WWII Inland Division General Motors M1 Carbine Semi Auto Rifle 1944 C&R

SOLD FOR: $1,325.00

LSB#: WY240601RN012

Make: Inland Division of General Motors

Model:  M1 Carbine

Serial Number: 5356153

Year of Manufacture: Mid 1944, Barrel Date 6-1944.

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. 5356153”

The magazine release is marked “M” and “W.” for Wadsworth Watch Case CO.

The rear sight is marked Shield “I.R.C.O.”-for International Register CO.

The Lug is unmarked

The stock is marked in the sling cut with “IO” for Inland Overton, the right flank has a large ordnance wheel.

The upper handguard is marked “IO” for Inland Overton.

The trigger group is marked “INLAND”

The hammer is marked “H” for Hillerich Machine Company.

The cross bolt safety is unmarked.

The slide is marked with a faint “7160091   B”.- a Winchester Slide.

The barrel flat has the usual Inland hieroglyphics. The top of the barrel is marked “P” about 6.25 inches back from the front sight, the end of the barrel is marked “INLAND MFG. DIV. GENERAL MOTORS 6-44”.

The front sight is stamped with “N”-International Business Machine part

The barrel band is unmarked

The oiler is marked “IS” for International Silver Co.

The magazine is marked “BW” for Bridgeport Metal Goods a Winchester subcontract magazine.

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 an Oval cut, low wood stock, with a four rivet handguard, type two barrel band, an early style cross bolt safety and a checkered metal Buttplate. The LOP measures about 13.25” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The stock shows lines, scratches and compressions scattered throughout with notable gouges on the left side of the grip and the right side of the wrist. There are no chips or visible cracks. The upper handguard shows similar wear. The metal buttplate has turned green / brown with patina, has semi sharp checkering and has scratches around the edges. Overall the furniture is in Very Good condition for C&R.

Magazine Quantity & Condition: None.

Type of Finish: Parkerized and Blued.

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is 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 97% of its metal finish. The bolt and friction surfaces of the receiver show the majority of wear. The barrel band shows almost no wear and retains its finish. Most of the metal surfaces have turned green with age. The screw heads are sharp and the markings are clear. Overall, this rifle rates in about Fine to Very Fine 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 rifle includes a green sling and the one 15 round magazine mentioned above.

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. To better understand this M1 carbine please see our high quality photos Via the link and best of luck with your bidding!!!-R.L.