WWII Winchester M1 Carbine M-1 US U.S. .30 Semi Automatic Rifle 1944 C&R

SOLD FOR: $1525

LSB#: 220419JR030

Make: Winchester

Model: M1 Carbine

Serial Number: 5563486

Year of Manufacture: January to March, 1944 (page 32 of Scott Duff’s book, The M1 Carbine Owner’s Guide).
No Barrel Date

Caliber: .30 Carbine

Action Type: Semi Auto, Detachable Magazine. There is No magazine.

Markings: The import mark on the barrel reads “DAVIDSON’S GREENSBORO N.C.”. The top front of the receiver is marked “U.S. CARBINE / CAL. .30 M1” and the top rear is marked “Winchester / Trade Mark / 5563486”. The top of the barrel is marked “W” and with a faded Winchester “PW in an oval” proof mark under the barrel band. This is a correctly marked Winchester barrel (page 49 of Craig Riesch’s book, U.S. M1 Carbines Wartime Production 7th Edition). The right side of the barrel is marked with a partial “flaming bomb” just above the gas piston. The trigger group is marked “INLAND” which is an Inland mark (page 78). The hammer is marked “WA” which is A WWII rebuild mark (pages 88-90 & 185). The magazine release is marked “M” and “HI” which is an Inland mark (page 100). The rotary safety is marked “circled S” which is a post WWII rebuild mark (pages 95 & 185). The bottom of the operating slide is marked “PI” which is an Inland mark (page 65). The bolt is marked “EM-Q” on the right lug which is a Quality Hardware mark (page 36). The front sight is missing (page 56). The Type II style rear sight is a commercial sight (page 29). The Type III barrel band is marked “J.M.Q.” and “EM-Q” which are Quality Hardware marks (page 59). The unmarked handguard is a commercial part (page 138). The sling well is marked “W” which is a Winchester mark (page 108-109). The right side of the butt is marked a faded “W.R.A. / G.H.D.” and with a “crossed cannons” cartouche. These are Winchester marks (page 123). There is No magazine (page 142 -143).

Barrel Length: Approximately 18 Inches

Sights / Optics: The front sight is missing. The rear sight is a commercially made Type II style adjustable aperture.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is missing its  buttplate, recoil plate assembly (plate, screw & nut) and barrel band retaining spring. The action is held in the stock by the barrel band.
The wood stock has a pistol grip, Type III barrel band with sling loop & bayonet lug, sling well and sling pass through. The wood shows numerous scrapes, scratches and compression marks. The wood has been oiled. The LOP measures 13 1/4 inches from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The stock rates in about Good overall condition.

Type of Finish: Parkerized

Finish Originality: Refinished

Bore Condition: The muzzle and grooves are gray. The rifling is deep. There is fouling and erosion at the muzzle and in the grooves. The fouling should clean up a bit. The bore shows an M.E. of .07.

Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 90% of its metal finish as refinished. The metal shows scrapes, scratches, and discoloration from oxidation. The trigger guard shows some surface erosion and has been touched up with a spot of paint. The receiver and bolt show operational wear. Most of the markings are deep. Overall, this rifle rates in about Good condition. It would rate higher if it were a complete rifle.

Mechanics:  The front sight is missing. The stock is missing its buttplate, recoil plate assembly and barrel band retaining spring. The action is held in the stock by the barrel band.
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.

Our Assessment: The M1 Carbine was developed and produced after WWII started. Over 6 million were made by a number of U.S. companies to assist with the all out war effort. The M1 Carbine was widely issued to U.S. Military Forces which numbered over 16 million during WWII. The M1 Carbine contributed greatly to U.S. efforts during WWII.
Winchester is responsible for the development of both the M1 Carbine and the .30 Carbine cartridge. Despite having a long firearms history and being responsible for M1 Carbine development, Winchester did not produce the majority of M1 Carbines during WWII. Winchester was responsible for about 13.5% of the total number of WWII M1 Carbines.

This Winchester M1 Carbine was made back in 1944. 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. It is marked accordingly on the barrel. It has been rebuilt using a mix of USGI parts but still retains its original Winchester marked barrel. The rifle is missing its front sight, buttplate, recoil plate assembly and barrel band retaining spring. These small parts are available online. Good luck.

WWII Winchester M1 Carbine M-1 US U.S. .30 Semi Automatic Rifle 1944 C&R
WWII Winchester M1 Carbine M-1 US U.S. .30 Semi Automatic Rifle 1944 C&R