WWII US Underwood M1 Carbine .30 Carbine Semi-Auto Rifle C&R 1944
SOLD FOR: $1,625
WOA#: WY240202JT020
Make: Underwood
Model: M1 Carbine
Serial Number: 2601337
Year of Manufacture: 1944, January (Barrel Date)
Caliber: .30 Cal
Action Type: Semi-Automatic
Markings: The top of the receiver is marked, “U.S. CARBINE CAL. .30 M1 / UNDERWOOD 2601337 S”. The top of the barrel is marked, “UNDERWOOD / 1-44”, with a flaming bomb stamp, and “P”. The left side of the rear sight is marked “86 11”. The right side is marked “T.I’. The underside of the grip is marked “RI 3”. The right side of the magazine release is marked “M”. The underside of the trigger guard assembly is marked “J”. The side of the op rod is marked with a faint flaming bomb stamp.
Barrel Length: 18”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a blade sight with protective wings and the rear sight is an adjustable aperture.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The M1A-style stock has a pistol grip, Type III barrel band with sling swivel & bayonet lug, foldable metal wire buttstock, and a checkered metal buttplate. The stock is not an original M1A carbine stock. The buttplate is worn around the edges. There are compression marks, scuffs, and scratches throughout the wood. The upper handguard is missing. There are wear marks on the underside of the forestock. There is a wear mark on the left side of the stock from the buttplate. The folding portion of the stock does not lock into place when unfolded. The stock rates in about Good overall condition.
Magazine Quantity & Condition: 1x 30 round M2 magazine in Good condition.
Type of Finish: Parkerized
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is light erosion in the bore.
In this writer’s opinion, this bore rates 7.5 out of 10.
Many 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 85% of its finish. There are scuffs, scratches, and areas of minor finish wear throughout the metal. The balance of the finish shows little wear past usage wear. There is some dried residue on the under the right side of the rear sight. The screw heads show moderate use. The markings are mostly clear. Overall, this rifle rates in about 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: This rifle comes with one 30 round magazine and a canvas sling.
Our Assessment: During World War II, the M1 Carbine was a highly popular firearm among American soldiers. Its lightweight design, accuracy, and reliability made it a favorite among troops, and the Underwood M1 Carbine was no exception.
The Underwood Elliott Fisher Company, known for its typewriters, quickly retooled its factories to produce firearms for the war effort. In 1942, they began producing the M1 Carbine, which quickly gained a reputation as a reliable and accurate rifle.
During the war, Underwood produced more than half a million M1 Carbines for the U.S. military. After the war, the company shifted its focus back to typewriters, but the Underwood M1 Carbine remains an important part of American military history.
Today, the Underwood M1 Carbine is highly sought-after by firearms enthusiasts and World War II historians. Its lightweight design, reliability, and accuracy make it a popular collectible, and it continues to be a symbol of American ingenuity and determination. Since Underwood was one of the smaller companies producing M1 Carbines, they received parts and stocks from many of the bigger manufacturers like Inland and Winchester so rifles out of factory often had mix matched parts – making it difficult to know if a rifle is in its original factory configuration. This example has an aftermarket M1A style folding paratrooper stock. Please see our photos.
