WWII Winchester M1 Carbine M-1 US U.S. .30 Semi Automatic Rifle 1943 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1625
LSB#: 220413RK014
Make: Winchester
Model: M1 Carbine
Serial Number: 1029174
Year of Manufacture: February, 1943 (page 32 of Scott Duff’s book, The M1 Carbine Owner’s Guide). Barrel Date: February, 1943
Caliber: .30 Carbine
Action Type: Semi Auto, Detachable Magazine
Markings: There is no import mark. The top front of the receiver is marked “U.S. CARBINE / CAL. .30 M1” and the top rear is marked “Winchester / Trade Mark / 1029174”. The top of the barrel is marked “flaming bomb / W.R.A. / 2-43” and with a Winchester “PW in an oval” proof mark under the barrel band. This is a correctly marked Winchester barrel (page 49 of Craig Riesch’s book, U.S. M1 Carbines Wartime Production 7th Edition). The right side of the barrel is marked with a partial “flaming bomb” just above the gas piston. The trigger group is marked “ROCK-OLA” which is a Rock Ola mark (page 78). The hammer is marked “HI” which is an Inland mark (pages 88-90). The Type IV magazine release is marked “M” which is a post WWII rebuild mark (page 100 & 185). The rotary safety is marked “M inside a C” which is a post WWII rebuild mark (pages 95 & 185). The bottom of the operating slide is marked “DA-Q” which is a Quality Hardware mark (page 65). The bolt is marked “N” and “14” on the left lug which are National Postal Meter marks (page 36). The front sight is marked “RP” which is a Rock Ola mark (page 56). The Type II rear sight is marked “PI” which is an Inland mark (page 29). The Type III barrel band is marked “KI” which is an Inland mark (page 59). The underside of the handguard is marked “OI” which is an Inland mark (page 138). The sling well is unmarked which is consistent with Winchester (page 108-109). The right side of the butt is marked “.U.” which is a private contractor Rebuild Stamp from the Underwood Elliott Fisher Co. (page 184). The rear of the magazine 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 II adjustable aperture.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The wood stock has a pistol grip, Type III barrel band with sling loop & bayonet lug, sling well, sling pass through, and a metal buttplate. The buttplate has been refinsihed. The barrel band shows thinning and surface erosion. The wood shows numerous scrapes, scratches and compression marks. The wood has been oiled. 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 overall condition.
Type of Finish: Parkerized
Finish Originality: Original to Arsenal Rebuild
Bore Condition: The lands are bright. The muzzle and grooves are semi bright. The rifling is deep. There is fouling and light erosion at the muzzle and in the grooves. The fouling should clean up a bit. The bore shows an M.E. of 1.3.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 60% of its metal finish. The metal shows scrapes, scratches, discoloration from oxidation and a few areas of light surface erosion. The sides of the trigger group and receiver show thinning under the wood. The exposed portion of the barrel shows surface erosion and thinning. The right front of the operating slide shows an area of surface erosion and thinning. The receiver and bolt show operational wear. Most of the markings are deep. Overall, this rifle rates in about Good to Very Good condition.
Mechanics: The trigger housing retaining pin is broken in half. Only half of the pin remains. It holds the trigger group in place.
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 magazine has some dried grease residue on it. It shows several small scrapes. It is in Very Good Plus to Fine condition.
The 15 round magazine is not available to residents of California or any other state with magazine capacity restrictions.
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.
Winchester is responsible for the development of both the M1 Carbine and the .30 Carbine cartridge. Despite having a long firearms history and being responsible for M1 Carbine development, Winchester did not produce the majority of M1 Carbines during WWII. Winchester was responsible for about 13.5% of the total number of WWII M1 Carbines.
This Winchester M1 Carbine was made back in 1943. At some point it was rebuilt by the Underwood Elliott Fisher Company and is marked accordingly on the stock. It was rebuilt using a mix of USGI parts but still retains its original Winchester marked barrel. The rifle has seen some use but has deep markings, nice wood and a very good bore. It will add to your collection and should be fun at the range. Good luck.