M1 Carbine Field Maintenance

[painter777]

Would have to question a few of the dates, but he does state the dates are used "in general".
Really enjoyed the picture comparisons.
Be nice to see the complete stocks. Looks as though he may have some nice wood there.
Handy for a quick visual reference for newer collectors/owners.

Charlie-painter777

Information

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[USAFChief]

Hello everyone. I have participated here in the past although some time ago.

I am the author of the Field Maintenance page being discussed here and I thank everyone for the kind comments and critical observations.

I would like to include the following extract from a posting I made on another Forum as it seems appropriate here:

"It seems to me that Discussion Forum postings by "old soldiers" like me sometimes offer very precise information based on many years ago memories (in my case some fifty to sixty years ago) -- but I can't do that, my memory isn't that good, except when I unearth old notes that I happen to have made "back then". My memory has dimmed considerably since I turned eighty -- please bear this in mind as you read on. Another thing about some "old soldier" postings is that they offer information as though it applies to the US Military in general whereas policies and procedures often varied enormously depending on branch of service, location, combat situation, mission requirements ..... and so on. Most of my own experience with the Carbine result from my assignments in the United States Air Force Small Arms Marksmanship career field (753x1) starting as a SSgt (E5) Instructor in 1958 until my retirement as a CMSgt (E9) Superintendent in 1972. Incidentally, I was issued and carried a Carbine for the first time in December 1950.

The particular information we are discussing here relates to the time I was was in charge of a USAF overseas (Japan) Base Small Arms Marksmanship Training Unit (SAMTU) and firing range from 1960 until 1964. I was a Tsgt (E6) at that time and my staff consisted of seven USAF Small arms Instructors (3 NCOs & 4 Airmen - variable from time to time) and four Japanese contract civilian laborers. One of our missions was Field Maintenance of our assigned US Military Small arms: US Carbine cal .30 M1 & M2, US Rifle cal. 30 M1 (Garand) and US Pistol cal .45 1911A1. I assigned one of my NCOs (assisted by one Japanese laborer) the duty of Armorer/Gunsmith with responsibility for Inspection, Maintenance and proper storage of our SAMTU weapons; Inspection and Field maintenance of unit assigned weapons; ordering new, and disposing of old, parts and accessories and maintaining suitable stock levels via Base Supply channels; shipping weapons to Depot for repair and/or rebuild as needed; Maintaining records IAW the various Tech Orders as required."

Please excuse me if I make glaring errors in recalling specifications, procedures and nomenclature --and please feel free to correct them -- it was all so long ago.

JP

[USAFChief]

.......... Be nice to see the complete stocks. Looks as though he may have some nice wood there...........

I will take better photos Charlie (if I may) and post them whenever I get a chance. The ones here were taken at different times and under different lighting conditions and backgrounds.

The WWII era carbine (Top header photo on my web page) was assembled from parts and I think it is pretty historically correct. I bought it from a member of the Arizona Arms Society at a meeting in Phoenix several years ago. During the meeting I mentioned to a friend of mine that I would like to have an "historically correctly configured" WWII era M1 carbine - a fellow member overhead our conversation and said he had one for sale ($700) if I was interested. "Very Much" I said. He lived quite near to the VFW Post and so we were able to consummate the deal when the meeting ended. He told me he had built up the Carbine on an early Inland barreled receiver (see first photo below) using historically correct USGI parts including an original "I cut" Overton stock that he had lightly sanded and treated with raw linseed oil. I wanted to ask him several questions regarding his restoration, but it was getting late and we had to drive back to Tucson. I thought I would ask those questions at the next meeting, but I was suffering from kidney stones at that time which now required surgery (eventually prostate surgery/low grade cancer). By the time I was able to attend meetings again the gentleman was no longer a participant and I lost contact with him. Any way, I really liked the carbine -- I think the restorer was very meticulous and conscientious in his work. As far as I can determine, all the parts are historically correct and USGI. I think the stock is quite nice as depicted in the following photos:

I bought the Post WWII Depot rebuild (Augusta Arsenal) carbine (second header photo on my web page) because it looks exactly like a typical SAMTU M1 Carbine that we used for qualification in the 1950s and 60s -- the appearance (finish) of the stock is about right with the requisite dings and scratches. It is a 4m. serial number range National Postal Meter carbine with (what I believe) is an original "I" cut Trimble stock. Unfortunately, the cartouches are quite faint, but the proof and rebuild stamps are bold and clear.

JP