Inland 12-43 looking for info/insight

[carbineone]

Thanks for all the info...now I see why I was having a tough time getting an accurate handle on this thing...there appears to be some conflicting/inaccurate published data out there. Really though, its kinda understandable considering what was going on at the time. I am swamped today, but i will break it down and get pics. I don't mind at all breaking down firearms...just have been reluctant to fool with this one. Hell, sometimes I take stuff apart just to see IF I can get it back together. I'll try to get pics asap and also answer some of the specific questions that have been posted and emailed. Thanks guys...

Yeah to just field strip it is a few minute job and very easy. Most of records from the Companys that made these Carbines were lost or destroyed I would think. I assume some Company records exist in very limited form and some Goverment Records still exist,though very limited. Too bad someone did not start writing a book shortly after these were made. Then some good info would have been had first hand from people that worked for these Companys and actually assembled these weopons.Unfrortinitely no one could have had that insight for the desire in the future for the records that were just tossed in the trash.

If it had been the computer age back then that we have today all the records probably could have fit on a few CDs.

I think if we did know everything it would not be as interesting collecting these fine little Carbines. The unknown I think makes it more fascinating in a way.

Most of those people that had first hand experience with the manufacturing of them and using them in the service unfortinitley are no longer with us. Including the Soldiers that used them in WWII. May they rest in peace and thanks to them..

Alot of people sometimes forget the Historical signifigance these and other Military Weopons have. I always think of those people that have used them for their original intended purpose and what a Ohnor it is to shoot mine and be able to do so due to their sacrifices of the past..Thanks

[JimF4M1s (Deceased)]

Carbineone,

There are many documented files and first hand accounts from people who worked in the plants, managed the plants, and carried the weapons. There are also some good books out that explain design, developement, and production.

Books by Larry Ruth are considered the best. "War Baby" & "War Baby Comes Home"
One club has been around since the 1976 and might also be worth considering. They put out a newsletter and you can purchase all the back issues if you choose. The Carbine Club - A CMP Affiliated Organization

So all hope to learn about these pieces of history is not lost. Information is out there and available.

Jim

[carbineone]

Yeah I know there is alot of info out there and records but I am sure many many were lost or destroyed. I am actually going to join the Carbine club to try to buy some of the letters I am interested in. I do not want to buy them all just certain ones pertaining to things of interest to me... I was just asking for info on the Carbine Club letters today over on the CMP...Thanks

[ckcstewart]

I'm sort ofpressed for time so I just pulled the action out and tried to get some quick pics to at least show markings. Also tried to get pics of sight to show the offset to the left...I didn't move it there BTW. What is that really light marking on the triggerguard...looks kind of like a 1 in a state outline?

http://photobucket.com/ckcstewartm1action

May have to cut n paste that URL

---------- Post added at 07:46 PM ---------- Previous post was at 07:38 PM ----------

Pics aren't very good, but I was in a hurry and figured they are good enough to tell whats going on...and the link does work. Thanks...

[usgicollector]

The marking you are seeing is the Inland logo standing on it's side. It is the outline of one of the original buildings in the plant that was previously used by the Wright brothers. On the inside of the building outline is the name INLAND.
By the way very nice original Inland you have there!

[ckcstewart]

I noticed those marks too. I've got an S'G' that was supposed to have served in the PTO and it looks just like it - makes me wonder if they were done in the field by the same outfit. Mine looks like it was hit in 2 or 3 places on each side using a hammer and starting punch, or large diam. pin punch. Also, mine is way to the left, but that's where it needs to be in order to shoot straight. At first I was embarrassed about the marks, but now consider them part of the history of the carbine. When we see Chuck's sight closer, I may post my sight pictures if the marks are in fact, nearly identical. -Bob

Maybe a couple of the sight pics I posted late yesterday will tell you something. I have never moved it and I doubt very seriously that dad did before it moved into my room permanently when I was about 14...but who knows for sure. I also had an email that mentioned that the sling was not original...but, here again, its the only one that's ever been on it since the early 60s so I can't say for sure. Thanks again for all the input.

[USGI]

Maybe a couple of the sight pics I posted late yesterday will tell you something. I have never moved it and I doubt very seriously that dad did before it moved into my room permanently when I was about 14...but who knows for sure. I also had an email that mentioned that the sling was not original...but, here again, its the only one that's ever been on it since the early 60s so I can't say for sure. Thanks again for all the input.

Chuck, I dug out my carbine and took these quick pictures of the sight. Somewhere in the past couple years I've seen pictures of other sights with similar marks. In my case it could have been done by the previous owner who didn't have a rear sight tool - who knows? One thing I saw in your pictures that no one else has mentioned yet are the two "p" marks on the barrel, and the markings on the hammer. That could be signs of rebuild somewhere along the line. Some of the experts on the forum will probably chime in. I'm heading out to shoot mine this afternoon! - Bob

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[emmagee1917]

If you took apart a nylon 66 and put it back together ( you did not say you did the latter ) , the carbine should not be a problem at all . Unless , of course , you tear the bolt down without a tool or try to remove the gas piston nut out of the block .
I did that (66) when I was a teen , took me two-three nights to get it back together and I had to make several ( 5? , 6? ) little tools to do it. Once my friends found out about it , I did thiers , too. Got down to being able to do one a night , strip , clean , assemble.
Chris

[JimF4M1s (Deceased)]

I haven't seen where Underwood integrated hammers (WU) to Inland.

[usgicollector]

I haven't seen a WU hammer intigrated to inland either, but the two P's on the barrel are a common trait on inland barrels during mid war production. I wouldn't change a thing.