Early WWII Inland Division General Motors M1 Carbine .30 Cal 18” Rifle
SOLD FOR: $1,475
WOA#: WY240119RL010
Make: Inland Division of General Motors
Model: M1 Carbine
Serial Number: 506826
Year of Manufacture: 1942-1943
Caliber: .30 Cal Carbine
Action Type: Semi-Automatic
Markings: The top of the receiver is marked, “U.S. CARBINE CAL. 30 M1 / INLAND DIV ”506826”. The trigger housing is stamped with the Inland logo.The hammer is marked “HI”. The slide is marked “D-7161843-7/HSA”. The barrel is marked “UNDERWOOD 7-44”. The bottom of the pistol grip is marked with a “P”. The buttstock is marked with a faded “G”. The barrel band is marked with “JM”.
Barrel Length: 17.75″
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a fixed blade with protective ears. The rear sight is an adjustable aperture sight with sliding elevation.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock had a semi pistol grip, Type III barrel band with sling loop & bayonet lug, sling well, sling pass through, and a metal buttplate. The buttplate shows discoloration and surface erosion. The wood shows several compression lines; most are small. The LOP measures 13.25 inches from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The stock rates in about Very Good overall condition as refinished.
Magazine Quantity & Condition: One 15rd magazine marked “AI” in Very Good Condition.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Original to arsenal refurbishment
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is mostly sharp. There is no corrosion. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 8/10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 95% of its metal finish. The balance of the finish shows wear across the bolt group surface and around the receiver including some scratches on the barrel. The screw head on the barrel band is worn, the rest are sharp, and the pins are unmarred. Most markings are clear, some are worn. Overall, this rifle rates 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: Total of one magazine, one ammo pouch, one bayonet, and tan US canvas carry case
Our Assessment:
The Early WWII Inland Division General Motors M1 Carbine .30 Cal 18” played a pivotal role in World War II as a lightweight, semi-automatic rifle that provided American soldiers with increased firepower and mobility on the battlefield. Manufactured primarily by the Inland Division of General Motors, this variant of the M1 Carbine featured an 18-inch barrel, making it compact and suitable for close-quarters combat. Its .30 caliber ammunition offered soldiers better stopping power than standard-issue handguns, while its semi-automatic action allowed for rapid follow-up shots without the need for manual cycling.
Despite its relatively modest firepower compared to larger rifles, the M1 Carbine was favored for its lightweight design and ease of handling, particularly by troops such as paratroopers, tank crews, and support personnel who needed a more compact weapon. Its adoption by various branches of the U.S. military during the early stages of World War II underscored its versatility and effectiveness in a variety of combat scenarios. The Early WWII Inland Division General Motors M1 Carbine .30 Cal 18” remains an iconic symbol of American military ingenuity and innovation during the war, serving as a reliable and widely-used firearm throughout the conflict. Please see our photos and Good Luck bidding! C.J.
