Auto Ordnance M1 Carbine Paratrooper

[bigskybound]

I bought a used Auto Ordnance M1 Carbine Paratrooper because I could never afford to shoot a real one. It is supposedly based on an original Saginaw model. Not being overly familiar with M1 carbines, how good of a replica is it?

[Tuna]

If it's based on an original carbine then it should be based on an Inland who was the only contractor to make M1A1 carbines. If the stock is like the originals it's most likely one of the reproductions made in Italy like all the rest are. The quality of AO seems to be a constant up and down as far as quality is concerned. Some have no problems with them and others can't wait to get rid of it. Now if your stock doesn't fold and it's an older model pull out wire stock then I would suggest that you get rid of the stock as they are not very good.

[browningautorifle]

Got pics for us?

[Litt'le Lee]

have the standard Carbine,,parked the GI Inland & shoot the A/O--all new parts available--I replaced all my springs in my Inland--the problem with some A/O's I suspect is the
magazines !!--the A/O's have beautiful wood

[bigskybound]

I my have mis-spoken. I know the regular AO carbine was based on an original Saginaw, but not sure if they made changes to look like an Inland for paratrooper. The factory mag stinks, but I knew that in advance. Have some USGI originals on the way. Cannot seem to get the Manage Attachments function to work so I uploaded to Photobucket.

[browningautorifle]

That one looks nice. I'd love to have that myself. Like you say, you can shoot the pi** out of it and not worry.

[Tuna]

Winchester designed the carbine. Inland took over the engineering of the carbine. Saginaw was just one of the 10 makers who made identical rifles. All parts of USGI carbines interchange between makers. The M1A1 was designed by Inland and all were made by Inland. Your AO is a copy of the first model of the M1A1. Should be enjoyable to shoot.

[bigskybound]

If I want to put a regular stock on it for different kind of shooting, will any USGI surplus or aftermarket stock work?

[Tuna]

Yes it should. If the carbine was a Universal then a USGI stock won't fit but being an AO then there should be no problems in changing to a USGI stock.