Universal M1 Carbine Paratrooper .30 Cal 18” Semi-Auto Rifle Underfolder
SOLD FOR: $836
WOA#: WY230323LB003
Make: Universal Firearms
Model: M1 Carbine
Serial Number: 136894
Year of Manufacture: 1967-1984
Caliber: .30 Cal Carbine
Action Type: Semi-Automatic
Markings: The top of the receiver is marked “UNIVERSAL HIALEAH, FLA. PAT. 3.382,766”. The rear top of the receiver is marked “136894”. The mag release button is marked, “M”.
Barrel Length: 18″
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 is American Walnut with ventilated metal handguard, underfolding buttstock, and sling ring on the left side of the barrel band and bottom of the pistol grip. Has late style bayonet lug. The pistol grip is checkered synthetic. The LOP measures 13.5” from the front of the trigger to the black of the extended buttplate. The stock rates in about Very Good overall condition. There are no chips or cracks. The wood is clean with very little compression marks and scratches. The chrome vented handguard is free of corrosion. The stock folds as intended.
Magazine Quantity & Condition: This rifle comes with 3x 15 rd magazines and 1 30rd magazine ranging from Fair-Very Good condition. One has some mild levels of corrosion and erosion, however, all the springs are strong and the leading edges are mostly sharp.
Type of Finish: Blued, Chrome plated handguard.
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is semi-bright and the rifling a bit worn. There is little to no visible erosion in the bore.
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 heads are sharp and the pins are unmarred. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle rates in about Very Good condition. Please see our photos for a better understanding of the rifle’s overall 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 comes with a total of 4 magazines and its canvas green sling.
Our Assessment: If you want to own the grandfather of all modern AR and AK, you want this gun. If you want a cool gun with an interesting history to spec out your arsenal, you also want this gun. Air superiority was immensely important during World War II, which meant that arming the men who jumped out of planes was a top priority for militaries at the time. In May 1942, the US military adopted the M1A1 Carbine, which is functionally the same as the M1 Carbine, except for the wire-frame folding stock. The folding wire-frame stock allowed paratroopers to contain the M1A1 in a convenient leg bag, and these carbines weighed 5lbs, half of what the M1 Garands, which were the other firearms issued to paratroopers, weighed. Only the Inland Division of General Motors produced these light and compact firearms, making over 140,000 units for the war effort. These carbines saw action through WWII, Korean War, and Vietnam War years and earned a loyal following across the nation.
Universal Firearms began production in 1961 using surplus military parts to create a civilian version of the WWII M1 Carbine aka the Universal Carbine. When the military surplus parts ran out, Universal simply produced their own. This could be a critter gun, a range gun, or a truck gun thanks to its compact yet powerful build with its unique underfolding stock. It’s up to you, but you have to bid on it first!