WWII Inland Division General Motors M1 Carbine .30 Cal 18” Rifle w/ Sling
SOLD FOR: $1,025
WOA#: WY240122TK002
Make: Inland Division of General Motors
Model: M1 Carbine
Serial Number: 399573
Year of Manufacture: 1942
Caliber: .30 Cal Carbine
Action Type: Semi-Automatic
Markings: The top of the receiver is marked, “U.S. CARBINE CAL. 30 M1 / INLAND DIV. 399573”. The magazine release is marked “M”. The right side of the rear sight is marked “JAO 7160050”. The left side of the trigger group is marked with a “6” and the right side is marked “N”. The bayonet mount is marked with an “F” on the bottom and a “JM” on the right side. The front sight is marked with an “EU”. The bottom of the grip is marked with “A-P”.
Barrel Length: 17.75″
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a fixed blade with protective ears. The rear sight is a 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 narrow groove and 4 rivets, and Type III Barrel Band with bayonet lug. The safety lever is a later switch instead of the earlier crossbolt safety. The slide is a type V slide. The LOP measures about 13.25” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The stock has small scrapes, scuffs and compression marks throughout the stock. The wood is very dark. The handguard has one small chip on the right hand side. Overall the stock rates in about Good condition.
Magazine Quantity & Condition: None.
Type of Finish: Parkerized
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is semi bright, with shallow visible rifling and some moderate erosion. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 5/10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 80% of the original finish. The finish has a deep brown colored patina covering most of the surface of the rifle. There is some surface rust on the rear sight, Trigger group and guard, barrel band bayonet mount assembly, barrel and front sight. The butt plate also has surface rust. Overall this rifle is in Good condition considering its age for C&R.
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 includes a green canvas sling.
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!!!-R.L.
