WWII Quality Hardware & Machine M1 Carbine .30 Cal Semi-auto Rifle 1943 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1,325.00
WOA#: WY240714LP139
Make: Quality Hardware & Machine Co.
Model: M1 Carbine
Serial Number: 1620179
Year of Manufacture: Receiver date June 1943, Barrel Date 6-1943
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 “1620179”.
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 “ROCK-OLA / 6-43”. The gas block is marked “ROCK-OLA” Correct for QHMC
The front sight is marked with a “RIA” on the left side for Rock Island Armory.
The rear sight is marked Shield “H”-Hemphill MFG. Co.
The magazine release button is marked “M”
The receiver block in the stock is unmarked.
The inside of the upper handguard is marked “M-U” for Marlin Underwood
The hammer is marked “H.I.” for Hemphill MFG CO.
The trigger group is marked “S’G’” for Saginaw Gear
The sear is marked “RI” for Reece Buttonhole Machine Company
The barrel band is marked “KI” Keeler Brass Co.
The right side of the stock is marked with an illegible stamp.
The stock is marked with “S&C U” for Sprague & Carleton Co., a replacement stock. It is also stamped “STD / PROD / RWH”.
The oiler is marked “IS” for International Silver CO.
The magazines are marked “IW” for International Silver CO. made for Winchester, and “MN” for Mattatuck MFG. CO. made for National Postage Meter.
Barrel Length: 18″
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a fixed blade set between protective ears. The rear sight is a later style sliding aperture sight with a serrated 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 flip safety. The LOP measures about 13.25” from the front of the trigger to the back of the stock. This refinished replacement stock shows chips in the butt around the buttplate, the nose has some scrapes, there is a small chip out of the left side, and several scattered very small depressions. The handguard shows some minor lines on the top with no cracks. The stock has a small crack forming from the recoil lug. The metal buttplate has lost some of its finish, and begun to turn brown with patina and has also begun to rust. Overall the stock is in Good to Good + condition as refinished for a C&R rifle.
Magazine Quantity & Condition: This rifle includes the two 15 round magazines listed above both in Very Good condition.
Type of Finish: Parkerized and Blued
Finish Originality: Original and refinished.
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is well defined. There is some barely visible erosion in the bore. There are some lines in the grooves from use. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 8/10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 95% of its refinished metal finish. This rifle appears to have rusted and then refinished, and now the rust is starting to show back through the finish as freckling that is scattered over the refinished surfaces. There is also rust forming on the recoil lug screw, and as mentioned above the buttplate. There is very minor wear present on the bolt and friction surfaces of the receiver. The screw heads are sharp and the markings are clear. Overall the rifle is in about Good condition for C&R. Please see our high quality photos via the link for a better understanding of the rifle’s 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: This rifle includes the attached magazine pouch, 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, 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 has many parts from many different manufacturers which is very typical for these rifles. This is one of the most unique aspects of collecting and appreciating M1 carbines, the fact that each one is unique and tells its own story with its combination of parts. Please see our high quality photos via the link and best of luck with your bidding!!!-R.L.
