IBM M1 Carbine Matching I.B.M. .30 Semi Automatic Rifle MFD 1944 C&R
SOLD FOR: $2875
LSB#: 210925MZ76
Make: IBM. The International Business Machines Corporation, USA
Model: M1 Carbine. This rifle uses all IBM parts.
Serial Number: 3941826
Year of Manufacture: January to March, 1944 (page 29 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 front of the receiver is marked “U.S. CARBINE / CAL. 30 M1” and the top rear is marked “I.B.M. CORP. / 3941826”. The barrel is marked “I.B.M. CORP.” and “P”. The left rear of the trigger group is marked “B-EB” which is a backward stamped IBM mark (page 78 of Craig Riesch’s book, U.S. M1 Carbines Wartime Production 7th Edition). The hammer is marked “WMB” which is an IBM mark (page 90). The magazine release is marked “PR-B” which is an IBM mark (pages 100-101). The smooth push button safety is marked “EPB” which is an IBM mark (page 95). The inside of the operating slide is marked “AOB” which is an IBM mark (page 65). The bolt is marked “AOB” on the right lug which is an IBM mark (page 36). The front sight is marked “SI B” which is an IBM mark (page 57). The Type I rear sight is marked “S” on the left and “IN B” on the right which are IBM marks (pages 29). The Type II barrel band is unmarked which is consistent with IBM and others (page 59). The underside of the handguard is marked “SCB” which is an IBM mark (page 138). The sling well is marked “SCB” which is an IBM mark (page 108-109). The right side of the butt is marked with a “crossed cannons” cartouche. The base of the grip is marked “43”. The rear of the magazine is marked “SY-B” which is an IBM mark (page 142 -143). The interior of the sling is stamped with blurred marks that include “44”.
Barrel Length: Approximately 18 Inches
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a post set between two protective wings. The rear sight is a Type I flip up dual aperture assembly.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The hardwood stock has a pistol grip, Type II barrel band with sling loop, sling well, sling pass through, and a metal buttplate. The refinished buttplate has surface erosion bleeding through the new finish. The grip shows a couple scratches. The wood shows several other small scrapes and scratches. These marks have been oiled. 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 Plus to Fine overall condition.
Type of Finish: Parkerized
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright; semi bright near the muzzle. The rifling is deep. There is fouling in the grooves which should clean up some. There is a small amount of light erosion at the muzzle. The bore shows an M.E. of 1.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 95% of its metal finish. The metal shows scuffs & light scrapes. The top of the barrel shows an area of surface erosion under the barrel band. The exposed portion of the barrel shows light discoloration from oxidation and a freckling of more prominent discoloration. The right side of the receiver and bolt show 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 15 round magazine that has a rubber cover installed. The magazine shows scrapes. It is in Very Good Plus condition. The rifle has a canvas sling attached. It is in 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 International Business Machines Corporation (IBM) was one of several contractors who tooled up during WWII to produce M1 Carbines in support of the war effort. IBM only produced about 5.7% of the total number of WWII M1 Carbines. IBM’s low production numbers make IBM M1 Carbines quite desirable.
This Matching IBM M1 Carbine was made back in 1944. It looks great for its age and still has its original IBM parts including its IBM marked barrel. This highly collectible wartime military rifle should keep you smiling out at the range. It comes with a magazine and a sling so all you need is some ammo. Good luck.