Winchester M1 Carbine .30 Semi Automatic Rifle MFD 1943 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1175
LSB#: 210731AW04
Make: Winchester
Model: M1 Carbine
Serial Number: 1212159.
Year of Manufacture: September, 1943 (page 32 of Scott Duff’s book, The M1 Carbine Owner’s Guide). No Barrel Date
Caliber: .30 Carbine
Action Type: Semi Auto, Detachable Magazine
Markings: The import mark on the barrel reads “EXCEL/GARDNER, MA.”. The top front of the receiver is marked “U.S. CARBINE / CAL. .30 M1” and the top rear is marked “Winchester / Trade Mark / 1212159”. The top of the barrel is marked “W” next to the barrel band and with a Winchester “PW in an oval” proof mark under the barrel band. This is a correctly marked Winchester barrel (page 49 of Craig Riesch’s book, U.S. M1 Carbines Wartime Production 7th Edition). The right side of the barrel is marked with a partial “flaming bomb” just above the gas piston. The trigger group has lost its marking to refinishing (page 78). The hammer is marked “WU” which is an Underwood mark (pages 88-90). The magazine release is marked “M” and “HI” which is an Inland mark (page 100). The rotary safety is marked “S in a circle” which is a post WWII rebuild mark (pages 95 & 185). The bottom of the operating slide is marked “SA” which is a post WWII rebuild mark (page 65 & 184). The bolt is marked “EM-Q” on the right lug which is a Quality Hardware mark (page 36). The front sight is marked “EU” which was used by Underwood and IBM (page 56). The rear sight is missing but the rear sight base is still in place. The Type III barrel band is marked “AMCO” which is a post WWII rebuild mark (page 59 & 184). The stock is unmarked. The markings may have been lost to refinishing.
Barrel Length: Approximately 18 Inches
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a post set between two protective wings. The rear sight has been removed. The rear sight base is still in place.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The wood stock has a pistol grip, Type III barrel band with sling loop & bayonet lug, sling well, sling pass through, and a metal buttplate. The refinsihed buttplate has surface erosion showing through the new finish. It also shows discoloration from oxidation. The wood shows scrapes from the sling metal rubbing against it. The LOP measures 13 ¼ inches from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The stock rates in about Fine overall condition as refinished.
Type of Finish: Parkerized
Finish Originality: Refinished
Bore Condition: The lands are bright, the grooves are semi bright, and the rifling is deep. The grooves near the muzzle are light grey. There is fouling and intermittent erosion in the grooves near the muzzle. The fouling should clean up a bit. The bore shows an M.E. of 2.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 97% of its metal finish as refinished. The receiver has surface erosion and some pitting showing through the new finish. The metal shows scuffs & light scrapes. The right side of the receiver shows light thinning consistent with cycling. Most of the markings are well defined; some have been lost to refinishing. Overall, this rifle rates in about Very Good Plus condition as refinished.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this rifle. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
The rear sight is missing.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: There is No magazine. The rifle comes with a green canvas sling that is in about Fine condition.
Our Assessment: This Winchester M1 Carbine was made back in 1943. After WWII it served a U.S. friendly country and was eventually imported back into the U.S. for sales to the civilian market. At some point it was rebuilt but it still retains its original Winchester barrel. The rifle has been refinished so it looks great for its age. It is missing its rear sight, but those are not hard to find on-line.