Quality Hardware M1 Carbine .30 Semi Automatic Rifle MFD 1944 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1350
LSB#: 210917MW15
Make: Quality Hardware & Machine Company (Quality H.M.C.)
Model: M1 Carbine
Serial Number: 4651482
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 Automatic, Detachable Magazine
Markings: There is no visible import mark. The top of the receiver is marked “U.S. CARBINE / CAL. .30 M1” on the front and “QUALITY H.M.C. / 4651482” on the rear. The barrel is marked “I.B.M. CORP”” and “P”. The left rear of the trigger group is marked “NL-Q” which is a Quality Hardware mark (page 78 of Craig Riesch’s book, U.S. M1 Carbines Wartime Production 7th Edition). The hammer is marked “LT-Q” which is a Quality Hardware mark (page 89). The magazine release is marked “WA / M” which is a post WWII rebuild mark (page 100 & 184). The push button safety is smooth and unmarked which is consistent with Quality Hardware and others (page 95). The inside of the operating slide is marked AOB” which is an IBM mark (page 65). The bolt is marked “OI” on the left lug which is an Inland mark (page 36). The front sight is marked “N” was used by Quality Hardware and others (page 56). The Type I rear sight is marked “S” on the left and “IN B” on the right which are IBM marks (page 30). The Type I barrel band is unmarked which is consistent with other manufacturers (pages 59-60). The interior of the handguard is marked “Q-RMC” which is a Quality Hardware mark (page 138)). The sling well is marked “Q-RMC” (faded) which is a Quality Hardware mark (page 108-109). The left side of the stock is marked with a partial Arsenal Rebuilt stamp. The bottom of the grip is marked “P in a box” and “BA”.
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 stock has been repaired. A long repaired crack is visible along the right side. It is visible on the interior and exterior of the stock. It extends from the magazine well to the top edge of the forearm. A second repaired crack extends from the left front of the magazine well forward into the forearm. Long repaired cracks are also visible on the top & bottom left of the grip.
The stock has a pistol grip, Type 1 barrel band with sling loop, sling well, sling pass through and a metal buttplate. The buttplate shows small scratches, small edge dents, and surface erosion. The wood shows several scrapes, scratches and compression marks. Some have damaged small portions of the surface wood. Most of these marks have been oiled over. “VI” is scratched into the right side of the grip. The LOP measures 13 ¼ inches from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The stock rates in about Good overall condition as refurbished.
Type of Finish: Parkerized
Finish Originality: Original to Rebuild
Bore Condition: The bore is bright; semi bright near the muzzle. The rifling is sharp. There is some fouling and light intermittent erosion in the grooves near the muzzle. The bore shows an M.E. of 1.9.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 96% of its metal finish. The bottom of the trigger group has surface erosion showing through the new finish. The metal shows scuffs, scrapes, and small scratches. The right side of the receiver and the charging handle show thinning. The recoil plate screw head shows heavy use. The markings are deep. Overall, this rifle rates in about Very Good 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: There is No magazine. The rifle comes with a green canvas sling that shows soiling and paint residue. It is in about Very Good Plus condition.
Our Assessment: This Quality Hardware M1 Carbine was made back in 1944. It has since been rebuilt using a mix of Quality Hardware and USGI parts. The metal was refinished during the rebuild and the stock has been repaired. The metal still has deep markings despite being refinished. This Quality Hardware M1 Carbine should be a lot of fun out at the range. Good luck.