Quality Hardware M1 Carbine Matching .30 Semi Automatic Rifle C&R
SOLD FOR: $3000.01
LSB#: 210925MZ67
Make: Quality Hardware & Machine Company (Quality H.M.C.)
Model: M1 Carbine
This M1 Carbine is one part short of being a “Matching” rifle. The recoil plate screw does not match but can easily be replaced.
Serial Number: 1931467
Year of Manufacture: October to December, 1943 (page 30 of Scott Duff’s book, The M1 Carbine Owner’s Guide. Barrel Date: 9 – 43.
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. / 1931467” on the rear. The barrel is marked “BUFFALO ARMS / 9 – 1943 / flaming bomb” and “P”. Buffalo Arms supplied barrels for Quality Hardware (page 50 of Craig Riesch’s book, U.S. M1 Carbines Wartime Production 7th Edition). The barrel flat is marked with a partial “crossed cannons” stamping next to the receiver. The left rear of the trigger group is marked “NL-Q” which is a Quality Hardware mark (page 78). The hammer is marked “LT-Q” which is a Quality Hardware mark (page 89). The magazine release is marked “LT-Q” which is a Quality Hardware mark (page 100). The smooth push button safety is unmarked which is consistent with Quality Hardware and others (page 95). The inside of the operating slide is marked “DA-Q” which is a Quality Hardware mark (page 65). The bolt is marked “EM-Q” on the right lug which is a Quality Hardware mark (page 36). The front sight is marked “JQ” which is a Quality Hardware mark (page 56). The Type I rear sight is marked “S” on the left and “GE-Q” on the right which are Quality Hardware marks (page 29). The Type IA barrel band is unmarked which is consistent with Quality Hardware and others (pages 59-60). The sling well is marked “Q-RMC” which is a Quality Hardware mark (page 108-109). The inside of the handguard is marked “Q-RMC” which is a Quality Hardware mark (page 138). The bottom of the grip is marked with a partial stamp that appears to be a “circled P” proof. The left side of the stock, above the trigger, is marked with an Arsenal Rebuild stamp from the Ogden Arsenal “O.E.G.K. in a rectangle” (page 183). The recoil plate screw is marked “x” which is a Winchester mark (page 133). The rear of the magazine is marked “UQ” which is a Quality Hardware mark (page 142-143).
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 a pistol grip, Type 1A barrel band with sling loop, sling well, sling pass through and a metal buttplate. The buttplate shows discoloration and a small area of pin prick surface erosion on the edge. The wood shows several scrapes, scratches and compression marks. Many have damaged small portions of the surface wood. Most of 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 overall condition.
Type of Finish: Parkerized
Finish Originality: Original to Arsenal Rebuild
Bore Condition: The bore is bright; semi bright near the muzzle. The rifling is sharp. There is fouling and some light intermittent erosion in the grooves near the muzzle. The fouling should clean up a bit. The bore shows an M.E. of 1.5.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 96% of its metal finish. The left side of the receiver (under the wood) has small scratches and surface erosion showing through the new finish. This area also shows discoloration. The metal shows scuffs, small scrapes, and light handling marks. The right side of the receiver and bolt show some 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. It shows light scrapes & oil residue. It is in about 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.
During WWII Quality Hardware & Machine Company (Quality H.M.C.) was one of the many companies that tooled up to produce M1 Carbines to support the war effort. Quality Hardware produced about 5.9% of the total number of wartime M1 Carbines. Due to its lower production numbers Quality M1 Carbines are desired by many collectors.
This Quality Hardware M1 Carbine is one part short of being a “Matching” rifle. The recoil plate screw is not a Quality Hardware part but can easily be replaced. The Buffalo Arms barrel is original. Quality Hardware did not produce barrels. Buffalo Arms and other manufacturers supplied Quality Hardware with barrels to assemble M1 Carbines with at the Quality Hardware factory. This M1 looks great for its age. The receiver was refinished during the Arsenal Rebuild and the stock has been oiled. This Quality M1 Carbine will add nicely to your WWII collection.