WWII Inland Division General Motors M1 Carbine Semi Auto 1944 C&R

SOLD FOR: $1,300.00

WOA#: WY240406WM026

Make: Inland Division of General Motors

Model:  M1 Carbine

Serial Number: 6634166

Year of Manufacture: Late 1944, Barrel Date 11-1944.

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. 6634166”

The magazine release is marked “M” and “EI” for Eaton Pond Co. correct for Inland

The rear sight is marked Shield “I.R.C.O.”-for International Register CO.

The Lug is marked “DI” for Dayton Mold Co. correct for Inland.

The stock is S.A. for Springfield Armory, a replacement part Stock.

The upper handguard is unmarked

The trigger group is marked “INLAND”

The hammer is marked “HI” for Hillerich Machine Company.

The flip safety is marked “JAO” for J.A. Otterbein, correct for Inland Division

The slide is marked “7160091   C”.- a Winchester Slide.

The Bottom of the barrel has no markings, The barrel flat has many stamps both letters and numbers, The top of the barrel is marked “P” about 2.75 inches back from the front sight, the end of the barrel is marked “INLAND MFG. DIV. GENERAL MOTORS 11-44”.

The front sight is stamped with “N”-International Business Machine part

The barrel band is marked “KI” Keeler Brass Co. for Inland

Barrel Length: 18″

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a fixed blade set between protective ears.  The rear sight is the later style sliding aperture sight with a knurled windage knob dovetailed to the receiver.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is an Oval cut, low wood stock, with a four rivet handguard, type three barrel band with bayonet lug, a later style flip safety and a checkered metal Buttplate. The LOP measures about 13.25” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. This Springfield replacement stock shows very light scratches, dings, and compressions scattered throughout the surface of the wood. There are chips in the edges of the sling cut at the top and bottom of the oval. There are also chips from the right side by the receiver. The nose shows several small chips from the left side. There are no visible cracks. The metal butt plate has semi-dulled checkering, has retained most of its finish, and has begun to develop surface rust. The handguard has one minor scratch and very minimal wear. Overall the wood is in Fine to Very Fine condition.

Magazine Quantity & Condition: None.

Type of Finish: Parkerized / Blued

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is bright with well defined rifling. There is no visible erosion. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 8.5/10.

Overall Condition:  This rifle retains about 90% of its metal finish. The bolt and friction surfaces of the receiver show the majority of wear. The barrel band shows almost no wear and retains its finish. Most of the metal surfaces have turned green with age. The screw heads are sharp and the markings are clear. Overall, this rifle rates in about Fine to Very Fine condition for C&R.

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: None

Our Assessment:  During the early stages of World War II, the U.S. military recognized the need for a lightweight rifle that would bridge the gap between the heavy and cumbersome M1 Garand rifle and the standard issue sidearm, the M1911 pistol. The goal was to provide troops with a compact and easy-to-handle firearm that offered more firepower than a pistol but was lighter and more maneuverable than a full-size rifle. In 1941, the U.S. Army’s Ordnance Department contracted with various manufacturers, including Winchester and General Motors’ Inland Division, to develop and produce the M1 Carbine. The rifle was designed by a team led by firearms designer David Williams, who drew inspiration from the successful M1 Garand and the short-recoil action of the M1 Thompson submachine gun. The M1 Carbine featured a gas-operated, semi-automatic action and fired a .30 caliber cartridge known as the .30 Carbine. The cartridge, while less powerful than the standard .30-06 ammunition used in the M1 Garand, offered greater capacity and reduced recoil, making it more controllable and well-suited for short to medium-range engagements. The M1 Carbine saw widespread use in World War II, becoming a staple firearm for American troops. It was praised for its reliability, ease of use, and versatility. The rifle was not only issued to U.S. forces but also provided to allied nations through various lend-lease programs. After World War II, the M1 Carbine continued to serve in the Korean War and saw limited use in subsequent conflicts. It also became popular among civilian shooters and collectors due to its historical significance and manageable recoil. Overall, the M1 Carbine played a significant role in U.S. military history, offering a lightweight and reliable firearm that filled a niche between pistols and full-size rifles. Its compact design, firepower, and ease of use made it a favored weapon among soldiers in various roles and contributed to its enduring legacy. To better understand this M1 carbine please see our high quality photos Via the link and best of luck with your bidding!!!-R.L.