Recently Discovered M1A1

[rpw7351]

This was recently found wrapped in a 1946 dated newspaper in an old loft in Liverpool UK. You wonder what the back story is. Any guesses regarding the holes drilled in the stock?

Information

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[deldriver]

It looks like "someone" discovered it whenever and scavenged off the most valuable parts. I guess they thought a several hundred dollars worth of parts were worth more than a potentially original M1A1. Overall, it still looks nice considering its age. I wonder about the holes on the stock too. At that location, you'd think some kind of scope mount.

[JimF4M1s (Deceased)]

The holes seem too far forward, but maybe a grenade launcher sight?

[gsimmons]

Probably a fore-grip of some kind. The barrel has been cut as well. I don't think it was meant for legal use.

[frankderrico]

That carbine looks like it's been rolled up and hidden in a newspaper since 1946. Without the front sight you would not need a rear sight. I Don't know how they held the gun in the stock, maybe some sort of clamp but the holes appear to be meant for some kind of crude, clumsy, sling swivel. Wonder if the other parts aren't somewhere in the loft? CC newsletter #376 shows some short barreled carbines used by VC in RVN.....Frank

[rpw7351]

I suspected that it was some sort of criminal close in weapon. Obtained from some GI who needed money. IRA, who knows? A lot of the metal on the action looks very pitted but the folder metal looks excellent. The high wood looks great too... except for the the holes.

[wtmr]

looks like frank needs to work on that stock!

[painter777]

4th picture showing the left rear of the gas cylinder:
Does it look like it may have a carbon leak?
Seems to appear that way when magnified.... but could just be the blurry view.

Wonder what was used as a hand guard?

Interesting topic just the same.

Thx rpw7351,
Charlie-Painter777

[emmagee1917]

Picture number 2 shows the stock metal isn't excellent by any means . Matches the reciever good . They've been together a long time. I do believe the serial number falls into the first group , though that means little.
Chris

[tenOC]

I've handled a lot of Carbines by now. They all have some sort of oddity, modification or damage. Very rare to find one without. Thank God this one survived as it has.