Any info on this old Inland

[1832]

I recently acquired an Inland from a friend who says his dad brought it back from the Pacific in WW II. He says that his dad only shot it now and then at their farm, but mostly kept it under the bed. My friend kept it wrapped in a blanket in the closet.

I'm a total newbie when it comes to carbines. The last one I handled was in the service in 62.

Here's the details of the rifle:

Bbl is marked as an Inland with a 7-42 date, with a serial No. of 81XX.

The stock seems to be of the high wood variety.

No marks that I can see on the front and rear sights. The rear sights are a flip up type.

The safety is a push through type.

The stock is dinged in places, but generally in OK shape.
- There is a "P" in a circle on the bottom of the pistol grip.
- Inside the sling slot, there is an Ordinance Mark with the flames pointing to the left, and a cross cannons mark pointing to the top of the stock.
- There's a weird little mark at the rear of the sling slot that looks like a "V" with arms pointing left and right and within a circle. Although, the mark is faint and the circle may be a semi-circle or arc at the open end of the "V."

I can't see any marks elsewhere on the stock, trigger or mag well. I haven't field stripped it yet, so I don't know if the internals have been changed out.

The sling seems really old, and lighter in color than the web slings I remember.

The oiler is dinged here and there, with some real slight rust here and there.

I'll have to borrow a good digital camera to post some photos, the cell phone just doesn't cut it.

So, what's up with this rifle, shoot it or stash it?

Information

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[mar53]

Keep it, this is an early Inland and sounds somewhat correct with flip sight, high wood stock. 1942 rifles are premium. This is worth more than a "normal one"

[Mikey51]

Sounds like you should keep it to me. Mike.

[Tired Retired]

Dude, I just checked. That serial number is in a small batch that were condemned by the Govt. Must have been how he got hold of it. Anyway, box it up and I will have Fedex come by to pick it up for you so you don't have to worry about disposing of it.

Seriously, the carbine is valuable not only of its serial, condition and configuration, it is also has added value because you know where its been and can (still) get documentation of that. I strongly suggest that you get your friend to give you a short written, signed (notarized) statement of everything he knows, to include where his father served, any stories his father told him and how his father claims to have gotten it back. While that seems small now, but in 50 years (when your kids and grandkids are handling it) the semi-documented history will mean something.

You have a keeper, even if it does shot or function.

[frankderrico]

1832, vet bring backs are great. We need some pictures, sounds like you have a very true carbine, in very original condition. With that serial # and barrel date it doesn't get much better. Would love to do a data sheet on it.....Frank

[1832]

Thanks for your inputs guys. I've still got a lot of "book lawrning" to do on these critters.

Once I get up to speed and get it field stripped I'll take photos (I've got a digital camera on the way) and make out a data sheet (which I've just downloaded.

Right now, it remains a symbol of the father of a friend, one of the best I've ever met and USMC to his end.

[kikokat]

Congrats, that sounds like a very nice find. As has been suggested, get all the documentation you can, and post some detailed pics of the rifle, markings etc. The knowledgible and helpful folks on this forum will help identify what you have.

[Jet Fixer]

Still like to see the pics of this one.

[22mike]

I'll believe it when I see the photos...............

[Harlan (Deceased)]

I'll believe it when I see the photos...............

I'm with you there, Mike -

I'll make certain 1832 isn't sent an Official 'Super Secret Decoder Ring' until valid photos have been posted!