Underwood M1 Carbine Paratrooper Stock .30 Semi Automatic Rifle MODERN

SOLD FOR: $1125

LSB#: 210925BD01

Make: Underwood Corporation

Model: M1 Carbine

Serial Number: 2825388

Year of Manufacture: ATF MODERN. March to April, 1944 (page 31 of Scott Duff’s book The M1 Carbine Owner’s Guide. No Barrel Date
The barreled action is not set in the folding stock, as that would be illegal in California. The action and stock may be assembled outside of California.
https://www.atf.gov/firearms/qa/what-firearms-are-considered-be-curio-and-relic-firearms
“ATF has recognized only complete, assembled firearms as curios or relics…Frames or receivers of curios or relics are not generally recognized as curios or relics.”

Caliber: .30 Carbine

Action Type: Semi Auto, Detachable Magazine

Markings: The top of the receiver is marked “U.S. CARBINE / CAL. .30 M1” on the front and “UNDERWOOD / 2825388” on the rear. The top of the barrel is marked “INLAND MFG. DIV. / GENERAL MOTORS ” and “P”. Inland provided barrels to Underwood (page 50 of Craig Riesch’s book, U.S. M1 Carbines Wartime Production 7th Edition). The right rear of the trigger group is marked “INLAND” which is an Inland mark (page 78). The hammer is marked “UC” which is not listed on page 89. Our research indicates this is a Utica Cutlery subcontractor mark. The Type IV magazine release is marked “M” which is a post WWII rebuild mark  (page 100-101 & 184). The smooth rotary safety is marked “circled S” which is a post WWII rebuild mark (pages 95 & 184). The inside of the operating slide is marked PI” which is an Inland mark (page 65). The bolt is marked with a faded “AI” on the left lug which is an Inland mark (page 36). The front sight is marked “SI U” which is an Underwood mark (page 56). The Type III rear sight is marked “J.A.O. / 7160060” which is a post WWII rebuild mark (page 29 & 184). The Type II barrel band is marked “KI” which is an Inland mark (page 59). The rear of the magazine is marked “U” which is listed as a “Miscellaneous” mark (page 142-143). The sling is marked “US”.

Barrel Length: Approximately 18 Inches

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a bladed post set between 2 protective wings. The rear of the sight post has been painted white. The rear sight is a Type III adjustable aperture assembly.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The unmarked reproduction M1A1 folding paratrooper stock folds properly. The left side of the forearm shows an area of small deep scratches. The wood shows other scrapes, scratches & compression marks.  These marks have been oiled over. The metal shows various scrapes.The bottom rear of the buttsock shows an area of pin prick surface erosion next to the buttplate.  Overall this stock is in about Very Good Plus to Fine condition.

Type of Finish: Parkerized. The barrel has been treated with cold blue.

Finish Originality: Original to Rebuild

Bore Condition: The lands are bright and the grooves are semi bright. The muzzle and the grooves near the muzzle are light grey. The rifling is sharp. There is fouling and intermittent erosion at the muzzle and in the grooves near the muzzle. The fouling should clean up some. The bore shows an M.E. of 2.7.

Overall Condition: This barreled action retains about 90% of its metal finish. The barrel has been treated with cold blue. The bottom of the receiver shows an area of pin prick surface erosion and discoloration from oxidation. The metal shows several scrapes, scratches, and handling marks. The right side of the receiver shows some thinning consistent with cycling. The barrel band and bolt have surface erosion showing through the (rebuild) finish. Most of the markings are deep. Overall, this barreled action rates in about Very Good condition.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this barreled action. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: The auction includes a reproduction M1A1 folding paratrooper stock; see above.
The rifle comes with a green canvas sling and a 15 round magazine. The sling metal shows scrapes & oxidation. Overall it is n about Fine condition. The magazine shows scrapes and a small spot of surface erosion. Overall it is in about Very Good Plus condition.

Our Assessment: This barreled action started life back in 1944 as an M1 Carbine made by the Underwood Corporation. At some point it was rebuilt and has since been removed from its stock. A reproduction M1A1 folding paratrooper stock is included in the auction along with a sling and a 15 round magazine. The barreled action is not set in the folding stock, as that would be illegal in California. The action and stock may be assembled outside of California. Good luck.