WWII Inland Division General Motors M1 Carbine .30 Cal 18” Rifle MFD 1944
SOLD FOR: $1,085
WOA#: WY240310CB008
Make: Inland Division of General Motors
Model: M1 Carbine
Serial Number: 5407488
Year of Manufacture: 1944
Caliber: .30 Cal Carbine
Action Type: Semi-Automatic carbine fed by detachable magazines.
Markings:
The top of the receiver is marked, “U.S. CARBINE CAL. 30 M1 / INLAND DIV. 5407488”.
The magazine release is marked “NS”.
The right side of the rear sight is marked “H.I.”.
The left side of the trigger group is marked “N/16”.
The left side of the hammer is marked “NA”
The top of the barrel is marked “P” about mid length, the end of the barrel is marked “INLAND MFG. DIV. / GENERAL MOTORS / 7-44”
The front sight is stamped with an “N”.
The upper handguard is stamped “RMC” on the inside.
The left lip of the stock is marked “SA”.
Barrel Length: 18″
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a fixed blade with protective ears. The rear sight is Type II milled sliding adjustable aperture sight dovetailed to the receiver.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is a Type III (low wood) M1 stock with a checkered metal Buttplate, upper handguard with wide groove and 2 rivets, and Type two barrel band. The safety is a cross bolt safety. The LOP measures about 13.25” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. There is a faded cartouche on the left side of the stock due to being refinished. There are a few compression marks.
Magazine Quantity & Condition: None.
Type of Finish: Parkerized
Finish Originality: Refinished
Bore Condition: The bore is bright, with defined rifling. There is no visible erosion. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 8/10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 90% of the finish. The balance of the finish shows general operation wear, thinning on the leading edges, and corrosion on the charging handle. Overall this rifle is in 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: None.
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. Overall, 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 best of luck with your bidding! – L.S.
