Underwood M1 Carbine evaluation

[painter777]

Looks like the RTI's
But would have their electro penciled import marking.

This hand guard must have been home made, having no holes thru the top...... or something made from a Commercial?

I'm curious Why the hole inside the Trigger loop?

Maybe a Magcatch to Safety Spring Plunger locked up?
Or a Plunger tip pulled off?
Then maybe drilled thru the front hole to remove ?

Remember the hand guard I pulled from a bulk box of them. It was home made by some one-

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[jasonafair]

If it is a Merex import, would they have been bringing them in from Ethiopia in the 80-90's? I was just going to do a field strip but think I'll go ahead and break down the trigger assembly to see what else is there. If it is a home made hand guard, anybody have an Underwood one laying around for a good price? Or even better maybe an entire Underwood stock. Judging by the butt plate this isn't an Underwood stock. Please correct me if am incorrect. I think Numrich has used GI hand guards for $25 that I'll get as last resort gamble for condition/company.

[browningautorifle]

anybody have an Underwood one laying around for a good price? Or even better maybe an entire Underwood stock.

Why not place a WTB ad here in the forum provided and see. These guys have everything.

[painter777]

If it is a Merex import, would they have been bringing them in from Ethiopia in the 80-90's?

No it's not a RTI from the recent imports from Ethee ooo p ahh.
I've been looking to see where Merex brought them in from, but haven't found it yet.

Your stock appears to be what many call a M2 Potbelly. It has the Selector cut for the Happy lever on the left side.
If no letter marking in the left slingwell, you may find SA stamped on the top edge of the front barrel channel nose on the left side / front.
If there is a (SA) it would be a post WWII stock made by Springfield Armory.

Your hand guard wasn't made by any Military IMO. Most all, including those made in SE Asia had the Rivet holes. But stranger things have been seen.
When you tear the trigger housing apart look behind your removed Mag catch to see if the hole has been enlarged (Drilled)
I'm still curious about the hole in the trigger loop....... Never seen that before.

You can search Ebay and GB for stocks and hand guards....... be cautious of Faked Crossed Cannon Stamps.

While looking I just came across a home made HG with NO rivets and NO rear metal tab.
Appears home made:







M1 Carbine upper hand guard raw unfinished | eBay

[painter777]

I'm curious Why the hole inside the Trigger loop?

Maybe a Magcatch to Safety Spring Plunger locked up?
Or a Plunger tip pulled off?
Then maybe drilled thru the front hole to remove ?

This is the only answer I can come up with.
Unless it was an attempt at adding a Lube / Oil hole like we see on later and rebuild Trigger housings.... On the left side.

Thx for sharing it,

[jasonafair]

Here's a few more after some cleaning, reassembly and test fire. Yes, the velcro straps are holding the hand guard on...trying to decide on getting an early stock set or just the hand guard for now. With that exception, every part is either Underwood or NPM so I think that's a good thing and all look the same wear. Accuracy is pretty good. Looking around the velcro still hit center mass with a fairly good group at 50 yards.