IBM M1 Carbine Matching I.B.M. Corp .30 Semi Auto Rifle MFD 1943 C&R

SOLD FOR: $1726

LSB#: 210925MZ62

Make: IBM. The International Business Machines Corporation, USA

Model: M1 Carbine. This rifle is 1 part sort of being a “Matching” rifle.
The magazine was also made by a different manufacturer.

Serial Number: 3725856

Year of Manufacture: October to December, 1943 (page 29 of Scott Duff’s book The M1 Carbine Owner’s Guide). Barrel Date: October, 1943

Caliber: .30 Carbine

Action Type: Semi Auto, Detachable Magazine

Markings: There is no import mark. The top front of the receiver is marked “U.S. CARBINE / CAL. 30 M1” and the top rear is marked “I.B.M. CORP. / 3725856”. The barrel is marked “I.B.M. CORP. / 10 – 43 / flaming bomb” and “P”. The left rear of the trigger group is marked “BE-B” which is an IBM mark  also used by Standard Products (page 78 of Craig Riesch’s book, U.S. M1 Carbines Wartime Production 7th Edition). The hammer is marked “AMB” which is an IBM mark (page 90). The magazine release is marked “EPB” which is an IBM mark (pages 100-101). The smooth push button safety is unmarked which is consistent with other manufacturers (page 95). The inside of the operating slide is marked “AOB” which is an IBM mark (page 65). The bolt is marked “AOB” on the right lug which is an IBM mark (page 36). The front sight is marked “SI B” which is an IBM mark (page 57). The Type I rear sight is marked “S” on the left and “FO B” on the right which is an IBM mark (pages 29). The Type IA barrel band is marked “KV-B” on the loop which is an IBM mark (page 59). The sling well is marked “JL-B” which is an IBM mark (page 108-109). The right side of the butt is marked with a “crossed cannons” cartouche. The inside of the handguard is marked “JL-B” which is an IBM mark (page 138). The rear of the magazine is marked “KI” which is an Inland mark (page 142 -143). The interior of the sling is marked “MRT / FEB 1953”.  

Barrel Length: Approximately 18 Inches

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a post set between two protective wings. The rear sight is a Type I flip up, dual aperture assembly.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The grip has been shaped and the stock has been refinished. The hardwood stock has a pistol grip, Type IA barrel band with sling loop, sling well, sling pass through, and a metal buttplate. The buttplate shows scrapes, small scratches, and discoloration from oxidation. The wood shows numerous small scrapes, scratches and compression marks. Some have damaged small portions of the surface wood. Most of these marks have been finished 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 overall condition as refinished.

Type of Finish: Parkerized

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is mostly bright. The riffling is deep. The grooves near the muzzle are grey. There is fouling and intermittent erosion in the grooves near the muzzle. The bore shows an M.E. of 1.8.

Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 85% of its metal finish. The metal shows several scuffs and small scrapes. The barrel shows light surface erosion and discoloration from oxidation. The trigger guard shows scratches and discoloration. The right side of the receiver shows thinning consistent with cycling. The recoil plate screw shows heavy use. Most of the markings are well defined. The markings at the front of the barrel are light. Overall, this rifle rates in about Good to Very Good 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 green canvas sling. It shows oxidation and light scrapes on the metal as well as light soiling on the canvas. Overall it is in about Very Good Plus condition. The rifle comes with a 15 round magazine. It shows light scrapes as well as a patch of surface erosion along the bottom. It is in about Very Good condition.
The 15 round magazine is not available to residents of California or any other state with magazine capacity restrictions.

Our Assessment: This M1 Carbine was made back in 1943 by the International Business Machines Corporation (IBM). It is 1 part short of being a “Matching” rifle. The unmarked safety is the only non-IBM part on the rifle. The magazine was made by a different manufacturer but can easily be swapped out with an IBM mag. This IBM M1 Carbine has some finish issues on the metal but should clean up a bit. It will add to your WWII collection.