Winchester Repeating Arms M1 Carbine .30 Cal 18” Semi-auto Rifle 1944 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1,327.76
WOA#: WY240613CW006
Make: Winchester
Model: M1 Carbine
Serial Number: 5649330
Year of Manufacture: 1944
Caliber: .30 Carbine
Action Type: Semi Automatic rifle fed by Detachable Magazines.
Markings:
The top-rear of the receiver is marked “WINCHESTER TRADEMARK / 5649330”
The top-front of the receiver is marked “U.S. CARBINE”, “CAL .30 M1”. The side of the receiver is stamped “K” 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 is stamped “W”. The barrel flat is unmarked.
The barrel band is unmarked
The front sight is unmarked
The rear sight is marked with a squared corner “S” a Winchester Part.
The magazine release button is marked “M”.
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 ““EW”” for Eaton Pond CO. correct for Winchester
The slide is unmarked
The stock is marked with a “Z” in the nose, and on the left side of the stock in front of the sling cut is marked “BW / S / 12 / 55”.
The lug is stamped with a “W” for Winchester
The upper handguard is markings are Illegible.
Barrel Length: 18”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a bladed post set between two protective wings. The rear sight is an early style “L” type flip aperture sight 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 and a few small dents on the outside. However the left side nose of the handguard has begun to crack and split. It is not visible when assembled. The metal buttplate has lost its finish and has begun to patina and develop surface rust. The stock shows small scrapes, compressions, and lines throughout. With a notable scratch in the right side of the nose of the stock. There are no cracks in the stock. Overall the stock is in Very Good to Fine condition for C&R. The handguard is in Fair condition with the separation in the nose.
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 2 inches of the bore. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 6.5/10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains 65% of its original finish. This receiver appears to have been painted black at some point and the black was later removed. The black still remains in patches on the inside of the magazine well, the trigger, the op rod for the slide, and various places on the receiver. There is finish loss on the friction surfaces of the bolt and receiver. Where the metal has retained the finish it has begun to turn green and brown from patina and age. The screw heads are sharp, and the markings are clear. Overall this rifle is in Good condition for C&R given its age.
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 example has over 90% correct for Winchester parts. Please see our high quality photos and best of luck with your bidding!!!-R.L.
