WWII Quality Hardware M1 Carbine M-1 U.S. .30 Semi Automatic Rifle 1944 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1760
LSB#: 220218RW016
Make: Quality Hardware & Machine Company (Quality H.M.C.)
Model: M1 Carbine
Serial Number: 4657222
Year of Manufacture: January to March, 1944 (page 30 of Scott Duff’s book, The M1 Carbine Owner’s Guide).
No Barrel Date
Caliber: .30 Carbine
Action Type: Semi Automatic, Detachable Magazine
Markings: There is no import mark. The top of the receiver is marked “U.S. CARBINE / CAL. .30 M1” on the front and “QUALITY H.M.C. / 4657222” on the rear. The Rock-Ola barrel is marked “ROCK-OLA” . and “P” (page 50). The right side of the gas piston housing is marked “ROCK-OLA”. The left side of the barrel is marked with a “flaming bomb” to the rear ofhte gas piston. The left rear of the trigger group is marked “INLAND” which is an Inland mark (page 78). The hammer is marked “WU” which is an Underwood mark (page 89). The magazine release is marked “M” and “EI” which is an Inland mark (page 100). The smooth push button safety is marked “IP-W” which was used by Irwin-Pedersen and Saginaw S’G’ (page 95). The inside of the operating slide is marked with a faded “PI” which is an Inland mark (page 65). The bolt is marked “W” on the right lug which is a Winchester mark (page 36). The front sight is marked “JQ” which is a Quality Hardware mark (page 56). The Type I rear sight is marked “S” on the left and is unmarked on the right, which was used by other manufacturers (page 29). The Type IA barrel band is marked “Q-TK” which is a Quality Hardware mark (pages 59-60 & 185). The sling well is marked “OI” which is an Inland mark (page 108-109). The inside of the handguard is unmarked which is consistent with Winchester and Irwin-Pedersen (page 138). The rear of the magazine body is marked “UQ” which is a Quality Hardware mark (page 142-143).
Barrel Length: Approximately 18 Inches
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a post set between two protective wings. The rear sight is a Type I flip up dual aperture assembly.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock has a pistol grip, Type IA barrel band with sling loop, sling well, sling pass through and a metal buttplate. The wood shows several scrapes & scratches. Most of the marks are small and/or light. The LOP measures 13 1/4 inches from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The stock rates in about Very Good Plus to Fine overall condition.
Type of Finish: Parkerized
Finish Originality: Original to Rebuild
Bore Condition: The muzzle & grooves are semi bright. The rifling is deep. There is fouling and intermittent erosion at the muzzle and in the grooves near the muzzle. The fouling should clean up a bit. The bore shows an M.E. of 1.5.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 97% of its metal finish. The barrel shows a few scrapes & small scratches. The remaining metal shows light handling marks. The receiver and bolt show operational wear. The markings are deep. Overall, this rifle rates in about Very Good Plus to Fine condition.
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: The rifle comes with a sling and a magazine. The 15 round magazine shows scrapes and surface erosion. It is in about Good condition.
The 15 round magazine is not available to residents of California or any other state with magazine capacity restrictions.
Please see photos as to the condition of the listed items.
Our Assessment: The M1 Carbine was developed and produced after WWII started. Over 6 million were made by a number of U.S. companies to assist with the all out war effort. The M1 Carbine was widely issued to U.S. Military Forces which numbered over 16 million during WWII. The M1 Carbine contributed greatly to U.S. efforts during WWII.
During WWII Quality Hardware & Machine Company (Quality H.M.C.) was one of the many companies that tooled up to produce M1 Carbines to support the war effort. Quality Hardware produced about 5.9% of the total number of wartime M1 Carbines. Due to its lower production numbers Quality M1 Carbines are desired by many collectors.
This Quality Hardware M1 Carbine was made back in 1944 and most likely saw use during WWII. After WWII it was rebuilt with a mix of USGI parts including a “ROCK-OLA” marked barrel. This M1 Carbine looks great for its age and should be lots of fun to shoot. This Quality M1 Carbine will add nicely to your WWII collection. Good luck.