WWII Inland Division General Motors M1 Carbine in a Repro Paratrooper Stock
SOLD FOR: $1,225.00
WOA#: WY240701MF003
Make: Inland Division of General Motors
Model: M1 Carbine
Serial Number: 4993011
Year of Manufacture: Receiver between January and August 1944. Barrel Date 6-1945
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. 4993011”.
The magazine release is marked “M”.
The rear sight is marked “I.R.C.O.” for International Register CO.
The Lug is unmarked.
The stock has no visible markings.
The oiler is marked “IS” for International Silver CO. correct for Inland Div.
The right side of the trigger group is marked with “S’G’”. A Saginaw Gear part.
The left side of the hammer is marked dot “U” dot for Underwood Elliot Fisher.
The slide is marked “I”
The Bottom of the barrel is stamped with “T 8 M Y R 9 1 A”, The top of the barrel is marked “P” about 2.75” back from the front sight, the end of the barrel is marked “INLAND MFG. DIV. / GENERAL MOTORS / 6-45”
The front sight is unmarked.
The barrel band is marked “SI”
The upper handguard is unmarked.
The bottom of the trigger groups has been marked with what appears to be mark “JNH” in electro pencil.
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 knurled windage knob dovetailed to the receiver.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is a reproduction paratrooper low wood stock with a four rivet handguard, Fat style pistol grip, folding stock with leather cheek piece, checkered cast butt plate, type three barrel band with bayonet lug, and later style flip safety. The LOP measures about 13.25” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The wood on the stock shows surface scratches and compressions scattered throughout and a chip forming on the right side by the stock lug. There are no cracks in the wood. The stock folds easily and the metal butt plate has sharp checkering with some surface rust present. The leather and rivets show no signs of wear or damage. The bottom of the wire portion of the stock has some surface rust present. The handguard also has some very minor scratches and compressions. Overall the stock rates in about Good to Good + condition.
Magazine Quantity & Condition: This carbine includes 10 total magazines. 5 x 30 round and 5 x 15 round. The fifteen round mags are marked “IS”, “WEP”, “B’ and two are marked “U”. The thirty round magazines are marked “M2”, Two are marked “MADE IN USA” and two are unmarked. The conditions range from Fair to Very Good.
Type of Finish: Parkerized.
Finish Originality: Refinished Receiver, front sight and trigger group, original barrel and slide.
Bore Condition: The bore is very bright with well defined rifling. There is no visible erosion. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 8.5/10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 95% of its metal finish. The barrel and barrel band have scattered surface scratches and lines. The receiver and bolt have some very minor finish loss on the friction surfaces. The trigger group shows almost no wear. The screw heads are sharp and the markings are clear. Overall, this rifle rates in about Very Good condition 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: This carbine includes the 10 magazines and a green canvas sling.
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. This example with the repro paratrooper stock, refinished 1944 receiver and trigger group and 1945 barrel will make an excellent range toy for anyone looking for a paratrooper M1 to take out and enjoy. Please see our photos and best of luck with your bidding!!!-R.L.
