IBM M1 Carbine WWII Auto-Ordnance US U.S. .30 Semi Auto Rifle C&R
Sold For: $1,401.00
LSB#: 220621WB001
Make: IBM. The International Business Machines Corporation, USA. The receiver was subcontracted by Auto-Ordnance.
Model: M1 Carbine
Serial Number: 3865312
Year of Manufacture: January to March, 1944 (page 29 of Scott Duff’s book The M1 Carbine Owner’s Guide).
Barrel Date: December, 1943
Caliber: .30 Carbine
Action Type: Semi Auto, Detachable Magazine
Markings: There is no import mark. The top front of the receiver is marked “U.S. CARBINE / CAL. 30 M1” and the top rear is marked “I.B.M. CORP. / 3865312 / AO”. The “AO” is an Auto-Ordnance subcontractor mark (pages 20-21 of Craig Riesch’s book, U.S. M1 Carbines Wartime Production 7th Edition). The barrel is marked “I.B.M. CORP. / 12 43 / flaming bomb” and “P” under the barrel band. The right rear of the trigger group is marked “BE-B” which is an IBM mark (page 78). The hammer is marked “AMB” which is an IBM mark (page 90). The magazine release is unmarked. The marking may have been lost to refinishing (pages 98 & 100). The smooth push button safety is marked “EPB” which is an “IBM” mark (page 97). The inside of the operating slide is marked “AOB” which is an IBM mark (page 65). The bolt is marked “AOB” on the right lug which is an IBM mark (page 36). The top of the bolt is stamped with an “X” production mark. The front sight is marked “SI B” which is an IBM mark (page 57). The rear sight is marked “I.R.CO.” an IBM mark (page 29). The Type IA barrel band is marked “KVB” which is an IBM mark (page 59). The sling well is marked “OI” which is an Inland mark (page 108-109). The inside of the handguard is marked “S-HB” which is Standard Products mark (page 138). The rear of the magazine is marked “UQ” which is a Quality Hardware mark (page 142-143).
Barrel Length: Approximately 18 Inches
Sights / Optics: The front sight wings have been removed and the bladed post has been shaped. The rear sight is an adjustable Type III aperture assembly.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks grip has been shaped and a grip base has been added. The hardwood stock has a pistol grip, Type IA barrel band with sling loop, sling well, sling pass through, and a metal buttplate. The buttpate shows scrapes & light surface erosion. The wood shows scattered scrapes and scratches. The interior of the sling well has had wood removed. 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 as refurbished.
Type of Finish: Parkerized
Finish Originality: Original to Rebuild
Bore Condition: The muzzle and grooves are semi bright. There is fouling and intermittent erosion at the muzzle and in the grooves. The bore shows an M.E. of 1.8.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 70% of its metal finish. The front sight has been treated with cold blue. The trigger group shows light surface erosion under the wood. The metal shows scrapes, small scratches and light surface erosion. The receiver and bolt show operational wear. Most of the markings are well defined. The barrel and front sight markings are partially faded. Overall, this rifle rates in about Good to 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 a 15 round magazine that shows surface erosion and thinning. It appears to function correctly.
The 15 round magazine is not available to residents of California or any other state with magazine capacity restrictions.
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. The receiver was subcontracted by Auto-Ordnance and is marked “AO” below the serial number. This M1 carbine has been rebuilt. The front sight and grip have been modified. The finish has some issues but should clean up some. This M1 Carbine uses lots of IBM parts. The stock is not made by IBM but an IBM stock can be found on-line or at a gun show. Good luck.
