WWII Quality Hardware & Machine M1 Carbine .30 Cal Semi-auto Rifle 1943 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1,025.00
LSB#: WY240725TK003
Make: Quality Hardware & Machine Co.
Model: M1 Carbine
Serial Number: 1597051
Year of Manufacture: Receiver date June 1943, Barrel Date June-1944
Caliber: .30 Carbine
Action Type: Semi-Automatic, fed by detachable magazines.
Markings:
The top-rear of the receiver is marked “QUALITY H.M.C.”, and “1597051”.
The top-front of the receiver is marked “U.S. CARBINE”, “CAL .30 M1”.
The barrel is marked with a “P” about mid length, toward the muzzle is marked “INLAND MFG. DIV. / GENERAL MOTORS / 6-44”. The bottom of the barrel flat has all the usual Inland “hieroglyphics”.
The front sight is marked “EU”-for Prestole Div. Detroit Harvester
The rear sight is marked with “I.R.C.O.” for International Register CO.
The magazine release button is marked “M” and “W” a Winchester part
The rotary safety is marked with “JAO” for J.A. Otterbein however it is also stamped with the double “SS” stamp. This is a post war rebuild code.
The receiver block in the stock is unmarked.
The inside of the upper handguard is marked “JL B” for Jamestown Lounge Co.
The hammer is marked with a barely visible “MB” I believe this is actually a faded “WMB” meaning the hammer is an IBM part,
The Trigger Group is marked with a faint “INLAND” mark.
The barrel band is marked “KI” for Keeler Brass Co.
The new production magazine is marked with a “U”.
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 Oval cut, low-wood, with a 2-rivet upper handguard, Type 3 barrel band with bayonet lug, and a checkered metal butt plate. This rifle also has the later style rotary safety. The LOP measures about 13.25” from the front of the trigger to the back of the stock. This stock has been heavily sanded, refinished and then lacquered. As a result the stock shows almost no marks or marrs other than light handling wear. However there is a crack in the right side of the nose, and a crack on the left side of the recoil block that started at the screw. The metal buttplate has semi-sharp checkering, has been refinished, and now shows only minor wear around the edges. Overall the stock is in Very Good to Fine condition as refinished for C&R.
Magazine Quantity & Condition: This rifle includes one new production 15 round magazine in Excellent condition.
Type of Finish: Parkerized
Finish Originality: Refinished and Original.
Bore Condition: The bore is very bright and the rifling is defined. There is no visible erosion in the bore. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 9/10.
Overall Condition:This rifle retains about 97% of its refinished metal finish. There is wear on the friction surfaces of the receiver and bolt. The trigger group shows almost no signs of wear. The front sight has some scratches and dings in the wings. The barrel has some marks from the barrel band being moved back and forth during assembly and disassembly. The barrel band shows a few exterior marks. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are faint in some areas and clear in others. Overall this rifle is in about Fine condition as refinished 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 the magazine.
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, IBM, and General Motors’ Inland Division, and Quality Hardware and Machine 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. This example of a Quality Hardware & Machine Co. 1943 M1 carbine has been extensively refinished and is in Fine overall condition. The bore is way above average for an M1 barrel produced in 1944. The safety has a post War rebuild marking that I have never seen before with the “JAO” mark being stamped over with the “SS” marking. I believe this rifle will make an excellent display piece, unique addition to an M1 collection and even a Shooter. Please see our high quality photos via the link and best of luck with your bidding!!!-R.L.