John Taffin’s Custom Inland Division M1 Carbine Mannlicher Semi Auto Rifle
SOLD FOR: $1,675.78
LSB#: LSB260521SS084
Make: Inland Division of General Motors
Model: M1 Carbine
Serial Number: 3054626
Year of Manufacture: Receiver Late 1943 Early 1944, Barrel Date appears to be 6-43.
Caliber: .30 Carbine
Action Type: Semi-Automatic
Markings: As I did not want to risk damage by removing the rifle from the stock some markings will be omitted. Also with the heavy refinish many of the markings were very difficult to read.
Receiver: “U.S. CARBINE CAL. 30 M1 / 3054626 / INLAND DIV. 3054626”.
Barrel: “6-43” with a “D” possibly and a faint flaming bomb. Appears to be an Underwood Barrel.
Rear Sight: “WILLIAMS”
Safety: “CM”
Magazine Catch: “M”
Stock: “FAJEN” on the butt plate.
Barrel Length: 18″
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a brass beaded blade dovetailed to a ramped base. The rear sight is a Williams fully adjustable aperture sight dovetailed to the receiver.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is a Fajen Mannlicher M1 carbine rifle stock with two sling studs, capped semi-pistol grip with fluted raised comb with cheekpiece and plastic serrated butt plate. The length of pull is 13.75″. The wood shows some scattered light marks like small compressions and surface level lines. There are no chips or cracks. The cap shows some scratches and rub marks around the edges. The butt plate shows only minor wear. The handguard is missing. Overall the stock is in Very Good condition.
Magazine Quantity & Condition: The rifle includes one 15 round magazine in Very Good condition.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Refinished
Bore Condition: The bore is very bright with well defined rifling. The bore is very clean and shows no pitting. There are some visible lines from use. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 9.5/10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 98% of its metal finish not counting where the finish was removed intentionally from the bolt and slide. The slide shows some surface rust forming. The metal end cap shows rub marks. The rest of the rifle shows only minor handling. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are very faint under the refinish. Overall, this rifle rates in about 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: This rifle includes the magazine and Certificate of Authenticity from John Taffin’s estate
Our Assessment: This heavily customized Inland Division M1 Carbine was originally produced by Inland Division of General Motors, the largest wartime manufacturer of the M1 Carbine. The rifle is fitted with what appears to be an Underwood barrel dated 6-1943. While the rifle retains the basic M1 Carbine action and handling characteristics, it has been extensively modified from its original military configuration, making it more of a personalized sporting interpretation than a traditional collector-grade carbine.
The rifle features a Fajen Mannlicher-style M1 Carbine stock, giving it a distinctive full-length sporting appearance. The original military sights have been replaced with a brass-beaded blade front sight and a Williams fully adjustable aperture rear sight, providing a more precise sighting system. The entire rifle has been completely refinished and blued, while the slide and bolt have been polished for a high contrast look. The result is a unique custom M1 Carbine that combines its wartime Inland foundation with extensive sporting modifications and a distinctly personalized aesthetic. Adding considerable historical interest, this rifle comes from the collection of John Taffin, the renowned firearms writer and historian whose work extensively covered single-action revolvers and their development. The rifle is accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity from John Taffin’s estate, documenting its connection to his personal collection. Please see our high quality photos via the link and best of luck with your bidding!!!-R.L.