Winchester Repeating Arms M1 Carbine .30 Cal 18” Semi-auto Rifle 1944 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1,252.66
WOA#: WY240406WM024
Make: Winchester
Model: M1 Carbine
Serial Number: 5668496
Year of Manufacture: February- November 1944
Caliber: .30 Carbine
Action Type: Semi Automatic rifle fed by Detachable Magazines.
Markings:
The top-rear of the receiver is marked “WINCHESTER TRADEMARK / 5668496”
The top-front of the receiver is marked “U.S. CARBINE”, “CAL .30 M1”. The flat has a Firing proof punch.
The barrel is marked with a “PW” Mandatory Winchester firing proof about 3” back from the front sight. One inch back is stamped “W”. Above the gas block is stamped “G” the side of the barrel is stamped “S” with a Flaming bomb ordnance inspection mark. The barrel flat is marked “S”.
The barrel band is unmarked
The front sight is unmarked
The rear sight is marked Shield “H”-Hemphill MFG. Co.
The magazine release button is marked “M” and “WI” for the Wadsworth Watch Case Co.
The hammer is marked “W” for Winchester
The bottom of the trigger guard is marked “C”. The trigger group is marked “W” for Winchester
The Safety is marked “SW” for Sargent & CO. correct for Winchester
The slide is unmarked
The Stock is stamped with an Ordnance Wheel and a “W.R.A. / G.H.D.”
The lug is Unmarked.
The upper handguard is marked “RSG” for Saginaw Grand Rapids.
Barrel Length: 18”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a fixed blade set between protective ears. The rear sight is the later style sliding aperture sight with a serrated windage knob dovetailed to the receiver.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock on this rifle is an Oval cut, low wood stock with a two rivet handguard, a type two barrel band, and a cross bolt safety. The wood appears to have been partially lightly sanded and refinished. The LOP is 13.25” from the front of the trigger to the rear of the buttplate. The upper handguard shows minor depressions, lines and a few small dents on the outside. The metal buttplate has retained most of its finish with no patina or rust, the checkering is mostly sharp. The stock shows small scrapes, compressions, and lines throughout. With a large compression on the right side of the wrist. There are no cracks in the stock. Overall the wood is in Very Good to Fine condition for C&R.
Type of Finish: Parkerized and blued.
Finish Originality: Original.
Bore Condition: The bore is very bright and the rifling is defined. There is minor visible erosion in the last 3 inches of the bore. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 7/10.
Overall Condition: The trigger group has lost nearly all of its original finish as has most of the receiver. The bolt shows finish loss on the friction surfaces. Where the rifle has its finish, the receiver, rear sight, front sight, barrel and barrel band that finish has turned brown with patina. The screw heads are sharp and the markings are clear, there is no visible surface rust on this rifle. Overall this rifle is 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: None.
Our Assessment: The M1 Carbine, a marvel of American ingenuity, emerged from the urgent demands of World War II, forever changing the landscape of military firearms. Born from a critical need for a weapon lighter than the standard M1 Garand yet more potent than the pistols and submachine guns of the era, the M1 Carbine was a game-changer. It was the brainchild of a design competition won by a team led by the ingenious David “Carbine” Williams of Winchester Repeating Arms Company. Chambered for the new, efficient .30 Carbine round, it struck a perfect balance between power and portability.
Weighing a mere 5 pounds, the M1 Carbine was a paragon of versatility and ease. Its lightweight design made it a favorite among airborne troops, officers, and support units — anyone for whom agility was paramount. The Carbine’s detachable magazine, a novel feature at the time, allowed for swift reloading, enhancing its utility in the fast-paced combat of World War II. With effective range and firepower, it adeptly filled the gap between sidearms and the more cumbersome service rifles.
Post-war, the M1 Carbine’s legacy blossomed beyond military use, finding favor with civilians for hunting, self-defense, and sport shooting, bolstered by the surplus rifles flooding the market. Today, it stands not just as a piece of military history, but as a testament to innovative wartime engineering. Collectors and history buffs treasure the M1 Carbine for its significant role in shaping modern warfare, making it a revered icon in the pantheon of American firearms. This Winchester has some very interesting markings particularly the Flaming Bomb on the gas block. To better understand this M1 carbine please see our high quality photos Via the link and best of luck with your bidding!!!-R.L.