Iver Johnson... Yay or nay?

[Johan412th]

Hello, gents. I'm new to this side of the forum, And was hoping someone could give me the low-down on the iver Johnson m1's, what to watch for and a general history if possible. Thanks!

[ChipS]

I'm not the expert on commercial M1 carbines but as far as I know the IJ carbines in good condition are generally serviceable and safe. The more knowledgeable will probably jump in here and correct me if I am wrong. You may find the following website helpful:

http://www.m1carbinesinc.com/carbine_ij.html

[warbrds]

Hi
I personally have never fired one, I have just shot military types, but folks I have talked to are not super impressed with the fit, finish or overall operation of the Iver Johnson

My humble opinion, by a true military, mil-spec, M1 Carbine, I think in the long run you will be much happier

My 2 cents worth

[Johan412th]

Hey, this is the info I'm after. I'd prefer a surplus one, but I'm on a budget and they are the only ones available locally.

[bonnie]

In the 70s I bought a Plainfield Machine Company M1 carbine from the old Western Auto. I did not know much about carbines but it filled the bill for that time. It worked and shot just fine. The only issue I ever had with it was the barrel band spring broke which was easily replaced.

Iver Johnson took over Plainfield Machine Company.

A few years back a friend bought cheap, a well used Iver Johnson M1 carbine for a truck gun. We parkerized it in the backyard, put new springs in it, and it works and shoots just fine.

I would think you could find a Plainfield or Iver Johnson relatively cheap and fill the bill until you can find a USGI gun. Replace the old springs with USGI springs, and use USGI 15 rd magazines or the new Korean made 15 rounders, then let us know how it works.

[Johan412th]

Thanks Bonnie. Real good info to have. It's going to have to fit the bill until a good Usgi one shows up.

[gwp]

I believe the later Universal M1 Carbines where they got creative with the design and parts used to assemble the carbine created the impression that anything other than GI was junk. Most of the early commercial carbines manufactured with GI surplus parts and commercial receivers functioned well as do most of the later carbines using parts similar to US GI parts.

[musketjon]

Boat anchor or paper weight.
Jon

[Tuna]

It all depends on when it was made. Early IJ carbines are not bad at all...BUT the later ones can be considered to be junk and some may be dangerous as the quality at the end of production was terrible right along with the last of the Universal carbines.

[Johan412th]

It all depends on when it was made. Early IJ carbines are not bad at all...BUT the later ones can be considered to be junk and some may be dangerous as the quality at the end of production was terrible right along with the last of the Universal carbines.

How can you tell the age or year?

[gwp]

How can you tell the age or year?

The dates of manufacture are available on the site ChipS posted.

http://www.m1carbinesinc.com/carbine_ij03.html

[Sunray]

Iver Johnson took over Plainfield Machine Company and quality went down hill. A Plainfield(had mine for 40 years. No issues a bath didn't fix. Never required any parts) is an exact copy. IJ's are lower end.
"...relatively cheap..." If you think $350 plus is cheap. Mind you, there's a Plainfield on Gunbroker running $225.
Early Universals are OK, but after their idiotic redesign(look for the poorly made stamped op handle, that breaks, a toggle for the bolt hold open and two return springs) they're junk.

[mp40man]

I'm with GWP, a Hoosier neighbor and Tuna on this one. I had an early Universal chrome or nickel plated..even the 30 rd. mag was plated and beautiful wood. I acquired this in a trade in the early seventies but traded it off years ago. A buddy of mine had an Iver Johnson back then and we ran a ton of ammo through em..surplus was so cheap back then it wasn't an issue. Iver Johnson made some quality firearms back in the day..prior to 68. I never had a problem with my Universal or my friend's Iver Johnson. It'll hold ya over till you get a military carbine. They are a lot of fun and welcome to the forum I wish you well in your quest. Rich

[CHW2021]

The earlier production was a direct copy of the military rifle, the later design was different insofar as the piston and guide rods were changed. I do not recall any changes to the bolt.
Later production was "spotty" on quality and shooting results varied wildly. Remove the action from the stock and if it is the same as a military rifle you are good.

[Johan412th]

So my local shop has a new never been fired iver Johnson ww2 commemorative edition (1941-1991) for 695... Is it a good rifle and/or a good deal? Also, one of the carbines has an m14 style flash suppressor... Does anyone know what make it is and where can I get one?