1942 Winchster M1 Carbine

[majspud]

Well, there's finally a Winchester in the stable. A very early first block one at that (100)7874; or September of 1942. Carbine has obviously rebuilt with T3 front band/bayonet lug and stamped rear sight (L.R.C.O.). It sits in a M2 potbelly stock with a military applied serial number in half inch high numbers on the right side of the butt stock behind the sling cut out. The stock has no markings whatsoever save the SN, and the early 2-rivet hand guard is marked M-1. The carbine was rebuilt on or after 4/44 as is marked on its pristine Underwood barrel. I assume the top of the receiver would have been angled at that time. Conversely this could be a first block reject serial number reused in the third block. The bolt and extractor are Winchester, a DN firing pin, a N/16 trigger guard and circle B/R on the hammer - I've never seen those markings. I've added the three magazines including an IW, the muzzle cover, and an original sling and oiler come this Wednesday.

Bolt was filthy as was the operating rod B/7160091 and 'P'; stripped and cleaned. The stock was very light. I added a coat of Minwax Dark Walnut to try to match the hand guard, but will probably try to find a closer color matching hand-guard. I'll keep it in the stock its in as it was matched to the action at some point long ago. I did replace the unmarked blue-black recoil plate with a gray-green one that better matched the color of the receiver. Ex-CMP.

Non import marked. Any idea where this one might have come from?

Information

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[painter777]

The stock has no markings whatsoever

Did you look under the Butt plate to see how many holes were drilled under it?
Wondering if the stock might be a Springfield, marked with a SA on the left, top of the front barrel channel.

Any idea where this one might have come from?


My guess: Italy or Greece.

Also curious if this receiver is a Spring Tube?

Thx for sharing,

Cheers,
Charlie-Painter777

[cali201]

B/R hammer would be a WWII replacement part made by Brunner/Ritter

[majspud]

One Hole.

I thought Greek with the black oxide finish.

Doesn't look like a spring tube.

T

[majspud]

A foggy morning in London Town. CMP date 1/25/08

T

[tenOC]

Doesn't look like a spring tube.

T

Very interesting Carine.

[majspud]

Without the spring tube, this receiver looks to be a recycled first block SN at a later date. The Underwood barrel would be from a further rebuild.

T

[JimF4M1s (Deceased)]

Isn't a WI extractor Wadsworth Watch Case Co?

[gsimmons]

Attachment 61758
It doesn't look like an extractor to me.

Yes, it's a case back made by Wadsworth for Elgin.

[majspud]

Range report. Brilliant sun, negligible wind, 61 degrees. Benched at 25 yards with 15 rounds; the last 63 rounds of my commercial reloads. Walked the rounds from low right to center with three left clicks of windage. Went to the 100 yard range, sat on the ground with a hasty sling, and emptied a 30 round magazine. The hits were low right. As the sling does not extend far enough for a lefty, it was a little snug and I felt it tugging the carbine down to the right. I scrounged another target from the trash bin, and a target sticky from my friend at the range. Used the last of my shots to try again. Without the sling my shots centered but were still to low. I think I have to set the rear sight to 200 yards and see what happens.

I did wear my hat today, and of course none of the 63 casings hit my head today.

T