WWII Inland Division General Motors M1 Carbine .30 Cal 18” Rifle MFD 1944
SOLD FOR: $1,481.00
WOA#: WY240406WM018
Make: Inland Division of General Motors
Model: M1 Carbine
Serial Number: 3166211
Year of Manufacture: January 1944
Caliber: .30 Cal Carbine
Action Type: Semi-Automatic carbine fed by detachable magazines.
Markings:
The top of the receiver is marked, “U.S. CARBINE CAL. 30 M1 / INLAND DIV. 3166211”. The left side of the receiver is marked “SG”.
The magazine release is marked “W.I.”.
The right side of the rear sight is marked with the “S”.
The Trigger group is unmarked.
The left side of the hammer is marked “W.I.”
The slide is marked “QO”
The barrel band assembly is unmarked
The top of the barrel is marked “P” just in front of the gas block, and in front of the barrel band. The top of the barrel is marked “INLAND MFG. DIV. / GENERAL MOTORS 12-43” just behind the front sight. The bottom of the barrel on the flat is stamped with a multitude of proofs.
The front sight is marked “N”.
The upper handguard is stamped “IO” on the inside.
The stock is marked “IO” in the sling cut, the Circle “P” on the semi-pistol grip, and a very faint cartouche ordinance wheel on the side.
Barrel Length: 18″
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a fixed blade with protective ears. The rear sight is an early style L type aperture sight dovetailed to the receiver.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is a Type II (High wood) M1 stock with a checkered metal Buttplate, type II upper handguard with narrow groove and 2 rivets, and Type I barrel band. The safety is the early style cross bolt safety. The slide is a type VI slide. The LOP measures about 13” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The stock has been sanded and as a result has very few marks. The handguard also shows very few marks. The metal buttplate has retained most of its finish and the checkering is well defined. Overall the stock and handguard rate in about Excellent overall condition as sanded and refinished.
Magazine Quantity & Condition: None.
Type of Finish: Parkerized
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright, with defined rifling and no visible erosion In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 9/10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 95% of the original finish. There is some wear from use on the friction surfaces of the action. The bolt has some finish loss on the friction surfaces. Overall this rifle is in about Excellent condition considering its age for C&R.
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, 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.
