Inland treasure - photo heavy and parts break down

[imarangemaster]

I finally tore the bolt down:

The extractor is a Type III marked "W.I."
The firing pin is a Type II marked "NI"
The ejector is a Type II

That is the last of the parts. They are correct for the Inland. Baring any contra-indicating information, it appears that is is 100% original as left the factory... DANG!!!

It is now wearing a 1943 Type I "stock" pouch, 3 new "U" stamped 15 rounders, an IS oiler, and a post war D tip original sling. I'll do a good portrait with some of my dad's WW II gear and IWO maps, etc.

[ABPOS]

I think I have an extractor marked the same.

Can't wait for the "glamour" pics.

[imarangemaster]

I was talking to the guy I bought the carbine from. It came from the estate of a very elderly man. The family knew no specifics, excepted he had had it for a very, very long time. I think at the very least it was an NRA/DCM gun, or even possibly a "bring back, as he was of the age to have served in WW II or Korea. Because of the excellent condition it is in, and lack of ANY upgrades, it was probably not a Korea weapon, having been used in two wars. It is so incredibly tight and lacking in wear, it was shot little, whatever its history.

[ABPOS]

Lucky

[imarangemaster]

I checked the mag catch, it is W.I. I was cleaning it after the range session, and I was amazed how tight and smooth the action is when well oiled.

When I hold it, and shoot it, it really does feel like History in my hands, even more than a mix-master. I find I wonder who did the assembly in the Inland factory. Who test or proof fired it. Where was it shipped.. Did it go some to a camp in CONUS, or did it get shipped to an overseas depot in Europe, North Africa, or the Pacific. Who carried it? Was it an Officer, or was it an enlisted man like a radio operator, truck driver, or artilleryman. What stories could it tell me? Stories of loneliness for home, fear, violence, or camaraderie of a "Band of Brothers."

It makes me think of my father being issued his Inland carbine in 1944 or maybe in early 1945 before he set off for Iwo Jima. The other evening when I shot it, I felt strangely close to my Dad, even though he passed away in 2003. I felt connected to him "back in the day" when he was landing on Iwo Jima on D-Day +6 with the advanced headquarters contingent of the Army Garrison Force, an Inland M1 Carbine slung over his shoulder. As I cleaned it last night, I thought of him sitting on the cot in his tent, breaking down the Inland and rushing that dang, black, volcanic sand off the parts. He once said he had to clean it about every day, even if he didn't shoot it, because of the sand.