Requesting Help with history M1 Carbine

[ston57]

Just inherited this M1 Carbine from my Father who past a few months ago. Would appreciate any help with history of rifle. My Father had it for as long as I can remember, but I don't know anything about where or how he obtained it. I will try to upload pics of all the distinguishing marks I can find. Very much appreciate any info I can obtain.

Information

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[JimF4M1s (Deceased)]

You can't see it because it is covered by the rear sight. But it falls into a Quality Hardware block.

[ston57]

Thanks JimF4M1s. Does that mean many different parts were used by different manufactuers? The barrel has a stamp "ROCK-OLA" near the front sight.

[G26ster]

Very possibly QHMC, as QHMC did not make their own barrels, and got them from other prime contractors.

[Tired Retired]

Undated Rock-ola barrels were used on early QHMC carbine receivers. Rock-ola stopped dating their barrels after early summer of 1943. I don't have my references with me, so I can not give you a date of manufacture for the receiver. The "N" front sight would also be correct. The type II rear sight, the flip safety, the type IV mag catch, The type III barrel band w/ bayonet lug, the 4-rivot hand guard, the birch stock and the even re-park finish all indicate that the carbine has been through at least one rebuild. You may also want to look at the butt plate - the side of it doesn't look right in the picture.

Looks like it will make a great shooter. Have you taken it to the range yet?

Maybe one of the real experts will chime in.

[ston57]

Thanks Tired Retired. I don't think it's been fired for at least 45 years. Didn't think to take pic of butt plate. It didn't have any markings on it. Looks metal with stippling all over and center screw attachment. When you say "rebuild" does that mean it is not a military issue gun?

[ston57]

Being a real novice I apologize for the simplistic (and probably repeated questions), but what I'd really like to know is if this is a authentic military rifle or a "copy". Thanks to all who have offered and info and to those who might.

[Harlan (Deceased)]

Welcome to the forum ston57.

It's definitely an authentic USGI manufacturer. (All original government M1 carbines were originally manufactured during WWII)

The vast majority of them were refurbished or 'rebuilt' after WWII and updated with the later parts and features, and they didn't keep each manufacturers parts together with each gun.

[usgicollector]

It is a millitary carbine that has been rebuilt most likely by the US Army to an updated set of standards. If your family has owned it for 45 years it may very well be a NCA/DCM gun sold in the sixties as US Army surplus.
Dave

[USGI]

The type III barrel band w/ bayonet lug, the 4-rivot hand guard, the birch stock and the even re-park finish all indicate that the carbine has been through at least one rebuild.

What's a good way of telling the birch stock from walnut? Does it come with experience, or is it something simple? In the picture, it's hard for me to tell if it's an M2 stock - maybe a "flat bottom" M2? - Bob