WWII US Quality Hardware M1 M-1 Carbine .30 Cal Semi-Auto Rifle, 1944 C&R
Sold For: $1,425
LSB#: 201018CA32
Make: Quality Hardware & Machine Company (Quality H.M.C.)
Model: M1 Carbine
Serial Number: 4773256
Year of Manufacture: 1944, Barrel Date 1 – 44.
Caliber: .30 Carbine
Action Type: Semi Automatic, Detachable Magazine Fed (no magazine included)
Markings: The top of the receiver is marked “U.S. CARBINE / CAL. .30 M1” on the front, “4773256” in front of the rear sight and “QUALITY H.M.C. / 4773256” on the rear. The barrel is marked “INLAND MFG. DIV. / GENERAL MOTORS / 1 – 44” on the top behind the front sight, a “P” on the top under the nosecap, and on the flat at the left-rear with flaming bomb. According to page 50 of Craig Riesch’s book, U.S. M1 Carbines Wartime Production 7th Edition, Inland Division supplied barrels for Quality Hardware. The hammer is marked “H.I.” (marking used by different makers, but not Quality HMC). The magazine release is marked “M” (post-war rebuild mark). The rotary safety is marked with an “M” inside “C” (post WWII rebuild stamp). The inside of the operating slide is marked “.U.” inside circle (Underwood). The bolt is marked “.U.” by the left lug (Underwood). The front sight is marked “.U.” (post-war rebuild). The Type II rear sight is marked “H” in shield (Winchester, Rock-Ola). The Type III barrel band is marked “MMQ” (Quality HMC). The right side of the butt is marked with “G.H.D. / U.E.F.” and crossed cannons in box cartouche, the bottom of the grip has circled “P” over-stamped with “RA-P” and the sling well is marked “M-U” (Underwood, post-war rebuilt). The inside of the handguard is marked “8675”.
Barrel Length: Approximately 18 Inches
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a post set between two protective wings. The rear sight is an adjustable Type II aperture assembly.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock has a pistol grip, metal barrel band with sling loop & bayonet lug, sling well, sling pass through and a metal buttplate. The buttplate shows wear around the outside and some thinning finish in the face. The wood shows various scrapes, scratches, nicks, and dings, most light but with more notable scraping behind the recoil plate in the top of the wrist. The handguard has moderate play. There are no chips or cracks. The LOP measures 13 1/8 inches from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The stock rates in about Very Good overall condition.
Type of Finish: Parkerized
Finish Originality: Original to Arsenal Refurbishment
Bore Condition: The bore is mostly bright; semi bright at the muzzle. The rifling is sharp. There is no erosion. Our gauge shows an M.E. of about 2.25.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 70% of its metal finish. The finish is thinning in most areas, going to a light gray color. There are some scattered light nicks, scratches and scrapes. The action shows light-moderate operational wear. The screw heads range from sharp to tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle is in about Very Good 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 green canvas sling. The sling has scattered light wear, in about Very Good condition. Please note, no magazine is included.
Our Assessment: This Quality Hardware M1 Carbine was originally made in 1944. It was Arsenal Refurbished at some point during or after the war. It was rebuilt using a mix of USGI parts. The markings on the metal & wood add to its historical value. This M1 Carbine should be fun to shoot and looks nice enough to add to your WWII Collection. Good luck.
CA Legal or CA Private Party Transferable (THIS SECTION DOES NOT APPLY TO OUT-OF-STATE RESIDENTS): This C&R CAN be transferred in California. All C&R firearms must be transferred through your local dealer OR at our Simi Valley location; we cannot ship directly to a C&R holder in California. Out of state residents can disregard this section – your local laws apply.
