National Postal Meter M1 Carbine .30 Cal 18” Semi-Auto Rifle w/ Flash Hider
SOLD FOR: $1,375
WOA#: WY240210RN023
Make: National Postal Meter
Model: M1 Carbine
Serial Number: 4356107
Year of Manufacture: 1944
Caliber: .30 Carbine
Action Type: Semi-Automatic
Markings: The top-rear of the receiver is marked “National Postal Meter”, “4356107”, “U”. The top-front of the receiver is marked “U.S. Carbine”, “CAL .30.M1”. The barrel is marked “INLAND MFG.DIV. / GENERAL MOTORS / 3-44” with “P” at the midsection. The front barrel band is marked “AI”. The right side of the rear sight is marked with a “PI”. The magazine release button is marked “M WA”. The right side of the buttstock is marked “NPM / FJA” with a cross-cannon ordnance mark. The inside of the sem-pistol grip is marked “P”, “77”. The front side of the interior of the stock is marked “SA”. The underside of the upper handguard is markled “I0”. The flash hider is marked “CHECK RECOIL M1” with a circled “F”.
Barrel Length: 18” Has mounted flash hider.
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a fixed blade with protective ears. The rear sight is a late sliding adjustable aperture sight dovetailed to the receiver.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is a Standard Products Type III low-wood with a Type III 4-rivet upper handguard, Type II barrel band, and an early Inland butt plate. The LOP measures about 13.25” from the front of the trigger to the back of the stock. The stock rates in about Very Good Condition. There are some compression marks, scratches, and nicks throughout. The left edge of the forend has a few nicks that have resulted in some loss to the wood.
Magazine Quantity & Condition: One 1x 15rd .30 Carbine USGI magazines.
Type of Finish: Blued, Parkerized, Phosphate
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is mostly sharp.There is some minor erosion present. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 8.5/10 for C&R.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 90% of its metal finish. The balance of the finish shows some light wear along the receiver edges,as well as along the operating-rod. There is also wear on the barrel, near the muzzle. The screw heads are sharp with some tooling evident on the barrel band screw head. The pins are unmarred. The markings are clear. 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: The rifle comes with a green canvas sling, 1x magazines, and an in-stock oiler, and a buttstock canvas dual mag pouch.
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, Inland, and General Motors’ Inland Division, 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.
After World War II, the M1 Carbine continued to serve in the Korean War and saw limited use in subsequent conflicts. It also became popular among civilian shooters and collectors due to its historical significance and manageable recoil. The M1 Carbine played a significant role in U.S. military history, offering a lightweight and reliable firearm that filled a niche between pistols and full-size rifles. Its compact design, firepower, and ease of use made it a favored weapon among soldiers in various roles and contributed to its enduring legacy. Please see our photos and good luck on your bid! – L.S.
