Universal M1 Carbine Question

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Universal M1 Carbine Generations (which is which)

Be sure to check Universal Firearms Corp. for more detailed info on the changes over the years!

First Generation:
(Started with SN 0, ended between 93xxx - 104xxx):

The first generation Universal M1 Carbine mainly used USGI parts, including a USGI bolt locking mechanism. One example in the sub-5xxx SN range had an IBM barrel with flaming bomb emblem.

The transition in production between first generation and second generation is somewhere between 93xxx and 104xxx.

Second Generation:
(Started between SN 93xxx - 104xxx, ended between SN 176xxx and 187xxx)

The second generation is where Universal got creative, started redesigning things, added the second recoil spring, and started to machine their own parts. This model eliminated the bolt locking mechanism all together. These had a leaf style flip rear sight, round bolt, magazine catch marked M, and new trigger housing. These could still accept the USGI trigger housing, and some had the M2 style metal upper handguard. The front sight was held on with a setscrew, rather than pinned as the USGI is.

The transition in production between second generation and third generation is somewhere between 176xxx and 187xxx.

Third Generation:
(Started between SN 176xxx and 187xxx, went until end of production)

The third generation included cost saving designs that started the company's reputation for poor quality. Changes included a slide lock lever by the rear sight, the trigger housing was made of aluminum, and several safety features were deleted to reduce costs. This resulted in the ability of the rifle to fire out of battery.

The highest serial number documented so far is 486xxx.

Here are some detailed posts on the firing out of battery issue:

http://www.odcmp.org/new_forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=33561
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USGI Parts Compatibility with 2nd generation and beyond:

These USGI parts are generally compatible with the later Universal M1 Carbine. For the first generation rifles, most parts are USGI:

Rear sight assembly
Bolt assembly
Buttplate (I believe)
Many trigger group parts
Magazine catch
Magazines
These USGI parts are not compatible:

Stocks
Op rod/recoil springs
Receiver
Trigger group retaining pin (USGI is wider; some people have reported drilling out the hole in the receiver to allow it to fit)
Most other parts not listed


For what its worth:
I have a first generation with a SN# of 37xxx, I love my M1 Car. It shoots straight and tight, I have no issues or concerns with it at all. Eats all the commercial and reload ammo I ask of it with out any hiccups.. It’s a great rifle..

Thanks for your time everybody and have a great one..