Inherited an Alpine M1 Carbine

[delorean175]

Hey all, first time poster.

I'm not new to guns but new to M1 Carbines. I recently inherited an M1 Carbine, after some research it looks to be an Alpine brand. It came with 2 stocks, one military surplus and one thumb hole stock. The rifle has some modifications that really threw me off while trying to identify it. The rifle was missing the rear tang piece (sorry I don't know what its called) and the matching hand guard. Initially I stumbled onto a page talking about the an M1 built by Williams with a thumb hole stock and aftermarket sights, but mine is slightly different. Also a military surplus hand guard doesn't fit over the slide assembly.

I think my Grandpa was trying to build a sporterized version of the Alpine rifle. It has the Williams sights and came with the thumb hole stock. I think he was trying to mock the Williams "One of Fifty" sporterized rifle. What do you guys think? A part of me would like to finish his project. The problem is I don't have an upper hand guard for the thumb hole stock. Nor does the wooden (non matching) hand guard I have fit correctly when using the military surplus stock.

My apologizes if it takes me a little while to respond, I'm currently gearing up for a move across country.

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[AFJon]

Great website to learn about the commercial carbines. The grey box on the left hyperlinks around.

M1CarbinesInc.com

[painter777]

Nor does the wooden (non matching) hand guard I have fit correctly when using the military surplus stock.

First- Welcome to Milsurps

Why doesn't your wood handguard fit ?
Too long... Too short... Too wide ?
Does it interfere with the Op Slide ?

I don't know why, just asking.
Reading AFJon's link I see they used a low profile Metal HG. But also see it's on a wood GI type stock.

Anyone know if the Alpine needs a HG with a special cut out inside?
Maybe like this one on auction, eBay item number:124432858895 :

[browningautorifle]

If you look up Reinhart Fajen stocks you'll find the thumbhole stocks like yours. Back when these carbines were cheap lots were done like this and other conversions like a pump rifle... The barrel looks like an aftermarket barrel though from what I can see. Of course the receiver was blues and everything altered, sights...

[painter777]

The barrel looks like an aftermarket barrel

I believe Alpine was one that used the 03A3 barrels IIRC,
Appears the Trigger Housing might be a Type II Winchester with rear beveled lug.
Op Slide looks GI ?
Maybe GI Bolt also.

We'll have to wait and see.

ETA: Jim M's Alpine link shows use of the 03a3 barrels.

[jimb16]

Just a word of caution with Alpine carbines....Some of them had problems with the heat treatment on the receivers. If you fire it a lot, periodically check the head space. Some of them had a problem with the receivers stretching. Otherwise, they are generally pretty good carbines.

[Daan Kemp]

The Fajen stock is really nice and was intended for telescope use.

[painter777]

I came across this De-milled Alpine parts kit.
Notice the inside of the Hand Guard has some relief cut,

I'm still wondering why your HG interferes with the Op Slide.
Does it look like a relief cut inside the HG like in this link would cure your fit issue ?

Alpine M1 Carbine Semi-auto

[painter777]

Might find these helpful-

Mannlicher Sporting M1 Carbine

Williams Gun Sight

Currently for sale- Williams 1968- How to Convert Military Rifles 5th Edition
Williams 1968- How to Convert Military Rifles 5th - Books at GunBroker.com : 884579268

Here a Winchester m1 carbine in custom stock-
VINTAGE Sporter WINCHESTER M1 Carbine With FANCY Fajen Stock - Semi Auto Rifles at GunBroker.com : 878994435