The .357 mag has better terminal performance with hollow points than a .30 carbine with FMJs.  Soft points in both pretty much equal.

Answer 2

The 30 carbine has twice the energy of a 357 mag.  The barrel would have to be changed not just re-chambered due to bullet size.  You can have it converted to other wildcat cartridges based on larger cases but the same bullet diameter.  Most likely have to reload yourself though.  Better to get a 30-06, 308, or 223 if you want more power.

Answer 3

For as little improvement that would be gained, I doubt it would be worth it. I also doubt that the magazine could be adapted to feed the .357 Mag. cartridge, above and beyond the fact that there is insufficient material in the receiver or barrel to 'bore out' the .30 M-1 carbine to .357 in the first place.

As much as I dislike the underpowered 5.56/.223 class of 'poodle shooter' rifles, the Ruger Mini-14 would be a better choice for FAR less money, and the Mini-30 in 7.62x39R would be a LOT better.

Answer 4

The 357 has a little more "UMPH" over the 30 Carbine. The conversion ides would be tough due to the 357 having a rimmed cartridge. and whole new gas regulation, magazine, and probably receiver opened for the new magazine. It's a whole new gun not an M! Carbine anymore.

Get a Ruger 44 Carbine. Now you got a "Thumper"