Echoing the last year of the war, the 1945 pattern M1 Carbine from Inland Manufacturing is a new rifle. It is chambered in .30 Carbine and has a Parkerized finish.

The M1 Carbine was designed as a light rifle for troops who needed more than a pistol but did not want to carry a full-size rifle: radio operators, artillery crews, drivers, officers. It is gas-operated and semi-automatic here, and it handles well. Today it is a favorite of collectors, reenactors and plinkers who like the light recoil. Ask your dealer to look the rifle over at pickup; a second pair of eyes catches small things early.

A new carbine of this pattern comes without the wear, rust or mismatched parts that sometimes come with a surplus piece. You get the look and the feel with a fresh barrel and clean finish. That makes it a good first purchase for a person who wants an M1 without the research that a surplus rifle needs.

Look over the sights, check function with the magazines you plan to use, and keep it oiled. It ships to your FFL dealer, and the background check is completed there.