Quality Hardware M1 Carbine .30 Semi Automatic Rifle MFD 1944 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1425
LSB#: 210911DJ52
Make: Quality Hardware & Machine Company (Quality H.M.C.)
Model: M1 Carbine
Serial Number: 4641354
Year of Manufacture: January to March, 1944 (page 30 of Scott Duff’s book, The M1 Carbine Owner’s Guide. Barrel Date: October, 1943.
Caliber: .30 Carbine
Action Type: Semi Automatic, Detachable Magazine
Markings: There is no import mark. The top of the receiver is marked “U.S. CARBINE / CAL. .30 M1” on the front and “QUALITY H.M.C. / 4641354” on the rear. The barrel is marked “BUFFALO ARMS / 10 – 1943 / flaming bomb” and “P”. Buffalo Arms supplied barrels for Quality Hardware (page 50 of Craig Riesch’s book, U.S. M1 Carbines Wartime Production 7th Edition). The barrel flat is marked with a partial “crossed cannons” stamping. The left rear of the trigger group is marked “S T” which is a Standard Products mark (page 78). The hammer is marked “LT-Q” which is a Quality Hardware mark (page 89). The magazine release is marked “M” and “EI” which is an Inland mark (page 100). The rotary safety is marked “H.T.” which is a post WWII rebuild mark (page 95 & 184). The inside of the operating slide is marked “circled PI” which was used by Inland and Rock-Ola (page 65). The bolt is marked “4” (a production mark) and “N” on the left lung which are National Postal Meter marks (page 36). The front sight is marked “PO B” which is an IBM mark and “RP” which is a Rock-Ola mark (page 56). We do not know why the sight is marked twice. The Type II rear sight is marked “HI” which is an Inland mark (page 29). The Type III barrel band is marked “SA2” on the lug and “AMCO” on the band which is a post WWII rebuild mark (pages 59-60 & 184). The sling well is marked “RMC” which is a Rock-Ola mark (page 108-109). The inside of the handguard is marked “HI” which is an Inland mark (page 138). The recoil plate is marked “ROCK-OLA” which is a Rock-Ola mark (page 135). The right side of the stock, above the trigger, is marked “RRA-C” which is an Arsenal Rebuild stamp from the Red River Arsenal (page 184). The bottom of the grip is marked with a “boxed P” proof. The Red River Arsenal used this “boxed” proof mark.
Barrel Length: Approximately 18 Inches
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a post set between two protective wings. The rear sight is a Type II adjustable dual aperture assembly.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock has a pistol grip, Type III barrel band with sling loop & bayonet lug, sling well, sling pass through and a metal buttplate. The buttplate shows scrapes and discoloration. The wood shows scrapes, scratches and compression marks. Many have damaged small portions of the surface wood. These marks have been oiled over. The LOP measures 13 ¼ inches from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The stock rates in about Very Good overall condition.
Type of Finish: Parkerized
Finish Originality: Original to Arsenal Rebuild
Bore Condition: The bore is mostly bright; light grey near the muzzle. The rifling is sharp. There is fouling and intermittent erosion near the muzzle. The bore shows an M.E. of 1.3.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 95% of its metal finish. The metal shows small scrapes and handling marks. The receiver, barrel and trigger group shows areas of thinning below the wood. The barrel shows light paint residue. The operating slide’s charging handle has pin prick surface erosion showing through the (rebuild) finish. The right side of the receiver shows some thinning consistent with cycling. The screw heads show use. Most of the markings are deep. Some of the barrel markings are faded. Overall, this rifle rates in about Very Good Plus 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: There is No magazine. The rifle comes with a green canvas sling. The sling shows a small spot of fraying. It is in about Fine condition.
Our Assessment: This Quality Hardware M1 Carbine was made back in 1944. It has been rebuilt by the Red River Arsenal and uses a mix of Quality Hardware and USGI parts. It is marked on the stock with an Arsenal Rebuild stamp and proof mark used by the Red River Arsenal. The metal was refinished during the rebuild and the stock has been oiled. This Quality Hardware M1 Carbine is a good looking Military rifle to add to your collection. Good luck.