WWII IBM M1 Carbine I.B.M. US U.S. .30 Semi Automatic Rifle 1944 C&R

Sold For: $1,324.00

LSB#: 220613RS001

Make: IBM. The International Business Machines Corporation, USA

Model: M1 Carbine

Serial Number: 3946760

Year of Manufacture: January to March, 1944 (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 on the barrel reads “SKY/ARLINGTON VA”. The top front of the receiver is marked “U.S. CARBINE / CAL. 30 M1” and the top rear is marked “I.B.M. CORP. / 3946760”. The barrel is marked “I.B.M. CORP.” and “P” under the barrel band. The left rear of the trigger group is marked “N / 16” which is a National Postal Meter (NPM) mark (page 78 of Craig Riesch’s book, U.S. M1 Carbines Wartime Production 7th Edition). The hammer is marked “NI” which is an Inland mark (page 90). The Type IV magazine release is marked “M” which is a post WWII rebuild mark (pages 98 & 100). The rotary safety is marked “circled S” which is a post WWII rebuild mark (pages 97 & 184). The inside of the operating slide is marked “N” and “18” which are NPM marks (page 65). The bolt is marked “AI” on the left lug which is an Inland mark (page 36). The front sight is marked “RIA” which is a post WWII replacement mark (page 57). The rear sight is marked “H in a shield” which was used by IBM and others (pages 29). The Type III barrel band is marked “AI” which is an Inland mark (page 59). The sling well is marked “LW” which is an Underwood mark (page 108-109). The inside of the handguard is unmarked which is consistent with  a post WWII rebuild (page 138). The left side ofthe buttsock is marked with an Arsenal Rebuild stamp from the Rock Island Arsenal “RIA / EB in a box”

Barrel Length: Approximately 18 Inches

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a post set between two protective wings. The rear sight is an adjustable Type II aperture assembly.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The hardwood stock has a pistol grip, Type III barrel band with sling loop & bayonet lug, sling well, sling pass through, and a metal buttplate. The right side of the forearm shows nailheads and a repaired crack. The left side of the butt shows a thin surface crack at the buttplate. The buttplate shows scratches, dents and surface erosion. The wood shows numerous small scrapes, scratches and compression marks. Several have damaged small portions of the surface wood. 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 to Very Good overall condition as refurbished.

Type of Finish: Parkerized

Finish Originality: Original to Rebuild

Bore Condition: The lands are bright, the grooves are light gray, and the rifling is deep. There is fouling and erosion in the grooves. The bore shows an M.E. of 1.5.

Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 90% of its metal finish. The metal shows scrapes, small scratches and areas of discoloration from oxidation. The discoloration is more prominent on the front of the barrel. The sides of the trigger group show scrapes and areas of thinning. The barrel shows some discoloration from oxidation and a spot of light surface erosion under the barrel band & handguard. The receiver and bolt shows operational wear. Most of the markings are deep. Overall, this rifle rates in about Very Good 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: The rifle comes with an aftermarket 10 round magazine. It appears to function correctly. The rifle also comes with a 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 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 1944. After WWII it served in a U.S. friendly country. It 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 appears to have retained its original IBM marked barrel. It should be ringing steel out at the range for a long time to come. Good luck.

WWII IBM M1 Carbine I.B.M. US U.S. .30 Semi Automatic Rifle 1944 C&R
WWII IBM M1 Carbine I.B.M. US U.S. .30 Semi Automatic Rifle 1944 C&R