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

SOLD FOR: $1325

LSB#: 210917MW27

Make: IBM. The International Business Machines Corporation, USA

Model: M1 Carbine.

Serial Number: 3827751

Year of Manufacture: October to December, 1943 (page 29 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 under the barrel is partially struck. It appears to read “SPR  SPTP  DN  DN  DA”. The top front of the receiver is marked “U.S. CARBINE / CAL. 30 M1” and the top rear is marked “I.B.M. CORP. / 3827751”. The barrel is marked “I.B.M. CORP.” 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 “cc / M” which is a post WWII rebuild mark (pages 100-101 & 185). The smooth push button safety is marked “SW” which is a Winchester mark (page 95). The inside of the operating slide is marked “AOB” which is an IBM mark (page 65). The bolt is marked “SB” on the left lug which is an IBM mark (page 36). The front sight is marked “N” which is consistent with IBM and others (page 57). The Type I rear sight is marked “S” on the left and “IN B” on the right which is an IBM mark (pages 29). The Type IA barrel band is unmarked which is consistent with IBM and others (page 59). The sling well is marked “JL-B” which is an IBM mark (page 108-109). The inside of the handguard is marked “LW-B” which is an IBM mark (page 138). The face of the grip is marked with a “circled P” proof. The bottom of the grip is painted with a faded “195”.

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 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 dings on the edge as well as thinning. The top of the grip shows a small hairline surface crack. The wood shows numerous scrapes, scratches and compression marks. Several have damaged or removed small portions of the surface wood. The replacement handguard is a lighter color. The left side of the butt shows paint residue. The LOP measures 13 ¼ inches from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The stock rates in about Good to Very Good overall condition.

Type of Finish: Parkerized

Finish Originality: Refinished

Bore Condition: The muzzle & grooves are grey and the rifling is deep. There is erosion in the grooves at the muzzle. The bore shows an M.E. of 3.

Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 90% of its metal finish as refinished. The barrel and receiver have been coated with cold blue. The exposed portion of the barrel shows thinning and has a freckling of light surface erosion bleeding through the cold blue finish. The left side of the receiver shows scrapes & thinning under the wood. The metal shows several scrapes and thin scratches. The right side of the receiver shows thinning consistent with cycling. Most of the markings are deep. The barrel markings are well defined. Overall, this rifle rates in about Very Good 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.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: There is No magazine. The rifle comes with a green canvas sling. It shows light soiling on the canvas. Overall it is in about Fine condition.

Our Assessment: The International Business Machines Corporation (IBM) was one of several contractors who tooled up during WWII to produce M1 Carbines in support of the war effort. IBM only produced about 5.7% of the total number of WWII M1 Carbines. IBM’s low production numbers make IBM M1 Carbines quite desirable.
This IBM M1 Carbine was made back in 1943. After WWII it served for a U.S. friendly country and was eventually imported back into the U.S. for sales to the civilian market. The rifle has been refinished but the metal parts still have nice markings. This M1 Carbine uses mostly IBM parts including an “I.B.M. CORP.” marked barrel.