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Hi Guys,
I am new to this group and need some help. I recently purchased a couple of M1 Carbines and would like to return them to as close to original as possible. Does anyone know a web site that lists most of the metal stamp marks for all/most of the different metal parts for the various M1 Carbines made?
Thanks Guys,
Dan G.
While it certainly does not list everything, I found this website to be a valuable resource while researching before I bought my Carbine U.S. Carbines during the American Occupation
There are some good books out there. Some have bad info but I am sure someone can tell you the best referance book. Some frown on correcting Carbines and I do not make a habit of it but will also not put anyone down for doing so. I did change some parts on one that was a very good candidate to do it to and made it atleast appear WWII correct. All replaced parts are original USGI from the time period. No fake parts on it.
Be prepared to pay quite a bit if you are seeking such things as original flip sights, bands and safetys and stocks.
I wanted one that represented the actual WWII time frame. I hate bayonet lugs, have many that have them however and they will stay on there but if I had my choice they would be gone. I am more of a collector of WWII everything and antique firearms in general more than a Carbine collector solely.
I really never did understand the mentality differance between Carbine and Garand collectors. Garands are routinley restored and corrected but for some reason Carbine changes are more frowned upon.. That thinking baffles me but to each his own I guess. Have fun working on the Carbine.
Dan,
Welcome to our forum.
The M1 Carbine has seen a lot of changes over 70+ years. Updates, field mods, rebuild mods. You won't find one site that tells all.
I think your best choice would be to buy a book or two. And I don't feel any one book tells it all. Closest might be "War Baby" by Larry Ruth. It is hardbound and cost about $50-$60. History, design, production, by maker. Parts contractors are listed and codes. More then the average guys wants to know. Of course here on the Carbine forum we are not average. Kind of a little nutty about Carbines. I would say some of us have a large library.
For just for a quick run down on parts, though not 100% accurate, "U.S. M1 Carbine Wartime Production" by Craig Riesch. It is softbound and about $23.
Be aware, reading will only bring on more questions. But I think you will enjoy that part of it.
Look through some old thread using our search feature. Maybe consider joining a club. The Carbine Club has newsletters and some great articles.
The Carbine Club - A CMP Affiliated Organization
We look forward to pictures of your carbines.
I hope you enjoy our forum.
Jim
Thanks Guys,
Several weeks ago I found a forum and someone listed a web address that had most of the M1 Carbine metal part stamps and who made the part. I thought I saved the web address but I can't find it now. An example is a type 2 milled adjustable inland rear sight would have the stamp into the metal HI or PI This was a great list of all the manufactures, their parts and stamps they used on metal parts. I'm ****ed for having lost it.
Any of you computer wiz's who are first to find the site and post the web address to the rest of us will win the honorable "You the Man". Really this info is a must have for all and it's free!!!!
Thanks;
Dan G.
My current carbine was issued to me by CMP. It was a mixmaster Inland with all upgrades, except it had flat bolt, early slide, and early stock. I replaced the slide with a Type VI, changed to a round bolt, and switched to a potbelly stock (which I prefer for shooting). I rationalized that the improvement were made to increase reliability, and as mine is a "shooter", I wanted reliability. It would be representative of a Korean, or Vietnam era carbine, which is fine with me. I wanted an Inland to honor my father who carried an Inland on Iwo Jima, but I wanted increased reliability, also.
The only information on carbine parts and markings on line that I have seen was taken from a book that has so many errors and is out dated that it's not worth using it. Too much wrong information. As to restoring your carbines as to what they were when young. It would depend on who made them and the serial number range. If on the early side but they went through a rebuild and had the rear sights replaced and stake in place then they are not really usable for restoration. Those stake marks just stand out too much.
If we knew the Manufacturer of the 2 carbines in question, we could narrow the parts lists down concideratly.GK