WWII Inland M1 M-1 Carbine U.S. US .30 Semi-Automatic Rifle, MFD 1943 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1528
LSB#: 220419JR051
Make: Inland Division of General Motors
Model: M1 Carbine
Serial Number: 398904
Year of Manufacture: April – June, 1943 (page 28 of Scott Duff’s book The M1 Carbine Owner’s Guide); Barrel Date 4 – 43
Caliber: .30 Carbine
Action Type: Semi Auto, Fed by Detachable Magazine (no magazine included)
Markings: There is no visible import mark. The top of the receiver is marked “U.S. CARBINE / CAL. .30 M1” on the front and “INLAND DIV. / 398904” on the rear. The top of the barrel is marked “INLAND MFG. DIV. / GENERAL MOTORS / 4 – 43” and “P”. The right rear of the trigger group is marked with a faint “INLAND” stamping which is an Inland mark (page 78 of Craig Riesch’s book, U.S. M1 Carbines Wartime Production 7th Edition). The hammer is marked “I-I” which is an Inland mark (page 89). The plain push button magazine was used by Inland & others (pages 95). The magazine release is marked “HI” which is an Inland mark (pages 100). The inside of the operating slide is marked “PI in a circle” which is an Inland mark (page 65). The bolt is marked with a faded “AI” on the left lug which is an Inland mark (page 36). The front sight is unmarked which is consistent for Inland and others (page 56). The Type I rear sight is marked with a faded “S” on the left. All Type I sights are marked this way (page 27). The Type II barrel band is unmarked which is consistent with Inland & others (page 58- 59). The sling well is marked with a “flaming bomb” and “HI” which are Inland marks (page 108-109). The right side of the stock is stamped with a small “50” just ahead of the grip. The base of the grip is stamped with a small “1”. The inside center of the handguard is marked “1 3” and “17-4”. The manufacturer marking appears to have been lost; possibly to refinishing (page 138).
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 hardwood stock has a pistol grip, metal barrel band with sling loop, sling well, sling pass through and a metal buttplate. The wood shows a few light handling marks. The LOP measures 13 1/4 inches from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The stock rates in about Excellent overall condition as repaired.
Type of Finish: Parkerized
Finish Originality: Refinished
Bore Condition: The bore is mostly bright; semi bright at the muzzle. The rifling is crisp. There is a small amount of light erosion at the muzzle. The bore shows an M.E. of 2.9.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 97% of its metal finish as refinished. Some small scratches & spots of oxidation show through the finish. The right side of the receiver shows some thinning consistent with cycling. The finish shows various light handling marks. The screw heads are intact. The markings are deep. Overall, this rifle rates in about Fine Plus to Excellent 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: The rifle comes with a canvas sling. It shows light discoloration & light fraying on the canvas as well as light scrapes on the metal. It is in about Fine condition. Please note, no magazine is included with this rifle.
Our Assessment: This Inland Division M1 Carbine was made in 1943. It has since been refinished Nicely keeping most the markings on the metal intact. This M1 uses a 1943 dated Inland barrel and lots of Inland parts. The rifle looks great and should be fun to shoot. This is a Nice M1 for your collection. Good luck.