WWII Inland Division General Motors M1 Carbine in a Paratrooper Stock C&R
SOLD FOR: $2,900.00
WOA#: WY240406WM023
Make: Inland Division of General Motors
Model: M1 with M1A1 Paratrooper stock
Serial Number: 5466766
Year of Manufacture: 1944
Caliber: .30 Cal Carbine
Action Type: Semi-Automatic carbine fed by detachable magazines.
Markings: The top of the receiver is marked, “U.S. CARBINE CAL. 30 M1 / INLAND DIV. 5466766”.
The magazine release is marked “H.I.” and “M”.
The right side of the rear sight is marked with the Shield “H”.
The Trigger group is unmarked.
The left side of the hammer is marked but this writer could not make out the marking.
The slide is unmarked
The barrel band assembly is unmarked
The top of the barrel is marked “P” just in front of the barrel band. The top of the barrel is marked “INLAND MFG. DIV. / GENERAL MOTORS 2-44” just behind the front sight. The bottom of the barrel on the flat is stamped with”BI I 9”.
The front sight is marked “N”.
The upper handguard is stamped “IO” on the inside.
The stock is marked “IO” in the belly of the inside of the stock, “IO” and a slightly faint cartouche ordinance wheel on the bottom of the pistol grip. The folding metal buttpad is marked “B257614 9”.
Barrel Length: 18″
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a fixed blade with protective ears. The rear sight is a later style sliding aperture sight dovetailed to the receiver. The rear sight appears to have been replaced with a non original sight and is slightly loose in the dovetail.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is a (High wood) M1A1 stock for airborne units with wire buttstock, Type II Barrel Band, and sling loop on the bottom of the grip. The inside of the stock is marked IO which correlates with an original 2nd variation M1A1 stock. The upper handguard is a 2 rivet with a deep narrow sight groove handguard. The LOP measures 13” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The stock folds correctly. The stock appears to be an original stock although it appears refurbished. The rivets have been colored over and the markings are slightly shallow. The wood on the stock has some scattered light lines and scratches with a notable depression in the belly of the stock. The Leather is in near perfect shape further leading this writer to believe it has been refurbished. The buttplate checkering is sharp. The handguard has a few scattered marks but no chips or cracks. Overall the stock and handguard are in Excellent Condition.
Magazine Quantity & Condition: None
Type of Finish: Parkerized
Finish Originality: Original / Refurbished
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is well defined. There is no visible erosion in the bore. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 8.5/10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 90% of its metal finish. The balance of the finish shows wear across the friction surfaces of the bolt group and receiver. The barrel and receiver have begun to turn brown with patina which is normal for M1 carbines of this age. Overall this Carbine is in Very Good to Excellent condition for C&R given its age.
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 attached canvas sling.
Our Assessment: The M1A1 Carbine is a lightweight, semi-automatic rifle that was used by the US military during World War II and the Korean War. It was designed to replace the heavier and bulkier M1 Garand rifle in certain situations, such as for troops who required a smaller and lighter weapon, such as paratroopers, support personnel, and officers.
The M1A1 Carbine was first introduced in May of 1942 and quickly became a popular weapon among American troops. It was used extensively throughout World War II, particularly by airborne troops, and it saw action in every major theater of the war. After the war, the M1A1 remained in service with the US military during the Korean War, where it proved to be a reliable and effective weapon in jungle and mountain terrain.
This example is very close to being a real paratrooper rifle, however the serial date and barrel date are just outside of the known ranges for an Inland M1. It is rare to find an original M1A1 stock and with all the markings, proofs, and correct dimensions as well as a few other details, it is safe to say that this stock is indeed original though refurbished. The bore of the rifle is bright and very clean. Overall this rifle is the correct make and model, very close to the original production dates for an M1A1 and set in an original stock. Please see our photos and best of luck with your bidding!!!-R.L.
