Rock-ola Trigger Housing

[G26ster]

I have a 4.55m second production block Rock-ola. According to Ruth (War Baby), the type IV stamped trigger housing use began in the second block. I have a type II trigger housing in it, which is a first block housing that ended in Dec. '43. Mine would have been made between Jan. '44 to Apr. '44, but probably closer to Jan. Not sure. Is it possible that although type IV housing began sometime during this block, that some older type IIs were used also? To be accurate, the carbine came to me with an Inland housing, and I installed the type II Rock-ola.

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[trekvana]

G26ster--

I still a newbie here on the forums but from what I've read (in Reisch's book) and also from other forum topics how can we ever be sure that the TH you (or any of us) have in your (our) carbine(s) is original to that serial number. Maybe that specific carbine came with type IV housing but was switched out with type II at some point?? i've read that manufacters who made too much of a parts would try to use it before using any newer parts. for all we know, maybe the rockola folks had a general TH bin filled with all types of TH and just picked them from the luck of the draw so to say. Yep, im starting to ramble again...



---------- Post added at 10:52 PM ---------- Previous post was at 10:48 PM ----------

ooooops I just read that your carbine originally came with Inland TH. my mistake.

but I guess my main point still stands. Unless we know the exact history of a specific carbine how can we know for sure that the parts installed when a carbine left the factory are the same as when we finally picked them up. Are there any sheets that state factory configs for each serial nums (sorta like the garands have)?

[G26ster]

Well, the reason I ask here is that many here know more than I will ever know. Sure there is no way to document exactly what parts where on each and every carbine, but by the decades of research by serious collectors, we have a good idea of what type parts are correct "generally" by serial number thanks to their research. The purpose of my question was to glean any knowledge that cannot necessarily be found in the general reference material, but has been gathered by the Carbine Club and others. I'm just looking for an answer by someone that may have more definitive info on Rock-olas than I do, from their own research or from a CC newsletter, etc.

[trekvana]

well said. point taken

[dbarn]

If at all possible, one of the best things to do would be to look at known originals close to your serial number range. Here's two that were made just prior to yours. Both have type IV housings. The first just recently sold on GB, 4547xxx. Please see attached link.

Rockola M1 Carbine Type I All Original .30 Cal : Curios and Relics at GunBroker.com


The second, 4546xxx is pictured below. hth.

[usgicollector]

David,

Is that the RO with the sight like my Inland?
It sure would look good Next to mine!!!


Dave

[dbarn]

Yes, that's the one! Very nice Inland...........

[G26ster]

Thanks dbarn. I guess I was going by the statement in Riesch's book on pg 12 (6th ed.) when he said, "...the stamped brazed trigger housings and the milled trigger housings could appear mixed in the same serial number range by a contractor." I was hoping that there was evidence, perhaps in a CC newsletter, that some of the older milled housings were found in carbines in my SN range, even though the stamped brazed housings had already been put into use. Larry

[dbarn]

It's difficult to say that a type 2 TH could not have been used. Most of the data I have seen, along with known orginals in this range however suggest the type IV would be more likely.

[G26ster]

It's difficult to say that a type 2 TH could not have been used. Most of the data I have seen, along with known orginals in this range however suggest the type IV would be more likely.

Thanks again. A guy can always hope, can't he Actually, I am looking to trade the type II for a type IV, so eventually one will go in there.