What rifle(s) (preferably single shot , but bolt action would be acceptable) would be useable for conversion to .30 Carbine with the least trouble? Need to be able to mount a scope. Who can you recommend to do the conversion? I know all the limitations of the .30 Carbine, but it is a fun cartrige to reload and shoot and I have about worn out my Marlin 62 and I don't like chasing brass when I shoot my Military .30 Carbine.

I would suggest a Contender barrel if it was me. That way you have your .30 Carbine and an assortment of other calibers to choose from.

Mike

The Contender route is certainly the surest and most economical. Outside of that, just about any action that was originally chambered for .22 Hornet would likely be adaptable. Another possibility would be a little Martini action, but I don't know how difficult one would be to make work with a rimless cartridge. You might rechamber-rebore an H & R or NEF single shot .22 Hornet break-open gun. If money's no object, I would think that Cooper could build you one on their neat little action.

But if chasing cartridge brass is all that's bothering you, just block the gas piston on your M1 Carbine and make it a straight-pull bolt action. A friend of mine had one like this for years (not intentionally but because of a modification when restocking that he never got around to correcting) and it worked like a charm. He was an avid reloader also, so he just never bothered to return the gun to auto functioning, finding the 15-shot straight-pull bolt more to his liking.

Guys, thanks a bunch. Based on your advice I looked into Thompson Center and have decided to go the Encore route. I have ordered an Encore frame. I also discovered that Foxridge Outfitters offers a 30 carbine Encore custom barrel so I don't have to go through the conversion process. I'll be ordering that soon. Hmmm, maybe a 45-70 barrel next.

Wish me luck.