Underwood M1 Carbine Universal Winding .30 3 Mags Semi Automatic Rifle C&R

SOLD FOR: $1625

LSB#: 210924BD02

Make: Underwood Corporation. The receiver was subcontracted by the Universal Winding Company.

Model: M1 Carbine

Serial Number: 2488473

Year of Manufacture: March to April, 1944 (page 31 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 top of the receiver is marked “U.S. CARBINE / CAL. .30 M1” on the front and “UNDERWOOD / 2488473 / W” on the rear. The “W” is a Universal Winding Company subcontractor mark (page 374 of Larry L. Ruth’s book, WAR BABY!). The top of the barrel is marked “W” and with a “PW in an oval” proof mark; these are Winchester marks (page 49 & 50 of Craig Riesch’s book, U.S. M1 Carbines Wartime Production 7th Edition). The right side of the barrel is marked with a “flaming bomb” above the gas piston. The right rear of the trigger group is marked “A”, “5”, and “W” which is a Winchester mark (page 78). The hammer is marked “W” which is a Winchester mark (page 88 & 89). The magazine release is marked “M” and “W” which is a Winchester mark  (page 100-101). The smooth push button safety is marked “ “EW” “ which is a Winchester mark (pages 95). The inside of the operating slide is marked “W” which is a Winchester mark (page 65); the bottom is marked “7160091”. The bolt is marked “W” on the right lug which is a Winchester mark (page 36). The front sight is unmarked which is consistent with Winchester and others (page 56). The Type III rear sight is marked “H in a shield” which is a Winchester mark (page 29). The Type III barrel band is marked “C” which is Winchester mark (page 59). The underside of the handguard is marked “W” which is a Winchester mark (page 138). The sling well is unmarked which is consistent with Winchester (page 108-109). The recoil plate is marked “W” which is a Winchester nark (page 135). The right side of the buttstock is marked with a faded “crossed cannons” cartouche. The rear of the 3 magazines are marked “IW in a circle”, “SW”, and “BW” which are all Winchester marks (page 142 -143). The magazine pouch is marked “U.S.” and “50 cents” on the front as well as “AVERY 1943” on the rear. The interior of the sling is marked “MRT 5/57”.

Barrel Length: Approximately 18 Inches

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a bladed post set between 2 protective wings. The rear sight is an adjustable Type III aperture assembly.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The two piece hardwood stock has a pistol grip, Type III barrel band with sling loop & bayonet lug, sling well, sling pass through, and metal buttplate. The refinihsed butplate shows scrapes. The wood shows several scrapes and scratches. Many have damaged small areas of the surface wood. These marks have been oiled over. The LOP measures 13 ¼ inches from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The stock rates in about Very Good Plus overall condition.

Type of Finish: Parkerized

Finish Originality: Original to Rebuild

Bore Condition: The bore is bright; semi bright at the muzzle. The rifling is sharp. There is fouling near the muzzle. There is erosion at the muzzle. The fouling should clean up some. The bore shows an M.E. of 1.

Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 94% of its metal finish. The operating slide has surface erosion showing through the new finish. The receiver has scratches and pin prick surface erosion showing through the new finish. The bottom of the barrel shows a patch of metal where the new finish did not take (an unfinished area). The edges of the trigger group show some thinning under the wood. The metal shows scuffs, small scrapes, and a few small scratches. The right side of the receiver and bolt show some thinning consistent with cycling. The markings are deep. Overall, this rifle rates in about Very Good Plus condition.

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.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: The rifle comes with a canvas sling, dual mag pouch, and 3 fifteen round magazines. The sling shows somes discoloration on the canvas as well as oxidation &  surface erosion on the metal. Overall it is in about Very Good condition. The mag pouch is marked “50 cents” in ink. It is in about Very Good Plus condition. The 3 magazines show scrapes and thin scratches. One is in Very Good Plus to Fine condition. The second magazine shows a small patch of surface erosion along the bottom edge. It is in Very Good Plus condition. The third magazine shows surface erosion on most of the magazine. It is in about Good to Very Good condition.
The 15 round magazines are not available to residents of California or any other state with magazine capacity restrictions.

Our Assessment: This Underwood M1 Carbine was made back in 1944. The receiver was subcontracted by the Universal Winding Company and is marked with a scarce “W” stamping below the serial number. The rifle uses all Winchester parts. The rifle comes with a sling, dual mag pouch, and three  Winchester 15 round magazines. Good luck.