Winchester T3 Carbine Scoped M1 Carbine .30 Semi Automatic Rifle 1945 C&R

SOLD FOR: $8136.99

LSB#: 211006MW12

Make: Winchester

Model: T3 Carbine. Sniper Variation of the M1 Carbine

Serial Number: C2396

Year of Manufacture: August, 1945 (www.uscarbinecal30.com/modelT3.html)
Barrel Date: February, 1944

Caliber: .30 Carbine

Action Type: Semi Auto, Detachable Magazine

Markings: There is no import mark. The right rear of the receiver is marked “ U.S. CARBINE / CAL..30 T-3. The top rear of the receiver is marked “TRADE MARK / WINCHESTER / C2396”. The top of the barrel is marked “UNDERWOOD / 2 – 44 / flaming bomb” and “P”.  The right rear of the trigger group is marked “W” which is a Winchester mark (page 78  of Craig Riesch’s book, U.S. M1 Carbines Wartime Production 7th Edition). The hammer is marked “W” which is a Winchester mark (page 89-90). The magazine release is marked “W” which is a Winchester mark (page 100-101). The smooth push button safety is unmarked which is consistent with Winchester and others (pages 95). The inside of the operating slide is marked “PI” which is an Inland mark (page 65). The right bolt lug is marked “W” which is a Winchester mark (page 36). The Type IA barrel band is marked “UI” which is an Inland mark (page 59). The inside of the handguard is unmarked which is consistent with Winchester (page 138). The sling well is unmarked which is consistent with Winchester (page 108 – 109). The top of the recoil plate is marked “W” which is a Winchester mark (page 135). The right side of the butt has tape on it marked “WINCHESTER / T-3”.
The scope plate is marked “MODEL 330 / PATS PEND. / W.R. WEAVER CO. / EL PASO . TEX U.S.A.”.

Barrel Length: Approximately 18 Inches

Sights / Optics: There are no iron sights. The top of the receiver was integral raised scope bases. They hold the fixed 2.5 power Weaver Model 330 scope. The scope uses a crosshairs reticle. The view is mostly clear. The top edge shows small black flecks. The lower left shows a small dim mark which may be a scuff in the lens. The scope assembly metal shows scrapes, light scratches, and discoloration. The screw heads show use. The scope assembly is in about Very Good condition.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock has a pistol grip, Type IA barrel band with sling loop, sling well, sling pass through, and a metal buttplate. The buttplate shows light scrapes and discoloration. The wood shows light scrapes and small light compression marks. The LOP measures 13 ¼ inches from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The stock rates in about Fine overall condition.

Type of Finish: Parkerized

Finish Originality: Original to Rebuild

Bore Condition: The lands are bright, the grooves are semi bright, and the rifling is sharp. There is fouling and oxidation in the grooves near the muzzle. The fouling should clean us some.The bore shows an M.E. of 0.3.

Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 90% of its metal finish. The metal shows scuffs, light scrapes, small scratches, and discoloration from both oil residue and oxidation. The trigger guard shows a  scratch. 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: There is No magazine.
The rifle has a scope assembly installed; see above. The rifle comes with a green canvas sling that is in about Fine condition. The rifle comes in a new production canvas soft case that is marked “US” on the exterior. It is lined with faux sheepskin. It shows soiling and light discoloration on the canvas. The zipper tab has broken off. Overall it is in about Very Good condition.

Our Assessment: This is a RARE Winchester T3 Carbine. Inland produced a different variation of the T3 Carbine that used a one piece scope base screwed to the top of the receiver. Winchester improved upon the Inland design and produced a T3 Carbine with integral scope bases. Winchester only produced 1,108 T3 Carbines before their contract was canceled.
T3 Carbines were initially developed with the 2.5 power Model M73B1 sniper’s scope in mind. The commercial version of this scope was the Weaver Model 330. The M73B1 scope had been in use with the Springfield 1903 rifles and the 1903A4 sniper rifle. Eventually infrared sniper scopes were mounted to T3 Carbines. This T3 Carbine uses a Weaver Model 330 scope. This rare M1 Carbine variant looks good and has a strong bright bore. Best of all it has rare “T-3” markings on the receiver. This Winchester T3 Carbine is an ideal M1 Carbine to add to an M1 Carbine collection. Good luck.

For more T3 Carbine info see pages 232 to 235 of Larry L. Ruth’s book, WAR BABY! Or you can visit www.uscarbinecal30.com/modelT3.html.