Plainfield M1 Carbine 5.7mm Johnson .22 Spitfire 22” Rifle w/ Die Set

SOLD FOR: $2,580

WOA#: WY240309GJ041

Make: Plainfield

Model:  M1 Carbine

Serial Number: B 973

Year of Manufacture: 1965-1978

Caliber: 5.7mm Johnson

Action Type: Semi-Automatic

Barrel Length: 22”

Sights / Optics: The top of the receiver is mounted with a Leapers 3-9×40 Rifle Scope in Excellent condition.  The sight picture is clear.  There is little to no handling wear on the scope.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is smooth walnut with upper handguard,  semi-pistol grip, straight comb, and hard rubber checkered buttplate.  The LOP measures 14 5/8” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The stock rates in about Fine condition.  There is some discoloration around the buttplate.  There are no chips or cracks.

This rifle comes with an extra stock.  The stock is a high grade checkered thumbhole sporter stock with two sling studs, checkered grip and forend, rosewood tipped forend and grip cap, straight comb with cheek piece, and serrated hard rubber buttplate.  There is light handling wear on the stock and it rates in Excellent condition.  There are no chips or cracks.  The checkering is sharp.  There is some rust on the buttplate screws. There are a few scattered scratches and one notable scratch under the forend tip.

Magazine Quantity & Condition: One 15rd and one 5rd magazines in Good-Very Good condition.

Type of Finish:  Blue

Finish Originality: Refinished

Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 9.5/10.

Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 98% of its metal finish. The balance of the finish shows light operation wear on the action.  The screw heads are sharp and the pins are unmarred. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle rates in about Excellent condition. Please see our photos for a better understanding of the rifle’s overall 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. Lever Safety.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This rifle comes with a total of two magazines, Redding Die Set, and its extra stock.  Please see photos

Our Assessment: This Plainfield M1 Carbine in 5.7mm Johnson is a unique and interesting adaptation of the classic M1 Carbine. The original M1 Carbine, widely used during World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War, was chambered in .30 Carbine. Plainfield Machine, a post-war manufacturer, produced civilian versions of the M1 Carbine, including those chambered in the 5.7mm Johnson, also known as the .22 Spitfire.

The 5.7mm Johnson cartridge was developed by Melvin Johnson, a renowned firearms designer, who sought to create a high-velocity round that could enhance the performance of the M1 Carbine. The cartridge is essentially a necked-down version of the .30 Carbine, allowing it to fire a smaller, lighter bullet at higher velocities, improving its range and accuracy.

This sporterized version retains the semi-automatic action of the original M1 Carbine, making it suitable for rapid follow-up shots. The lightweight and compact design of the carbine, combined with the improved ballistics of the 5.7mm Johnson cartridge, make it a versatile and effective firearm for small game hunting and recreational shooting. Please see our photos and good luck on your bid! – L.S.