It would be great for that. The .30 carbine has mild recoil. The sights are the "GI" peep type, easy to use, and accurate and easily adjustable. Ammo is also reasonably cheap and readily available. I have no problem using the steel cased stuff as long as I don't mix brass with steel the same session and clean well after using.
Here's a handy link for more info on the Universal...
http://www.maxicon.com/guns/universal_m1/universal_m1_carbine.htm