WWII Rock-Ola M1 M-1 Carbine U.S. Matching Rockola .30 Semi Auto Rifle C&R

SOLD FOR: $3060

LSB#: 220218RW014

Make: Rock-Ola Manufacturing Corporation.
This rifle uses all Rock-Ola parts.

Model: M1 Carbine

Serial Number: 4592947

Year of Manufacture: January to March, 1944 (page 30 of Scott Duff’s book, The M1 Carbine Owner’s Guide).
No Barrel Date

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 “ROCK-OLA / 4592947” on the rear. The barrel is marked “ROCK-OLA” and “P”. The gas piston housing is marked “ROCK-OLA” on the right. The left side of the barrel is marked with a “flaming bomb” to the rear of the gas piston. The trigger group is marked “ROCK-OLA” on the right rear which is a Rock-Ola mark (page 78 of Craig Riesch’s book, U.S. M1 Carbines Wartime Production 7th Edition). The hammer is marked “KR2” which is a Rock-Ola mark (page 89). The magazine release is marked “BR” which is a Rock-Ola mark (page 100-101). The smooth push button safety is unmarked which was used by Rock-Ola and others (page 95). The bottom of the operating slide is marked “ROCK-OLA” which is a Rock-Ola mark (page 65). The bolt is marked “ROCK-OLA” on the left lug which is a Rock-Ola mark (page 36). The front sight is unmarked which is consistent with Rock-Ola and others (page 56). The Type I rear sight is marked “S” on the left and “RR” on the right which are Rock-Ola marks (page 29). The Type IA barrel band is marked “MR” which is a Rock-Ola mark (pages 59). The inside of the handguard is marked “RMC” which was used by Rock-Ola, Underwood, and Quality Hardware (page 138). The Type II stock sling well is unmarked which is consistent with Rock-Ola and Winchester (page 108-109). The recoil plate is marked “ROCK-OLA” which is a Rock-Ola mark (page 135). The rear of the magazine is marked “R-C” which is a Rock-Ola mark (page 142 -143).

Barrel Length: Approximately 18 Inches

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a post set between two protective wings. The rear sight is a flip up Type I, dual aperture assembly.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The two piece hardwood stock has a pistol grip, Type IA barrel band with sling loop, sling well, sling pass through and a metal buttplate. The buttplate shows scratches, thinning, and some light surface eporison. The wood shows scattered scrapes and scratches. The most prominent are on the right side of the forearm. The edge of the grip base is chipped. The LOP measures 13 1/4 inches from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The stock rates in about Very Good Plus overall condition.

Type of Finish: Parkerized

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is semi bright. The grooves near the muzzle are light gray. The rifling is sharp. There is fouling and intermittent erosion in the grooves near the muzzle. The fouling should clean up some. The bore shows an M.E. of 1.8.

Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 90% of its metal finish. The underside of the receiver and sides of the trigger group show light thinning and light discoloration. The remaining metal shows scrapes, scratches and handling marks. The exposed metal shows varying degrees of discoloration. The discoloration is from both oil residue and oxidation. The bolt and right side of the receiver show some operational wear. The screw heads show use. The markings on the metal are deep. The markings on the wood are faded. Overall, this rifle rates in about Very Good condition.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We have not fired this rifle. As with all previously owned firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: The rifle comes with a green canvas sling and a 15 round magazine. The magazine shows scrapes, thinning and surface erosion. It is in about Good 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 Rock-Ola Manufacturing Corporation was a top maker of jukeboxes. Starting in 1935, Rock-Ola sold more than 400,000 jukeboxes under the Rock-Ola brand name. It is thought to have inspired the term Rock & Roll. During WWII Rock-Ola was one of the many companies who helped with the war effort. Rock-Ola only produced about 3.7% of the total number of wartime M1 Carbines. Due to both the relative rarity of Rock-Ola M1 Carbines and the distinctive name, Rock-Ola M1 Carbines prized among collectors.

This Rock-Ola M1 Carbine was made back in 1944. It uses all Rock-Ola parts so there are lots of Rock-Ola markings on the rifle. Having an M1 Carbine that uses all Rock-Ola parts is Rare. This is an ideal M1 Carbine for the collector.