Winchester Repeating Arms M1 Carbine .30 Cal 18” Semi-auto Rifle 1944 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1,050.00
LSB#: LSB260219HJ014
Make: Winchester, BLUE SKY IMPORT.
Model: M1 Carbine
Serial Number: 5727957
Year of Manufacture: Between DEC. 1943 and November 1944. Most Likely 1944.
Caliber: .30 Carbine
Action Type: Semi Automatic rifle fed by Detachable Magazines.
Markings:
The top-rear of the receiver is marked “WINCHESTER / 5727957”
The top-front of the receiver is marked “U.S. CARBINE”, “CAL .30 M1”. The flat has a Firing proof punch. The bottom of the receiver is stamped with an “J”.
The barrel is marked with a very faint “PW” Mandatory Winchester firing proof about 5” back from the front sight. About 3” inches back from the front sight is a very faint “W” the side of the gas block is stamped with a faint Flaming bomb ordnance inspection mark. The barrel flat is marked with a faint “2”. The left side of the barrel is marked with “BLUE SKY / ARLINGTON, VA”. There is a known issue with Blue Sky imported guns in that sometimes they stamped the import mark so deep it took the barrel out of round. Before firing this rifle please have it evaluated by a competent gunsmith.
The barrel band is marked “A” in a circle.
The slide is marked “SG” Saginaw Gear.
The front sight is marked “P”
The rear sight is marked “J.A.O. 7160060” for J.A. Otterbein, correct for Inland Division
The bolt is marked “-U-” Underwood.
The magazine release button is marked “MWA” post war replacement part.
The hammer is marked “LT-Q” for Ludlow Typograph
The right side of the trigger group is marked “SG” Saginaw Gear.
The Safety is marked “SS” over stamped with an “N”. Post war rebuild part.
The sear is marked “RI”. REECE Buttonhole Machine Co.
The Stock is marked “SA” this is a Springfield Armory replacement stock. The grip is marked with a “P” acceptance mark. The left flank of the stock is marked “AAV” indicating a possible refurb at Augusta Arsenal.
The lug is unmarked
The upper handguard is unmarked
The oiler is marked “IS” for International Silver Co.
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 on this rifle is an Oval cut, low wood stock with a four rivet handguard, a type three barrel band with bayonet lug, and a rotary safety. The LOP is 13.25” from the front of the trigger to the rear of the butt plate. The metal butt plate has lost its finish around the edges, has turned brown with age and shows surface rust in the checkering. The wood has been sanded and re-finished. The wood shows some chips from the edges of the various cuts on the stock. There are no cracks. The wood shows some scattered light compressions, a few nicks, and some surface level lines. Overall the wood is in about Very Good-Very Good+ condition.
Type of Finish: Parkerized
Finish Originality: Refinished.
Bore Condition: The bore is very bright and the rifling is sharp. There is very minor visible erosion throughout the bore with lines from use. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 9/10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains 95% of its refinished metal finish. The bolt and receiver show finish wear on the friction surfaces. There is handling wear present with scattered finish loss mainly from the various edges of the metal. The screw heads are sharp, and the markings range from Very Faint to Very Clear. The slide and trigger group have turned brown with age. The slide shows finish loss. Overall this rifle is in Good+-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. There is a known issue with Blue Sky imported guns in that sometimes they stamped the import mark so deep it took the barrel out of round. Before firing this rifle please have it evaluated by a competent gunsmith.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This rifle includes the attached Canvas sling, oiler, and 15 round magazine in Very Good condition.
Our Assessment: This Winchester M1 Carbine was manufactured in 1944 and retains a Winchester barrel, a desirable combination from one of the original prime contractors during World War II. Winchester carbines are especially sought after for their historical significance and production quality. The rifle was later imported back to the US by Blue Sky of Arlington, Virginia, a common importer of U.S. surplus carbines that were returned from overseas service.
This example is fitted with a Springfield Armory stock marked “AAV,” indicating a likely arsenal refurbishment at Augusta Arsenal. This mix of components and markings is typical of carbines that remained in military service and were rebuilt as needed to maintain functionality. Overall, it represents a classic WWII-era Winchester carbine with clear signs of post-war service and reissue, adding depth to its historical story and collector interest. To better understand this M1 carbine please see our high quality photos via the link and best of luck with your bidding!!!-R.L.