WWII Inland M1 Carbine U.S. US .30 Semi Automatic Rifle 1943 C&R
Sold For: $1,300.00
LSB#: 220627SH008
Make: Inland Division of General Motors
Model: M1 Carbine
Serial Number: 2956060
Year of Manufacture: October to December, 1943 (page 28 of Scott Duff’s book The M1 Carbine Owner’s Guide).
Barrel Date: October, 1943
Caliber: .30 Carbine
Action Type: Semi Auto, Detachable Magazine. There is NO magazine.
Markings: The import mark on the barrel reads “BLUE SKY/ARLINGTON VA”. The top of the receiver is marked “U.S. CARBINE / CAL. 30 M1” on the front and “INLAND DIV. / 2956060” on the rear. The top of the barrel is marked “INLAND MFD. DIV. / GENERAL MOTORS / 10 – 43” and “P” under the barrel band. 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 7th Edition). The hammer is marked “H” which is an Underwood mark (page 89). The magazine release is marked “WA / M” which is a post WWII rebuild mark (pages 100-101). The rotary safety is marked “J.A.O.” which is a post WWII rebuild mark (page 95). The bottom of the operating slide is marked “SG” which is a Saginaw Gear mark (page 65). The bolt is marked “OI” on the left lug which is an Inland mark (page 36). The front sight is “RIA” which is a post WWII rebuild mark (page 56). The Type III rear sight is marked “I.R.CO. / 7160060” which is a post WWII rebuild mark (page 29). The Type III barrel band is marked “MMQ” and “EMQ” which are Quality Hardware marks (page 59). The interior of the handguard is unmarked which is consistent with a post WWII rebuild (page 138). The top left edge of the forearm is marked “SA” which is a post WWII rebuild mark (page 108-109). The bottom of the grip is painted “32”.
Barrel Length: Approximately 18 Inches
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a post set between two protective wings. The rear sight is a Type III adjustable aperture.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The wood stock has a pistol grip, Type III barrel band with sling loop & bayonet lug, sling well, sling pass through, and a metal buttplate. The refinished buttplate has scratches and small dents sowing through the new finish. It also shows scrapes & thinning. The wood shows several scrapes, scratches and compression marks. The most prominent marks are on the top of the handguard. The LOP measures 13 1/4 inches from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The stock rates in about Very Good overall condition.
Type of Finish: Parkerized
Finish Originality: Refinished
Bore Condition: The muzzle and grooves are light gray. The rifling is crisp. There is fouling and erosion at the muzzle and in the grooves. The fouling should clean up some. The bore shows an M.E. of 3.9.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 92% of its metal finish as refinished. The barrel shows areas of thinning under the barrel band. The bottom of the receiver shows areas of thinning. The operating slide has surface erosion and pitting showing through the new finish. The metal shows scuffs, scrapes and small scratches. The markings are deep. Overall, this rifle rates in about Very Good Plus 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 an unmarked green canvas sling.
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.
The Inland Manufacturing Division of General Motors was organized in 1922 for the manufacturing of steering wheels. During WWII Inland Division was one of many facilities that tooled up to manufacture M1 Carbines for the war effort. Inland produced the majority of WWII M1 Carbines, about 43%, and contributed greatly to the war effort. Inland M1 Carbines were used by millions of soldiers during WWII in numerous battles. If you see WWII footage that includes an M1 Carbine, it is most likely an Inland M1 Carbine.
This Inland Division M1 Carbine was made back in 1943. After WWII it served for a U.S. friendly country. It was eventually imported back into the U.S. for sales to the civilian market and is marked accordingly on the barrel. This M1 has been rebuilt using a mix of USGI parts but still retains its original “INLAND MFD. DIV. / GENERAL MOTORS” marked barrel. The rifle has been refinished but still has deep markings on the metal. This Inland M1 Carbine will add to your WWII collection and should be lots of fun at the range. Good luck.
