Rock-Ola M1 Carbine Rockola .30 Matching Semi Automatic Rifle MFD 1944 C&R

SOLD FOR: $2051.02

LSB#: 210925MZ63

Make: Rock-Ola Manufacturing Corporation

Model: M1 Carbine

Serial Number: 4545038

Year of Manufacture: January to March, 1944 (page 30 of Scott Duff’s book, The M1 Carbine Owner’s Guide). No Barrel Date

Caliber: .30 Carbine

Action Type: Semi Auto, Detachable Magazine

Markings: There is no import mark. The top of the receiver is marked “U.S. CARBINE / CAL. .30 M1.” on the front and “ROCK-OLA / 4545038” on the rear. The barrel is marked “ROCK-OLA” and “P”. The gas piston housing is marked “ROCK-OLA” on the right. The trigger group is marked “ROCK-OLA” on the right rear which is a Rock-Ola mark (page 78 of Craig Riesch’s book, U.S. M1 Carbines Wartime Production 7th Edition). The hammer is marked “B/R in a circle” which is a Rock-Ola mark (page 89). The magazine release is marked “FR” which is a Rock-Ola mark (page 100-101). The smooth push button safety is unmarked which was used by Rock-Ola and others (page 95). The bottom of the operating slide is marked “ROCK-OLA” which is a Rock-Ola mark (page 65). The bolt is marked “ROCK-OLA” on the left lug which is a Rock-Ola mark (page 36). The front sight is marked “RP” which is a Rock-Ola mark (page 56). The Type I rear sight is marked “S” on the left and “BR” on the right which are Rock-Ola marks (page 29). The Type I barrel band is unmarked which is consistent with Rock-Ola and others (pages 59). The inside of the handguard is marked “RMC” which was used by Rock-Ola, Underwood, and Quality Hardware (page 138). The sling well is marked “RMC” which is a Rock-Ola mark (page 108-109). The right side of the stock is marked with a faded “crossed cannons” cartouche next to a faded Rock-Ola cartouche “RMC in a rectangle” (see page 124 for photo). The recoil plate is marked “ROCK-OLA” which is a Rock-Ola mark (page 135). The rear of the magazine is marked “R-O” which is a Rock-Ola mark (page 142 -143). The bottom of the grip is marked “RA-P” which is a proof from the Raritan Arsenal (page 183). The bottom of the forearm is marked in paint with a faded “R”.

Barrel Length: Approximately 18 Inches

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

Stock Configuration & Condition: The two piece hardwood stock has a pistol grip, Type I barrel band with sling loop, sling well, sling pass through and a metal buttplate. The buttplate had been painted black. It shows scrapes, light thinning, and discoloration. The left side of the stock is missing an area of wood below the rear of the handguard. The wood shows several scrapes, scratches, and compression marks. Many have damaged small portions 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 overall condition as refurbished.

Type of Finish: Parkerized

Finish Originality: Refinished

Bore Condition: The area near the muzzle is grey. The remaining grooves are light grey. The rifling is sharp. There is fouling and intermittent erosion at the muzzle and in the grooves. The fouling should clean up some. The bore shows an M.E. of 3.1.

Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 97% of its metal finish as refinished. The bolt and the left side of the receiver each show discoloration and have surface erosion showing through the new finish. The front sight shows scratches and discoloration. The trigger guard shows some discoloration from oxidation on the edge. The right side of the receiver shows some light thinning consistent with cycling. The metal remaining metal shows scuffs & light handling marks. The screw heads show use. The markings on the metal are deep. The markings on the wood are faded. Overall, this rifle rates in about Very Good Plus condition as refinished.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We have not fired this rifle. As with all previously owned firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: The rifle comes with a 15 round magazine. It shows scrapes and a few small spots of oxidation. It is in about Very Good Plus condition.
The 15 round magazine is not available to residents of California or any other state with magazine capacity restrictions.

Our Assessment: This Rock-Ola M1 Carbine was made back in 1944. It uses all Rock-Ola parts so there are lots of Rock-Ola markings on both metal & wood. Rock-Ola produced a small percentage of the total number of WWII M1 Carbines, making Rock-Ola M1 Carbines quite collectible. Having an M1 Carbine that uses all Rock-Ola parts is Rare. This is an ideal M1 Carbine for the collector.