Inland M1 Carbine M1A1 Paratrooper Stock .30 Semi Automatic Rifle 1945 C&R

SOLD FOR: $4614

LSB#: 210925MW12

Make: Inland Division of General Motors

Model: M1 Carbine
A folding M1A1 Paratrooper Stock is included in the auction. The M1 Carbine action is not set in the Paratrooper stock because that would NOT be LEGAL in California.

Serial Number: 6946890

Year of Manufacture: April to June, 1945 (page 28 of Scott Duff’s book The M1 Carbine Owner’s Guide).
Barrel Date: March, 1945

Caliber: .30 Carbine

Action Type: Semi Auto, 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 “INLAND DIV. / 6946890” on the rear. The top of the barrel is marked “INLAND MFD. DIV. / GENERAL MOTORS / 3 – 45” and “P”. The right rear of the trigger group is marked “INLAND” which is an Inland mark (page 78 of Craig Riesch’s book, U.S. M1 Carbines Wartime Production 7th Edition). The hammer is marked “I-I” which is an Inland mark (page 89). The magazine release is marked “WA / M” which is a post WWII rebuild mark  (pages 100-101 & 185). The rotary safety is marked “M inside C” which is a post WWII rebuild mark (page 95 & 185). The inside of the operating slide is marked “PI” which is an Inland mark (page 65). The bolt is marked  “3” and “AI” on the left lug which is an Inland mark (page 36). The front sight is unmarked which is consistent with Inland and others (page 56). The Type III rear sight is marked “H in a shield” which is a Winchester mark (page 29). The Type III barrel band is marked “SI” which is an Inland mark (page 59).
The interior of the handguard is marked “OI” which is an Inland mark (page 138). The interior of the forearm is marked “OI” next to the magazine well wall which is correct for an M1A1 stock. This is an Inland mark. The inside of the buttplate is marked “B257614 *” which is correct for an M1A1 stock (page 127). The face of the grip is marked with a “P” proof. The magazine is marked “K.I.” upside down which is not listed in our source material (page 142-143). Our research indicates it is an Inland subcontractor mark from the Keller Brass Company.

Barrel Length: Approximately 18 Inches

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a post set between two protective wings. The rear sight is a Type III adjustable aperture.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The M1A1 Paratrooper stock shows scrapes, scratches, and compression marks. Some have damaged small areas of the surface wood. The leather on the buttsock shows surface creasing and discoloration. The buttstock metal shows small scrapes and areas of discoloration. The butstock folds and extends properly. The stock rates in about Very Good Plus overall condition.

Type of Finish: Parkerized

Finish Originality: Original to Rebuild

Bore Condition: The muzzle and the grooves near the muzzle are light gray. The rifling is sharp. There is fouling and oxidation at the muzzle and in the grooves near the muzzle. The bore shows an M.E. of 0.7.

Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 95% of its metal finish. The metal shows light scrapes and small scratches. The sides of the receiver show light thinning and some discoloration from oxidation. The right side of the receiver shows light thinning consistent with cycling. The markings are deep. Overall, this rifle rates in about Very Good Plus to 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: The rifle comes with a folding M1A1 Paratrooper stock; see above.
The rifle has a canvas sling attached. It shows soiling on the canvas as well as scrapes & discoloration on the metal. It is in about Very Good Plus condition. The rifle comes with a 15 round magazine. The magazine shows light marks and oil residue. It is in about Fine condition.
The 15 round magazine is not available to residents of California or any other state with magazine capacity restrictions.

Our Assessment: The M1 Carbine was developed and produced after WWII started. Over 6 million were made by a number of U.S. companies to assist with the all out war effort. The M1 Carbine was widely issued to U.S. Military Forces which numbered over 16 million during WWII. The M1 Carbine contributed greatly to U.S. efforts during WWII.
The Inland Manufacturing Division of General Motors was organized in 1922 for the manufacturing of steering wheels. During WWII Inland Division was one of many facilities that tooled up to manufacture M1 Carbines for the war effort. Inland produced the majority of WWII M1 Carbines, about 43%, and contributed greatly to the war effort. Inland M1 Carbines were used by millions of soldiers during WWII in numerous battles. If you see WWII footage that includes an M1 Carbine, it is most likely an Inland M1 Carbine.
This Inland M1 Carbine was made back in 1945. It has been rebuilt but still retains several of its Inland marked parts. This M1 Carbine comes with a folding M1A1 Paratrooper stock and a magazine. This Inland M1 Carbine is in shape with a strong bore. It will add to your WWII collection. If you live in a Free State outside of California you can assemble the rifle and take it straight to the range. Good luck.