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Safety issues with 1960s Ermas M1

Printed From: The Carbine Collector's Club
Category: The Club
Forum Name: Safety/ Accuracy/Shooting/Ammunition/Care and Maintenance
Forum Description: What to Check, Reloading, Tips for Accuracy, Competitive/Recreational Shooting
URL: http://www.uscarbinecal30.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=5437
Printed Date: Apr 20 2024 at 5:16am
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 12.01 - http://www.webwizforums.com

Topic: Safety issues with 1960s Ermas M1

Posted By: ironbill
Subject: Safety issues with 1960s Ermas M1
Date Posted: Apr 29 2021 at 9:17am

I've had an early '60s Erma's Firearms (Steelville MO) since I was a kid.

According to this article:
http://www.m1carbinesinc.com/carbine_ermas2.html" rel="nofollow - http://www.m1carbinesinc.com/carbine_ermas2.html
the steel of the receiver on my Carbine was never hardened properly. Everyone I talk with says, yes this is dangerous and I should not use the gun.

I would like to avoid replacing the gun.

Does anyone know where I can have it repaired? Hardening the steel doesn't seem to be realistic. Can the receiver be replaced?

If replacing the gun is the only option, does anyone recommend a reputable dealer?

Thanks all.

Replies:

Posted By: floydthecat
Date Posted: Apr 29 2021 at 4:35pm

These are not encouraging words to hear, but you might invest a lot more in the carbine than it will ever be worth. Receiver costs run $375-$400 and that’s just the material cost. Finding someone to heat treat is going to be another costly proposition and who knows if they will do it right. The steel is even different and we don’t know exactly what parts are in the gun that might increase it’s value.

I have surely been guilty of pouring time and money into a commercial carbine trying to make a silk purse out of a sows ear. I understand the sentimental value, but I suggest you retire it and hang it on the wall.

You can place a WTB here on the forum, hit the gun shows and pawn shops for a replacement. Be ready to pay $1,000 and up for a good USGI shooter.

Posted By: ironbill
Date Posted: Apr 30 2021 at 2:41pm

Thank you

I was hoping to hear something different from some Carbine experts. Oh well. Off to find a replacement.

Bill I.

Posted By: floydthecat
Date Posted: Apr 30 2021 at 5:50pm

I wish there was better news I could give you, but it is what it is. Even replacing the receiver would be a crap-shoot. There is one other possibility. Barreled actions do turn up for sale. Won’t know for sure until you open it up, but there is a good possibility that most (if not all) the parts on your carbine will simply swap-over into another barreled action. If you could come up with a USGI barreled action in the $500-$600 range it might be your best economical bet, if you have USGI or compatible components in the subject carbine.