WWII Inland Division General Motors M1 Carbine .30 Cal Rifle 1945 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1,100.00
LSB#: LSB250601SP138
Make: Inland Division of General Motors
Model: M1 Carbine
Serial Number: 6776913
Year of Manufacture: 1945, Barrel Date 1-45.
Caliber: .30 Cal Carbine
Action Type: Semi-Automatic carbine fed by detachable magazines.
Markings:
The top of the receiver is marked, “U.S. CARBINE CAL. 30 M1 / INLAND DIV. 6776913”
The magazine release button is marked “M”.
The rear sight is marked “I.R. CO.” correct for Inland
The Lug is marked “P”.
The stock is marked “IO” in the barrel groove. The right side of the buttstock has a crossed cannons inspection mark that is faint.
The trigger group is marked “INLAND”.
The hammer is marked “W.I.” for Winchester.
The slide is marked “B” and “7160091” though the last numbers are not clearly visible.
The bottom of the barrel on the flat is stamped with the typical Inland Hieroglyphic series of letters and numbers, The top of the barrel is marked “P” about 5” back from the front sight. The end of the barrel is marked “INLAND MFG. DIV. / GENERAL MOTORS / 1-45”. The gas block is marked “I”.
The barrel band is marked “KI” for Keeler Brass Co.
The front sight is stamped with “N” for Inland Division.
The cross bolt safety is unmarked.
The upper handguard is marked “HI” for Hillerich & Bradsby Co.
Louisville, KY for Inland
The magazine is marked “KSG”
Barrel Length: 18″
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a fixed blade set between protective ears. The rear sight is the later style sliding aperture sight with a knurled windage knob dovetailed to the receiver.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is an Oval cut, low wood stock, with a four rivet handguard, type three barrel band with bayonet lug, a early style cross-bolt type safety and a checkered metal Buttplate. The LOP measures about 13.25” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The wood stock has been sanded and refinished. There are no chips or cracks. The metal buttplate has been refinished and shows dulled checkering and signs of rub wear under the refinish. Overall the stock is in Very Good+ condition as refinished.
Magazine Quantity & Condition: This carbine includes one 15 round magazine in Good condition. The magazine has a sticker on the bottom that says “M1 CARBINE”.
Type of Finish: Parkerized / Blued
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright with sharp rifling. There is light erosion in the muzzle. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 8/10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 90% of its metal finish. The friction surfaces of the bolt and where the barrel band has rubbed the barrel show the majority of wear. The screw heads are sharp and the markings are clear. Overall, this rifle rates in about Fine 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:This rifle includes a total of one magazine.
Our Assessment: TThe Inland Division of General Motors was the largest producer of M1 Carbines during WWII, delivering over 2.6 million rifles between 1942 and 1945. By the time this example left the factory in January of 1945, production had reached its peak efficiency, and late-war features such as the Type III barrel band with bayonet lug, adjustable rear sight, and low wood stock had become standard. These refinements reflected both battlefield experience and the Army’s desire to streamline parts interchangeability across the multiple contractors building the carbine. Chambered in .30 Carbine, the M1 offered a lightweight, fast-handling alternative to the M1 Garand, making it ideal for paratroopers, vehicle crews, and support troops who needed more firepower than a pistol but less weight than a full-size battle rifle.
This example shows an interesting mix of correct Inland parts alongside some components from other wartime contractors, a common trait for carbines that saw service and post-war arsenal maintenance. The refinished stock retains its “IO” marking and faint crossed cannons cartouche, while the 1-45 Inland barrel matches the receiver’s late-war serial range. The mix of Inland, Winchester, Hillerich & Bradsby, and other marked parts tells the story of a rifle built for function first—likely issued, used, and then cycled through inspection and upgrade programs. The bore remains bright with sharp rifling, and the mechanics are sound, making it a capable shooter even today.
For collectors, late-production Inland M1 Carbines like this one represent the culmination of wartime production methods and the final configuration of the WWII carbine. Its overall condition, originality of finish, and intact wartime markings give it strong appeal to those seeking a representative late-war example. For shooters, it offers a chance to own a historically significant firearm that’s still light, handy, and fun to take to the range—a true icon of the American WWII arsenal. Please see our photos and good luck on your bid! – L.S.
