Inland Division GM M1 Carbine, Matching Parts, Non-Import, Parkerized 18” WWII Semi Automatic Military Rifle MFD 1942 C&R

Sold For: $2,475.00
LSB#: 161020LH27

Make: Inland Division of General Motors

Model: M1 Carbine

Serial Number: 88639

Year of Manufacture: October – December, 1942 (page 28 of Scott Duff’s book The M1 Carbine Owner’s Guide); Barrel Date 11 – 42

Caliber: .30 Carbine

Action Type: Semi Auto, Detachable Magazine

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. / 88639” on the rear. The bottom of the receiver is marked “6”. The top of the barrel is marked “INLAND MFG. DIV. / GENERAL MOTORS / 11 – 42” and “P”. The barrel flat is marked with several faint stampings. The trigger housing uses a Type I housing retaining pin which has a spring to hold the pin in place. This pin was done away with starting in early 1943 (page 79 of Craig Riesch’s book, U.S. M1 Carbines Wartime Production). The left rear of the trigger group is marked “INLAND” which is an Inland mark (page 78). The hammer is marked “HI” which is an Inland mark (page 89). The Type II magazine release is marked “W-I” which is an Inland mark (page 100). The push button safety is unmarked which is consistent with Inland and others (page 95). The inside of the operating slide is marked “PI in a circle” which is an Inland mark (page 65). The bolt is marked “OI” on the left lug which is an Inland mark (page 36). The recoil plate is unmarked which is consistent with Inland and NPM (page 135). The front sight is marked “N” which is consistent with Inland and others (page 56). The Type I rear sight is marked “S” which is consistent with Inland and others (page 32). The Type I barrel band is unmarked which is consistent with Inland and others (page 59). The sling well is marked with a “flaming bomb” and “OI” which is an Inland mark (page 108-109). The inside of the handguard is marked “OI” which is an Inland mark (page 138). The bottom of the grip is marked with a “circled P” proof (page 122 & 183). The right side of the stock is marked with the Ordnance Department’s “crossed cannons” cartouche (page 119). The “flaming bomb” and “crossed cannons” are correct markings for an early Type I Inland stock (page 120).

Barrel Length: Approximately 18 Inches

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a post set between two protective wings. The rear sight is a Type I, flip up dual aperture.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The two piece hardwood stock has a pistol grip, metal barrel band, sling well, sling pass through, and a metal buttplate. The forearm shows scrapes and compression marks on both sides. The left side of the buttstock shows scrapes and compression marks. The wood shows various other handling marks. These marks have been oiled. The buttplate shows scrapes and thinning on the edges. The LOP measures 13 ¼ inches from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The stock rates in about Fine overall condition.

Type of Finish: Parkerized

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is crisp. There is no visible erosion. The bore shows an M.E. of 0.3.

Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 93% of its metal finish. The barrel and front sight show some light scrapes. There is a spot of thinning under the barrel band. The right side of the receiver and bolt show some thinning from cycling. The sides of the receiver show some thinning under the wood. The trigger housing shows scrapes, thin scratches and some thinning. The bolt shows a spot of discoloration. The safety and the trigger housing below it show a small amount of surface erosion. The barrel band screw head shows use. The markings are deep. Overall, this rifle rates in about Very Good to Fine condition.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We have not fired this rifle. As with all previously owned firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.

Box, Paperwork& Accessories: The rifle comes with a reproduction magazine pouch. The pouch is marked “US” on the front and “G. & R. CO / 1943” on the rear. It shows light fraying and is in about Fine condition.

Our Assessment: This is first year production Inland Division M1 Carbine that has all matching parts. It uses a Type I stock, an early Type I trigger housing retaining pin (which has a spring to hold the pin in place), an early Type II magazine release, a Type I barrel band and a Type I rear sight. The wood has nice markings that include a “crossed cannons” cartouche and a “flaming bomb”. The markings on the metal are deep & clear and the bore is strong & bright. This is an ideal M1 for the collector. Good luck.