Winchester M1 Carbine Israeli IDF .30 Semi Automatic Rifle MFD 1943 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1103.52
LSB#: 210120GO08
Make: Winchester
Model: M1 Carbine
Serial Number: 1082935
Year of Manufacture: April, 1943 (page 32 of Scott Duff’s book The M1 Carbine Owner’s Guide). No Barrel Date
Caliber: .30 Carbine
Action Type: Semi Auto, Detachable Magazine
Markings: The import mark under the barrel reads “DAVIDSONS GREENSBORO NC”. The top of the receiver is marked “U.S. CARBINE / CAL. 30 M1” on the front and “WINCHESTER / TRADE MARK / 1082935” on the rear. The barrel is marked “W” and with a Winchester “PW in an oval” proof mark (under the barrel band). These are Winchester marks (page 49 of Craig Riesch’s book, U.S. M1 Carbines Wartime Production 7th Edition). The right side of the barrel is marked with a “flaming bomb” above the gas piston. The right rear of the trigger group is marked “N” which is a National Postal Meter mark (page 78) and “9” which is a production mark. The hammer is marked “HI” which is an Inland mark (pages 89). The magazine release is marked “CC / M” which is a post WWII rebuild mark (pages 100 & 185). The rotary safety is marked “S in a circle” 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 “OI” on the left lug which is an Inland mark (page 36) and “3” which is a production number. The front sight is marked “SI U” which is an Underwood mark (page 56). The Type II rear sight is marked “PI” on the right which was used for Inland and Saginaw Gear (page 29). The Type III barrel band is marked “AI” which is an Inland mark (page 59). The sling well is marked “OI” which is an Inland mark (page 108-109). The inside of the handguard is marked “OI” which is an Inland mark (page 138). The bottom of the grip is marked with a faded “circled P” proof. The left side of the buttstock is marked with the serial number “108 2935” (10mm numbers) stamped horizontally below the comb. This is an Israeli marking (pages 193 & 194).
Barrel Length: Approximately 18 Inches
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a post set between two protective wings. The rear sight is a Type II adjustable aperture assembly.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The two piece hardwood stock has a pistol grip, Type III barrel band with sling loop & bayonet lug, sling well, sling pass through and a metal buttplate. The buttplate shows small scratches, dents, discoloration and 2 small drilled holes. The wood shows numerous scrapes, scratches & compression marks. Several have damaged small portions of surface wood. Most of these marks have been oiled over. 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 Rebuild
Bore Condition: The bore is mostly bright. The area near the muzzle is intermittently semi bright and light grey. The rifling is deep. There is intermittent erosion near the muzzle. The bore shows an M.E. of 1.2.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 88% of its metal finish. The metal shows scrapes, small scratches, light thinning and discoloration. The right side of the receiver shows thinning from cycling. The barrel band screw head shows use. The markings are deep. Overall, this rifle rates in about Very Good condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We have not fired this rifle. As with all previously owned firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: There is No magazine.
Our Assessment: This Winchester M1 Carbine was made back in 1943. It served during WWII and eventually found its way to Israel where it continued its service life. It was later imported back to the U.S. to be sold to the civilian market. The rifle is import marked under the barrel and the stock has been marked with the serial number (10mm tall numbers) by the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF). This should make for a fun and collectible piece of Military history.
According to pages 193 & 194 of Craig Riesch’s book, U.S. M1 Carbines Wartime Production 7th Edition, Israeli M1 Carbines were part of various aid packages sent to Israel in the 1960’s. They had already gone through the U.S. post war rebuild program. These M1 Carbines will be import marked (as required by the 1968 Gun Control Act) and marked with 10mm (height) numbers stamped horizontally on the butt stock below the comb on the left side.