WWII Inland Division General Motors M1 Carbine .30 Cal 18” Rifle 1944 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1,070
WOA#: WY240302RL001
Make: Inland Division of General Motors
Model: M1 Carbine
Serial Number: 4900307
Year of Manufacture: Early 1944
Caliber: .30 Cal Carbine
Action Type: Semi-Automatic
Markings:
The top of the receiver is marked, “U.S. CARBINE CAL. 30 M1 / INLAND DIV. 4900307”.
The magazine release is marked “M”.
The right side of the rear sight is marked “H.I.”
The right side of the trigger group is marked “W”
The barrel band is marked with “KI” on the side.
The front sight is marked with an “EU”.
The barrel is marked “SAGINAW S.G. DIV. GENERAL MOTORS”, and “P”
The bottom of the grip is marked with “604”.
Barrel Length: 18″
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a fixed blade with protective ears. The rear sight is a sliding adjustable aperture sight dovetailed to the receiver.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is a Type III (low wood) M1 stock with a checkered metal Buttplate, upper handguard with narrow groove and 2 rivets, and Type III Barrel Band with bayonet lug. The safety lever is a later switch instead of the earlier crossbolt safety. The slide is a type V slide. The LOP measures about 13.25” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The stock has small scrapes, scuffs and compression marks throughout the stock. There is a small chip towards the butt of the stock on the left side, two inside the sling recess, and one on the right hand side of the handguard. Overall the stock rates in about Good overall condition for C&R given its age.
Magazine Quantity & Condition: None.
Type of Finish: Parkerized
Finish Originality: Refinished.
Bore Condition: The bore is bright, with shallow visible rifling and some minor erosion. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 6.5/10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 95% of its finish. There is very minor handling wear and dust from storage throughout the balance of the finish. The butt plate has almost no signs of wear. Overall this rifle is in Very Good condition as refinished.
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: During the early stages of World War II, the U.S. military recognized the need for a lightweight rifle that would bridge the gap between the heavy and cumbersome M1 Garand rifle and the standard issue sidearm, the M1911 pistol. The goal was to provide troops with a compact and easy-to-handle firearm that offered more firepower than a pistol but was lighter and more maneuverable than a full-size rifle. In 1941, the U.S. Army’s Ordnance Department contracted with various manufacturers, including Winchester, Inland, and General Motors’ Inland Division, to develop and produce the M1 Carbine. The rifle was designed by a team led by firearms designer David Williams, who drew inspiration from the successful M1 Garand and the short-recoil action of the M1 Thompson submachine gun. The M1 Carbine featured a gas-operated, semi-automatic action and fired a .30 caliber cartridge known as the .30 Carbine. The cartridge, while less powerful than the standard .30-06 ammunition used in the M1 Garand, offered greater capacity and reduced recoil, making it more controllable and well-suited for short to medium-range engagements. The M1 Carbine saw widespread use in World War II, becoming a staple firearm for American troops. It was praised for its reliability, ease of use, and versatility. The rifle was not only issued to U.S. forces but also provided to allied nations through various lend-lease programs. After World War II, the M1 Carbine continued to serve in the Korean War and saw limited use in subsequent conflicts. It also became popular among civilian shooters and collectors due to its historical significance and manageable recoil. Overall, the M1 Carbine played a significant role in U.S. military history, offering a lightweight and reliable firearm that filled a niche between pistols and full-size rifles. Its compact design, firepower, and ease of use made it a favored weapon among soldiers in various roles and contributed to its enduring legacy. Please see our photos and best of luck with your bidding!!!-R.L.
