Hand stamped carbine

[Detroit-1]

Does anyone know when Inland quit making M1's and only made M2's? I can't find anything on how long the made hand stamps. Did they hand stamp M1's all the way through the end of production or only for a short time until only M2's were made?

[Bruce McAskill]

The handstamping was only for about 200,000 carbines. M2 production started fully in the month of April when all of Inlands carbine production was M2 only. M2 production continued off and on during the rest of production. A machine stamp was used by about the end of March or so to mark both M1 and M2 receivers.

[Bufordm1]

A quick check of the CMP carbine forum serial number sticky, shows three or four cmp sold carbines in the 6.94, 6.97, and 7.00M range.

I don't believe the cmp ever sold m2's, so these later numbered carbines must also be machine or handstamped m1's. I've heard a few folks on the forum lay claim to cmp sold handstamps in the mid 6.9M range,...so maybe possile to have a 6.9M to 7.0M handstamp.

[deldriver]

Like I mentioned before, there are absolutely handstamped Inland carbines in the 6.9 and early 7 range before they went to machine stamping. I remember reading something where Inland had to met a contractual amount of M1 carbines (the figure of 30k to 35k sticks in my mind for some reason) in the 7 mil. range and then went to total M2 production for the completion of the war.

[Detroit-1]

The handstamping was only for about 200,000 carbines. M2 production started fully in the month of April when all of Inlands carbine production was M2 only. M2 production continued off and on during the rest of production. A machine stamp was used by about the end of March or so to mark both M1 and M2 receivers.

So if I get this right about 200,000 were hand stamped? If they were making both the M1 and M2 during this period does anyone know how many were stamped M1 or M2?

[Bruce McAskill]

*****

[deldriver]

Like I mentioned before, there are absolutely handstamped Inland carbines in the 6.9 and early 7 range before they went to machine stamping. I remember reading something where Inland had to met a contractual amount of M1 carbines (the figure of 30k to 35k sticks in my mind for some reason) in the 7 mil. range and then went to total M2 production for the completion of the war.

Sorry, I added one too many zeros to my amount above. It should have been around 3300 hundred and some change M1 carbines. My apologies.

[JimF4M1s (Deceased)]

And if you are thinking it adds to the value, it's not that much. My opinion about $50 to $100. And like any carbine or collectible, condition is everything.

[painter777]

I don't own a Inland 'Late Enough' to have a hand stamped 1.
There are collectors out there that have or are trying to acquire a carbine from every Prime maker's assigned serial number blocks, not just one from each maker.
Some even digging further yet looking for the rare spring tubes, line-outs, sub contractor supplied receivers, transitionals, duplicate and over run serial numbers.... etc.

What makes Hand stamps interesting to me is they're late production carbines mostly found with the latest upgraded/improved parts.
Makes me think, that with these Carbines having the most improved/advanced parts at the time, that they'd give one the best overall performance.
Upgraded parts, mean't they worked better. Be it better timing and ejection from the Op slides and Bolts...... to mag catches with support arms to support the weight of 30 rd mags.
Rears sights now adjustable for windage .... better elevation. Barrel bands with better lock down, and stocks-hand guards bulked up to limit cracking.
These just to name a few of the late improvements associated with hand stamps.
Some have also said with being later in production, there may be a better chance of owning a carbine that has been shot/used less..... I do think those who have said that were referring to the M1 hand stamp...........
Last note: Being later production, if needed a replacement part should be easier and cheaper to pick up than say...... Replacing a Flat Bolt for a S'G'.

Just Some Thoughts,
Charlie-Painter777