"Inland" Manufacturing M1 Carbines - 1st hand experience

[Wastelander]

Here is a link to an article in Shotgun news dated September 2, 2015.

Inland M1 Carbine Review - Shotgun News

Reviews the history of M1 carbine, but is light on details as to the current production model. Some nice pictures of the carbine and a Gallery of Guns video at the end.

[Sleeplessnashadow]

I'm still looking for feedback from others who own and have had experience with one of the Inland carbines. I'm preparing a web page on their carbines and want to have more feedback and experience before making it available to everyone on my M1CarbinesInc.com website.

You can contact me by posting here, a private message, or by e-mailing me at Jim@USCarbines.com.

Mine is at the manufacturer undergoing inspection. Haven't heard anything but it's only been a week or so.

Hope Ron Norton will appoint someone to answer the forum posts if he's too busy to answer.

Jim

[sieggie]

I'm still looking for feedback from others who own and have had experience with one of the Inland carbines. I'm preparing a web page on their carbines and want to have more feedback and experience before making it available to everyone on my M1CarbinesInc.com website.

You can contact me by posting here, a private message, or by e-mailing me at Jim@USCarbines.com.

Mine is at the manufacturer undergoing inspection. Haven't heard anything but it's only been a week or so.

Hope Ron Norton will appoint someone to answer the forum posts if he's too busy to answer.

Jim

Have you heard anything back from Inland yet?

Dave

[Sleeplessnashadow]

Sent an e-mail yesterday to make sure they received it. Here's the response I received.

" We have made several changes to our specifications, the primary is the hardness. The USGI Specs the hardness of the bolts to be Hrc 38- 42, however all USGI bolts that I have inspected have been Hrc 42. The problematic bolts that we have been seeing in our line has been bolts with a Hrc of 38-39, while they are still within specs, they were the problem children and a few of them were peening around the cam surface and left lug.
We have tightened our specs to 40-43 Hrc on the bolts and we have also modified the actual surface area of the cam and the slide so that the surface area is increased to minimize wear. Our test results have been very positive with zero deformation. Our entire production has the new modification and the components for your rifle will be changed to the new ones. Fortunately the percentage of bolts that we found in the 38-39 Hrc range was very small, and many that tested at 38 Hrc showed no signs of problems, we have chosen to be pro-active and make the changes that I mentioned.

I am expecting the shipment of the new spec components at any time and your rifle will be headed back your way. We appreciate your support in this matter as well as your patience!"



Jim

[USGI]

Hopefully the shipment of "new spec components" will have the compound heat treating (RC 48-54) for the rear portion of the bolt body as explained in Kuhnhausen's shop manual. - Bob

[sieggie]

Sent an e-mail yesterday to make sure they received it. Here's the response I received.

" We have made several changes to our specifications, the primary is the hardness. The USGI Specs the hardness of the bolts to be Hrc 38- 42, however all USGI bolts that I have inspected have been Hrc 42. The problematic bolts that we have been seeing in our line has been bolts with a Hrc of 38-39, while they are still within specs, they were the problem children and a few of them were peening around the cam surface and left lug.
We have tightened our specs to 40-43 Hrc on the bolts and we have also modified the actual surface area of the cam and the slide so that the surface area is increased to minimize wear. Our test results have been very positive with zero deformation. Our entire production has the new modification and the components for your rifle will be changed to the new ones. Fortunately the percentage of bolts that we found in the 38-39 Hrc range was very small, and many that tested at 38 Hrc showed no signs of problems, we have chosen to be pro-active and make the changes that I mentioned.

I am expecting the shipment of the new spec components at any time and your rifle will be headed back your way. We appreciate your support in this matter as well as your patience!"



Jim

This seems to be dragging out a bit. and I am hesitant to send mine back until I see some activity. Have you heard anything more about your rifle?

Dave

[Sleeplessnashadow]

No carbine and no word yet.

I've been contacted by two additional owners who have bolts with damage to the right bolt lug. Be interesting to learn if they are still shipping them to wholesalers and retailers from their assembly point.

Jim

[Sleeplessnashadow]

Made an inquiry with Inland as to an estimate on when my carbine might be returned as I have an upcoming trip. Was advised they were sending a replacement and it should be sometime this week. Will advise.

The issues with the bolt have been consistent with every Inland owner I've had contact with, numbering about 8 now. The thing that concerns me is most are not aware of the problem until they are told what to look for. Given the amount of damage after 400 or 500 rounds the lifespan of these bolts can become a safety issue with the results having the potential of seriously harming someone. Not to make a major issue out of it but it does need to be addressed.

I'll share something I've learned firsthand during my life, especially during my years as a cop. My kids can recite it they've heard it so many times from me.

"With Freedom comes Power. With Power comes Responsibility. The best control is self control. The best discipline is self-discipline. If we fail to exercise either when it's needed someone else may have to step in and do it for us. And we won't like it one bit. So the best control is self control, the best discipline is self-discipline."

Kinda applies to many things in life, particularly if it's a government that thinks they need to be the enforcer.

Jim

[JimF4M1s (Deceased)]

I could use a bit more in the self discipline area.

[Seaspriter]

"With Freedom comes Power. With Power comes Responsibility. The best control is self control. The best discipline is self-discipline. If we fail to exercise either when it's needed someone else may have to step in and do it for us. And we won't like it one bit. So the best control is self control, the best discipline is self-discipline."

Very nicely stated Jim. This is one of the most important learnings in life -- a foundation of character, high performance teams, and ultimately of great leadership -- exemplified best by our country's first President, George Washington.