M1a1

Howdy, It has been along while since I have opened this forum. Not because I don't enjoy what you have here but I guess I'm one of the 21% of the people in the proverty level. You see I like having guns, but can't always afford them. My question is about my paratrooper carbine. Were would I find serial numbers telling me if I have a period correct piece or something that turns out a fake? Thanks Dan

It's more than just numbers. You will need to take some detailed pics for these guys to have a look at. Whatever comes of it, I don't even own a fake. So you're way up on me. Hopefully yours is correct.

The M1A1 was made in the same serial number blocks as the standard M1. No records were kept as to what serial numbers was used for the M1A1 carbines. Started about 30,000 and ended in the low 3.0 million range of serial numbers for the firast run. The second run ran from 5.1 million to 6.4 million range ending all M1A1 production in Dec. 1944.

My question was to ask if I do have an orignal m1a1. would all coponents be of the same manurfacture as the receiver (Inland) or did they subsutute other manurfacture pieces when this rifle was built for released ?

They should be all Inland

For the most part yes all inland

Hi Dan, Originals were all Inland appropriate for the serial number . A rebuild could have any of the manufacturers parts included. Just a couple of points. This is probable one of the most faked of any weapon. There were only approx. 140000 originals, about half in each variation. Here is a quick rough description: The 1st variation should have high wood, OI in the slide channel, OI and crossed cannons on the bottom of "fat" pistol grip, maybe a circled P on the back of stock. The 2nd variation, OI in slide channel, low wood, RI over 3 on the bottom of "slim" pistol grip and crossed cannons on side near bottom of pistol grip. Both should have raised numbering on inside of butt plate. Leather and rivets also need to be judged. Recess for the butt plate in the side should not look like it was cut with a belt sander. There are a lot of other slight differences to look for also. Good clear photos will help get you answers. Have fun. John

Correction to my posting: The numbers on the butt plate are cast in. I left off the "not" raised. Sorry for any confusion. John