"Inland" Manufacturing M1 Carbines - 1st hand experience

[Sleeplessnashadow]

When he chambers the first round notice he has to hit the slide handle to get the bolt to close on the round. This has been a consistent need with their Inland (and new Auto Ordnance). May happen during firing too. BUT, I've found it's part of the break in period and goes away after 300-400 rounds.

It would have been interesting to see the spent casings to see if any had bulging. This wasn't a problem with the three I had. It would also have been interesting, and should have been included in this video because of all the complaints specific to this issue, to see the condition of the right lug of the bolt and rear of the bolt with an explanation as to why it is still happening after a full year of their production and people complaining. What doesn't make sense given the remedy and cost to them in returns/replacements is why this is still an issue.

The bolt issue is more a matter of lifespan than anything else ... until that lifespan has been spent. Kind of like the ink cartridges that come with some printers tend to have a short lifespan and are not long before they are throw-a-ways. Maybe they should add a computer chip with a verbal warning that the bolt needs to be replaced when it nears the end of it's lifespan as most owners don't know they need to monitor it. But ink cartridges don't destroy the printer when they are past their lifespan. And people expect it with ink, not with centerfire rifle bolts.

Thanks pcaine. Let us know what the bolt looks like after you receive it.

Jim

[m1newbie]

I bought a new Inland Carbine about 3 weeks ago, SN 1792. I have put less than 100 rounds thru it. After having a few issues with it, I stripped it down and found the following:

The gas block nut was loose by about 3/4 of a turn or more. Is that something I can fix, since Inland doesn't seem to want to do it?
The back of the bolt is starting to peen over, as is the hammer.
The right locking lug is starting to peen.
It appears that the bolt, when cycling, is scraping the top inside of the receiver, scratching the bolt and leaving shiny marks inside the top of the receiver.
The R/H bolt guide rail is very rough, very deep valleys.
It also appears that the bolt is hitting the R/H magazine feed lip when cycling.

I bought the Inland because I assumed they would uphold the quality of the name when owned by GM. To say that I am very deeply disappointed is a significant understatement, as I have wanted an M1Carbine since I was 14 years old. (Many, many years ago.). But this too, shall pass.

I'm going to call Inland tomorrow and see what can be done. I'll try to keep this thread informed as to the proceedings.

Thanks again for all the info you all have provided. It has been invaluable.

[Captain O]

I bought a new Inland Carbine about 3 weeks ago, SN 1792. I have put less than 100 rounds thru it. After having a few issues with it, I stripped it down and found the following:

The gas block nut was loose by about 3/4 of a turn or more. Is that something I can fix, since Inland doesn't seem to want to do it?
The back of the bolt is starting to peen over, as is the hammer.
The right locking lug is starting to peen.
It appears that the bolt, when cycling, is scraping the top inside of the receiver, scratching the bolt and leaving shiny marks inside the top of the receiver.
The R/H bolt guide rail is very rough, very deep valleys.
It also appears that the bolt is hitting the R/H magazine feed lip when cycling.

I bought the Inland because I assumed they would uphold the quality of the name when owned by GM. To say that I am very deeply disappointed is a significant understatement, as I have wanted an M1Carbine since I was 14 years old. (Many, many years ago.). But this too, shall pass.

I'm going to call Inland tomorrow and see what can be done. I'll try to keep this thread informed as to the proceedings.

Thanks again for all the info you all have provided. It has been invaluable.

Ron Norton will replace the bolt. Since it is one of the early bolts this problem was likely to surface. It is among the early units that weren't tempered properly. If you are afraid that there will be problems after Ron replaces the "problem" bolt, you can always go to Fulton Armory and obtain a milled-steel bolt, complete with all the parts needed to replace the faulty unit.

That should last as long as you own the rifle.

Good luck, and may God bless.

[m1newbie]

Just talked to Inland and they are sending a return authorization. They were very nice. So, I'll send it in and see what happens. I really wish these guys can get their act together on these. They have the potential to be a great little rifle. Everyone that has shot it loves it.

Anxiously awaiting the outcome of this.

[Captain O]

For your information, Auto Ordnance has a bolt that's a flat top that has the same dimensions. If you buy one of their bolts, It should drop right in. They are properly hardened and should solve the problem.

Good luck.

[m1newbie]

Does anyone know for sure if Fulton Armory parts such as bolt, hammer, flip safety, and mag catch are directly interchangeable with the New Inland? How about Auto Ordinance, same parts?

Haven't heard anything from Inland yet. Just trying to get all my ducks in a row, in case......

Thanks for any info provided.

---------- Post added at 04:31 PM ---------- Previous post was at 04:30 PM ----------

Captain O....thanks for the info on the bolts. Sorry I didn't tell you that earlier. Is the Fulton Bolt a direct changeout??

[Sleeplessnashadow]

The mag catch and safety are interchangeable. Many other parts are too.

But the bolt may or may not be. Just because it fits doesn't mean it will function.

Bolts made for Inland and Auto-Ordnance are not made to GI dimensions. They're real close but not the same. I've tried several GI bolts in the Inland and Auto Ordnance carbines. They fit but wouldn't function at the range.

Others have had different experiences. Possibly due to slight differences in the casting of the receivers that create variables that are inconsistent from one to the next. Most of these differences require close examination. A few don't. The bent receivers being one example. The bend may not be there, may be minimal or may be like the photos shown earlier in this thread.

Jim

[Captain O]

Sleeplessnashadow is correct. After some research, i want to retract an earlier post. If you cannot get the New Inland bolt to last, an Auto Ordnance bolt should fit and function properly.

Good luck.

[kettbo]

Greetings,
I surfed onto this USER REVIEW this morning and was so impressed that I joined the forum!
Aside from newbie welcome post, this is my first post.

I had 20 years of BLACK RIFLES 86-06, that is enough for me. I purchased a 300 rounds only mintie lightly used A-O carbine a few weeks back from a fellow BLACKHORSE Trooper. I am looking fwd to shooting the cbn soon. A quick call to A-O revealed my weapon as OCT 2012. I will be making a review using this impressive thread as something to emulate! Or I could add comments here if more relevant.

Thank you so much for posting the in-depth comments. Things to look for (loose gas nut) are greatly appreciated. If you need pics or anything that I can supply to add to your topic since there is a lot of overlap between A-O and "Inland" that I'd be happy to oblige!

[JimF4M1s (Deceased)]

Welcome to the forum. Lots of guys in the carbine family willing to offer suggestions.

Maybe look through some older threads as well to get more information.

Let us know how it shoots.

Jim