Late War Inland, Underwood rebuild

[imarangemaster]

I think it is an original M8 without hanger. No signs of there ever being a hanger in the loop or any evidence of stitching at any time. I think I need to first try WD-40, and if that doesn't work, I use the navel jelly to clean the scabbard throat, hilt, and pommel. Probably leave the blade alone. I'll use WD-40 and a brush to clean the leather, then maybe use some Neetsfoot.

[USGI]

Which maker's mark is on the pommel, and does it look like it's ever been off for a rebuild? On the scabbard, take a look for numbers underneath one of the ears on the throat. It's gone now, but I had an M8 with very early numbers there - need to look to see if I still have a picture. - Bob

[imarangemaster]

It doesn’t appear to be rebuilt as it has the starburst peening on the pommel. I’m out of town but I will check for numbers on the sheath when I get home.

[USGI]

Here's a picture of the M8 scabbard with M3 knife that I had. The belt loop on this one is quite a bit shorter than yours. The numbers under the throat "ear" were B1/2N. My others have had B2/2N and B2/3N. I still have an M4 Imperial but it's been through a rebuild. Would still have the M3, but had it on my table at a gunshow with a price about $50 higher than I thought it was worth, and a guy bought it! - Bob

[imarangemaster]

Range day! Took the Inland to the range today. Started at 25 yards with the standard M1 Carbine 25 yard acceptance target. with rear sight centered (index marks aligned) and on the 100/150 setting, I easily dumped 15 rounds (from a rest) into the black on the target. (all above the dotted line that shows perfect 100/150 battle sight) With careful aiming, I was able to do 1" to 1.5" three shot groups at 25 yards fairly easily. I did not have to adjust a thing. Ammo was both R-P 110 FMJ, 110 JSP, and FMJ reloads with 15 grains of WW296. All printed to the same POI. I also hit some clay pigeons on the berm at 100 yards, which was nice.



After I had a last round FTF on the first magazine, I found one of my USGI 15 round mags actually had the mag spring in backwards! Must be one I got last year during Freedom Week. About two years ago I replaced all my 15 round mag springs with NOS USGI springs I got from Numrich in cosmolened packs of ten. In over 100 rounds after that I had zero malfunctions...

All in all, I was very pleased. I think I may use this for my Home defensive Carbine loaded with Hornady Critical Defense ammo. Since I moved back into my neighborhood house (all houses on 1/2 to 5 acres), I think it will have less possible over penetration than my Mini-14 shooting 5.56 M193 55 grainers.

[USGI]

I don't see any bullet holes! - Bob

[imarangemaster]

LOL. It’s not like it was MOA so I didn’t bother to take pictures!!!! That’s just an example for those who don’t know what the target I was referring to is!

[imarangemaster]

Range update: Took it to the range to see how the Carbine shoots. (ME on it was "0", so I doubt if this late 1944/early 1945 original had many rounds through it.



I started with the M1 Carbine 25 yard battle sight/acceptance target. When they checked carbines for serviceability, they do 10 rounds into this target at 25 yards. If the rounds all went within the dotted lines, it was considered serviceable.



I did a 5 round group or R-P 110 FMJ at 25 yards, and they were a 1" group, dead center in the black just about the top edge of the bottom dotted line. With the sight on the 100/150 setting, that group puts it dead on at 150 according to the ballistic chart. I did not have to adjust it at all, so it was dialed in when I got it. I then went on to break clay pigeons laying on the 100 yard berm with a 6 o'clock hold. Good enough to whack a zombie/troll/goblin/felon/reaving insurrectionist!

It is now my Home Defense Carbine, loaded with Hornady Critical Defense 110 grain FTX tip, .30 Carbine (2030 fps from GI carbine), which actually clocks about 60 fps faster than GI and 100 fps than R-P.

[imarangemaster]

I should have clarified that this was range day number two, as it was about a week ago in September. I did more clay pigeons than the first time, and used some of my 14.7 grains of WW296 with Rainier plated 110s. Same POI as the R-P 110 FMJ and JSPs.