What you NEED is the Blackhawk AND the M-1.
I've owned several M-1 Carbines, and while they may lack a huge amount of stopping power with military ball ammo, they are still awfully sweet-handling and reliable. I would not hesitate to make one my "assault rifle" if I were on a limited budget.
I've got a .30 Blackhawk. I don't know much about it, as I've owned it a month now. I would characterize the muzzle blast as "not that bad". Mine is an old 3-screw model. I think I have $365 or $385 for it, on a trade.
