WWII Inland Division General Motors M1 Carbine .30 Cal 18” Rifle M1A1
SOLD FOR: $3,625
WOA#: WY231104CW002
Make: Inland Division of General Motors
Model: M1 with M1A1 Paratrooper stock
Serial Number: 6441589
Year of Manufacture: 1944
Caliber: .30 Cal Carbine
Action Type: Semi-Automatic
Markings: The top of the receiver is marked, “U.S. CARBINE CAL. 30 M1 / INLAND DIV. 6441589”. The barrel is marked “INLAND MFG. DIV. / GENERAL MOTORS / 12-44” with a P proof mark at the mid length. The inside of the buttplate is marked with appropriate original cast markings. The front sight is marked “N”. The upper handguard and inside of the stock are marked “IO”. The left side of the pistol grip is marked with a Cross Cannons Ordnance mark. The right side of the barrel band is marked “AI”. The right side of the receiver leg is marked with an INLAND manufacture stamp. There are proofs under the chamber. The mag release is marked “M”. The right side of the rear sight is marked “I.R.CO. / 7160060”. The left side of the hammer is marked “H.L”.
Barrel Length: 18″
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a fixed blade with protective ears. The rear sight is a sliding aperture sight dovetailed to the receiver.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is a Second Variation (low wood) M1A1 stock for airborne units with wire buttstock, Type III Barrel Band, and sling loop on the bottom of the grip. The inside of the stock is marked IO which correlates with an original 2nd variation M1A1 stock. The wire that makes up the buttstock measures .310-.320 which are correct dimensions for an original. The upper handguard is Type III with 4 rivets and deep narrow sight groove. The LOP measures 13” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The stock rates in about Fine condition as refurbished. The stock folds correctly. Has its cleaning kit. The leather is pretty worn and the cleaning kit has some oxidation and light pitting. This is an Authentic Original WW2 M1A1 Carbine Stock. It has been refurbished so the ordnance mark is a bit shallow and partial.
Magazine Quantity & Condition: None
Type of Finish: Parkerized
Finish Originality: Refurbished
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is mostly sharp. There is some very minor erosion. In my opinion, the bore rates 8/10.
Most military and C&R-eligible weapons have bores that will show erosion. This is not only due to age but to the fact that corrosive primers were commonly used in ammunition worldwide. For example, the U.S. used corrosive ammunition throughout WWII. The U.S. military did not begin to phase out corrosive primed ammunition until the 1950s.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 75% of its metal finish. The balance of the finish shows wear across the bolt group surface and around the receiver including some normal wear on the outside of the barrel from the barrel band. The screw heads are sharp except for the barrel band screw which is slightly marred but still serviceable. The pins are unmarred. The markings are clear. There is some thinning on the leading edges especially at the muzzle. 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: None.
Our Assessment: The M1A1 Carbine is a lightweight, semi-automatic rifle that was used by the US military during World War II and the Korean War. It was designed to replace the heavier and bulkier M1 Garand rifle in certain situations, such as for troops who required a smaller and lighter weapon, such as paratroopers, support personnel, and officers.
The M1A1 Carbine was first introduced in May of 1942 and quickly became a popular weapon among American troops. It was used extensively throughout World War II, particularly by airborne troops, and it saw action in every major theater of the war. After the war, the M1A1 remained in service with the US military during the Korean War, where it proved to be a reliable and effective weapon in jungle and mountain terrain.
It is extremely rare to find an original M1A1 stock and with all the markings, proofs, and correct dimensions as well as a few other details, it is safe to say that this stock is indeed original though refurbished. The bore is bright and clean with only some minor erosion but with sharp rifling. All in All, this rifle is almost too good to be true but it is true which makes it all the better. Please see our photos and good luck on your bid! -L.S.
