Thanks for the info, Jeff & Jeremy. Always good to know all the alternatives, especially since unable to get hands on before purchasing. I do like the deeper forend on the XTL. Thanks for the detailed pics and clarifications, Jeremy.
During the 8 years spent in Army & NG, I was first armed with the Garand and later the carbine. Always said if the shooting started, I'd dump the carbine in favor of an M1 (for it's superior range/accuracy), but you're right, the carbine is a really fun plinker. Swapped for the paratrooper (original GI) but didn't like the play in stock hinge so swapped it for a standard carbine, which I still have. Unfortunately, can't see iron sights any longer so put a no-drill mount on it w/a red dot so I can still shoot it.
Thanks again, guys for all the info.
Regards,
hm