My dad had one in Korea. Dad was small statured and liked the M1 Carbine better than the Garand. If he had any issues with it I don't remember him complaining about it in any way. A friend that is in the know on U.S. military arms say the biggest issue with Carbine reliability is having good magazines. He also says stick with the 15 round magazines. There are some more modern loads that I think should be quite capable of self defense/home defense/ranch rifle kinda chores. I don't think the M1 Carbine is as capable as a good AR style rifle but I surely wouldn't feel unarmed with an M1 of known reliability.

Every normal man must be tempted, at times, to spit on his hands, hoist the black flag, and begin slitting throats.