Need info from the experts

Hello all. I have an Inland M1 Carbine that I bought 6 years ago in Pensacola at a gun show. I know that it was one of the many that was contracted out to another country. It has an import stamp on the bottom of the barrel just forward of the bayonet lug (C.A.I). It has the SN stamped into the right side of the stock, and what appears to be a rack number just forward of the sling slot. Given the details provided, is there any way to tell where it may have been imported from? Any thing else I should look for that could give me clues? Thank you.

Hi shooter, some pictures might help answer your questions. I believe the Israeli's stamped serial numbers on the left side near the sling well. Is it an Inland serial number? What does the rack number look like?

Best Regards.....Frank

If you send Century your serial number (all digits, no X's), and ask the right person nicely, perhaps they can look up in their records what date your rifle was imported, and then from there, where?

Israel stamped the serial number in a large font on the LH side of the stock under the comb, and some transverse at the oiler cut. Does the serial number match the number on the stock? If it does, you can assume the carbine was in that stock in Israel. 'Israeli' carbines are prized because they took such good care of them using only U.S. parts and methods.

Thank you all for the info. I have included a photo of the SN,as well as a strange painted on marking that I am not sure is authentic or not. The SN does match the one on the receiver.
https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...6_200325-1.jpg

https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...6_200358-1.jpg

I don't think I've ever seen the serial stamped on the right side like that, but it's absolutely in the Israeli return style. I doubt very much that any marking on this gun would been monkeyed around with due to its chain of custody in a way. The only Israeli return I ever owned was an Underwood with a B coded Singer receiver. It actually had several original parts on it too and was probably something I should have held onto instead of selling it.

Looks like the Israeli stamping dies but the location is odd. I guess it is one. The painted numbers are a rack number. The 'Xs' could be anything - could mean 'Ship it'. I guess they needed a method to mark the carbines to be sent to the importer. Just a guess.

oh, and your oiler is upside down

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Originally Posted by cali201

oh, and your oiler is upside down

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I have never seen a return with oil. Though I have seen US GI oilers in returned carbines, to me, this appears not to be US GI same for the sling.

I agree, that's the first thing I noticed - appears to be a repro sling and oiler. My CAI import had the remains of the sling that Israel used, still on it. Kind of a rope like thing with some leather pieces if I remember correctly. I think they fastened through the sling well with no oiler needed. Seems like we have some pictures of Israel carbines somewhere on the site showing these slings. - Bob

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Originally Posted by JimF4M1s

I have never seen a return with oil. Though I have seen US GI oilers in returned carbines, to me, this appears not to be US GI same for the sling.

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I agree Jim. The sling and oiler are certainly reproduction. Still, it's nicer having repros than nothing, and personally I wouldn't spent a LOT of money to buy authentic for any import/rebuild.

Inland is correct in that if it's an Israeli carbine, it's more likely to have been taken care of.

PS - Sorry Bob but I missed your post about the sling and oiler.

Thanks for the replies everyone. Yes, the oiler and sling are repros. I think I may have got them at the same gun show I bought the rifle at, but I cant remember. I have no idea who manufactured it.

When it comes to slings, I will buy a repro before I spend a ton of money on an authentic one. My Garand, M1917, M1903, and Krag are all wearing repro slings.

Maybe a little stubborn but I'm not a reproduction person. I know the C clip slings are pricey. But you can still get a GI D Clip for a decent price. For me better then a reproduction sling.

This sling is said to be a reproduction. It has been on my Winchester since I got it in the sixties along with an SW (top) oiler. A few people say it is genuine. I don't know enough to have an opinion.
https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...0ef6e8_b-1.jpg

You can get a G.I. oiler and 'Nam-era sling for $20, and they would be correct on the rebuilt import. There is absolutely no sense in putting WWII parts on it. Late slings can be cotton web or nylon web. Late oilers are black oxide.

I'd go with an Israeli return, even though it is on the right side, instead of the left. Those appear to be Hebrew characters on the fore end. Maybe "Ayin" or "Tsadeh" Any Hebrew speakers here?