Two CMP Winchester M1 Carbines

[Greg V]

I have two Winchester Carbines that came from the CMP. Both are the typical mix-masters with late parts.

Serial # 1,302,733 is an Italian return that I got a year or so ago. It has a well worn, dark gray, almost black finish. It came with a FAT 76 stock.



Serial # 1,174,123 is one from the latest batch that went up in December. It is a spring tube receiver, with a very nice, light gray parkerized finish. The feed ramp appears to be "in the white". It came with a potbelly stock that is marked in the sling well with a K in a circle and an M. There are no SA, FAT, or any other marks anywhere else.

Both have W marked and Win. proofed barrels that are undated. Neither rifle looks like it has been refinished, although I'm sure at least one of them has. I am not sure when Winchester started using gray park as an original finish.

Is it possible that either one of these still has it's original finish?

Thanks, Greg V

[Bill Hollinger]

I would say the 1.3 mil has it's original finish and the 1.1 mil, spring tube is refinished. Still great scores!

[Bruce McAskill]

Of the two your Italian return is closer to original finish then the second one from Greece which has been refinished. Your circle K stock is a post war replacement. The makers of these stocks is unknown at this time. hth

[Newscotlander]

My opininion is that 1174123 has the original finish and the Italian return does not. The color of 1174123 is typical Winchester.