National Postal Meter M1 Carbine Barreled Action 30 Semi Auto Rifle MODERN

SOLD FOR: $1175

LSB#: 210918MW88

Make: National Postal Meter (NPM)

Model: M1 Carbine

Serial Number: 4186526

Year of Manufacture: ATF MODERN. January to March, 1944 (page 29 of Scott Duff’s book The M1 Carbine Owner’s Guide). No Barrel Date
https://www.atf.gov/firearms/qa/what-firearms-are-considered-be-curio-and-relic-firearms
“ATF has recognized only complete, assembled firearms as curios or relics…Frames or receivers of curios or relics are not generally recognized as curios or relics.”

Caliber: .30 Carbine

Action Type: Semi Auto, Detachable Magazine

Markings: Most of the import mark along the bottom of the barrel appears to have been coated with a spray on filler. It now reads “DAVID”. The top of the receiver is marked “U.S. CARBINE / CAL. 30 M1” on the front and “NATIONAL / POSTAL METER / 4186526” on the rear. The bottom of the receiver is stamped “21”. The barrel is marked “MARLIN” and “P”. Marlin provided undated barrels to NPM (page 51 of Craig Riesch’s book, U.S. M1 Carbines Wartime Production). 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 “INLAND” which is an Inland mark (page 78 of Craig Riesch’s book, U.S. M1 Carbines Wartime Production). The hammer is marked “LT-Q” which is a Quality Hardware mark (page 89-90). The Type IV magazine release is marked “M” which is a USGI replacement part (page 100-101). The rotary safety is marked “circled S” which is a post WWII replacement mark (page 95). The inside of the operating slide is marked “PI” which is an Inland mark (page 65 & 66) as well as “60” on the bottom. The right lug of the bolt is marked “W” which is a Winchester mark (page 36). The front sight is marked “RIA” which is a post WWII rebuild mark (page 56). The Type II rear sight is marked “H in a shield” which was used by other manufacturers (page 29). The Type III barrel band is marked “SI” which is an Inland mark (page 59 & 60).

Barrel Length: Approximately 18 Inches

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

Stock Configuration & Condition: None

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 some light intermittent erosion at the muzzle. The bore shows an M.E. of 0.7.

Overall Condition: This barreled action retains about 87% of its metal finish. The bottom of the barrel shows discoloration where the import mark has been covered with what appears to be a spray on filler. The metal shows scrapes, small scratches, thinning on the leading edges of the metal, and areas of discoloration. The right side of the receiver shows light surface erosion. The right side of the receiver and bolt shows thinning consistent with cycling. The markings are deep. Overall, this barreled action rates in about Very Good condition.

Mechanics: The trigger housing pin is missing. A roll pin is being used to hold the trigger group to the receiver. 
The action functions correctly. We did not fire this barreled action. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: There is No magazine. See photos to visually confirm what is included in the auction.

Our Assessment: This barreled action started life back in 1944 as National Postal Meter M1 Carbine. After WWII it served in a U.S. friendly country and was eventually imported back into the U.S. for sales to the civilian market. Most of the import mark has been covered. This barreled action needs a trigger housing pin and a stock to be a complete M1 Carbine. It still has a strong bore and should be a lot of fun to shoot after you add a few parts. Good luck.