WWII Rock-Ola M1 Carbine US Rockola M-1 .30 Semi Auto Rifle C&R

SOLD FOR: $2,625.99

LSB#: 240109GW002

Make: Rock-Ola Manufacturing Corporation.

Model: M1 Carbine

Serial Number: 6072740

Year of Manufacture: April to June 1944 (page 30 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: There is no import mark. The top of the receiver is marked “U.S. CARBINE / CAL. .30 M1.” on the front and “ROCK-OLA / 6072740” on the rear. The barrel is marked (faded) “ROCK-OLA” and “P”. The gas piston housing is marked “ROCK-OLA” on the right. The left side of the barrel is marked with a “flaming bomb” to the rear of the gas piston. The trigger group is marked “ROCK-OLA” on the right rear. The hammer is marked “boxed B / R” which is a Rock-Ola mark. The magazine release is marked “A R” which is a Rock-Ola mark. The smooth push button safety is unmarked which was used by Rock-Ola and others. The bottom of the operating slide is marked “ROCK-OLA”. The bolt is marked “ROCK-OLA” on the left lug. The front sight is marked “T R” which is a Rock-Ola mark. The Type III rear sight is marked “I.R.CO.”. The Type II barrel band is marked “KI”. The inside of the handguard is marked “RMC” which is a Rock-Ola mark. The sling well is marked “RMC” which is a Rock-Ola mark. The right side of the butt is marked with a box containing “RMC” and with a “crossed cannons” cartouche. These are Rock-Ola marks. The recoil plate is marked “ROCK-OLA”.

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 assembly.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are 2 piece smooth wood with a pistol grip, Type II barrel band with sling loop, sling well, sling pass through and a metal buttplate. The wood shows scrapes and scratches. Most of the marks are on the handguard. The right side of the butt shows a repaired crack. The repair is visible on both sides of the butt. The LOP measures 13 1/4 inches from the front of the trigger to the back of the refinished buttplate. The stock rates in about Very Good Plus overall condition as refurbished.

Type of Finish: Parkerized

Finish Originality: Refinished

Bore Condition: The muzzle and the grooves are gray. The rifling is deep. There is erosion at the muzzle and in the grooves. The bore shows an M.E. of 3.
In this writer’s opinion, this bore rates a 6.5 out of 10.

Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 92% of its metal finish as refinsihed. The barrel has thin tool marks and spots of cleaned surface erosion showing through the new finish. The meta shows scuffs, scrapes, and varying degrees of discoloration from oxidation. The barrel band screw head shows heavy use. The markings on the barrel are faded. Overall, this rifle rates in about Very Good Plus condition as refinished.

Mechanics: The action Does function correctly. This firearm has not been tested, these are used items. While we have performed a mechanical function check and noted any discrepancies we cannot guarantee the suitability of this firearm.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: There is No Magazine.
The rifle 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 Rock-Ola Manufacturing Corporation was a top maker of jukeboxes. Starting in 1935, Rock-Ola sold more than 400,000 jukeboxes under the Rock-Ola brand name. It is thought to have inspired the term Rock & Roll. During WWII Rock-Ola was one of the many companies who helped with the war effort. Rock-Ola only produced about 3.7% of the total number of wartime M1 Carbines. Due to both the relative rarity of Rock-Ola M1 Carbines and the distinctive name, Rock-Ola M1 Carbines prized among collectors.

This Rock-Ola M1 Carbine was made back in 1944. It has since been rebuilt and refinished. It uses mostly Rock-Ola marked parts. The barrel band and rear sight are not Rock-Ola parts. This M1 Carbine looks good and can do plenty of work.

…Now go shoot something!