Your Thoughs on a retro "rebuild"

[rondog]

I recently bought an IBM carbine, s/n is 3706483, and it has an Underwood barrel dated 10/43. This rifle was purchased from the CMP by the guy I bought it from.

Can anybody tell me, by the s/n, the approx. date this rifle was made? And would the Underwood barrel be correct or a replacement? I don't know if IBM made their own barrels.

Thank you! This is my first M1 carbine, and I'm totally clueless about them. I don't have any reference books or anything yet, so I'd really appreciate knowing the manufacture date, if possible. About the only thing I DO know about it is that it's a real blast to shoot this little thing!!!

[Milsurp Collector]

I recently bought an IBM carbine, s/n is 3706483, and it has an Underwood barrel dated 10/43. This rifle was purchased from the CMP by the guy I bought it from.

Can anybody tell me, by the s/n, the approx. date this rifle was made? And would the Underwood barrel be correct or a replacement? I don't know if IBM made their own barrels.

Thank you! This is my first M1 carbine, and I'm totally clueless about them. I don't have any reference books or anything yet, so I'd really appreciate knowing the manufacture date, if possible. About the only thing I DO know about it is that it's a real blast to shoot this little thing!!!

Made around October 1943.

IBM made their own barrels, so your Underwood barrel is a replacement. But, Underwood probably made the best carbine barrels, so if the muzzle wear is low you have a good one.

They are fun to shoot, aren't they!

[rondog]

Made around October 1943.

IBM made their own barrels, so your Underwood barrel is a replacement. But, Underwood probably made the best carbine barrels, so if the muzzle wear is low you have a good one.

They are fun to shoot, aren't they!

Thank you! Good to know. So the receiver is 10/43, and the barrel is too. Is it possible it was assembled with an Underwood barrel? At least I know it's a '43 model, a nice match for my '43 M1 Garand!

[Milsurp Collector]

Thank you! Good to know. So the receiver is 10/43, and the barrel is too. Is it possible it was assembled with an Underwood barrel?

No, just a coincidence. All known original IBM carbines have IBM barrels. There is no record of Underwood transferring barrels to IBM.

[imarangemaster]

I have been tempted to do a retro (with repro parts) with an Inland rack grade from CMP for giggles. I would never retro my Underwood with late features, though. I like the adjustable rear sight (mine is right on) the round Inland bolt, the type three band, etc. In fact, I just bought a birch SA pot belly stock to put it in so I can keep the WW2 stock in good shape. I actually like the feel of the pot belly stock better. Heftier. With the exception of the early Winchester that got away, all my carbines since 1985 or so (except this Underwood) have been pot belly stocks and late features.

Enjoy it for what it is: an improvement on the WW2 weapon. The improved ones that went to Korea, Vietnam, various European countries, and Israel.

[Milsurp Collector]

As said before, people can do what they want with their carbines. If someone really wants a World War II configuration carbine but doesn't want to spend $1000+, then do it on the cheap: get a rack grade CMP carbine, some repro parts that are sold as repro parts at repro part prices and have at it. From two feet away it will be look just like a World War II configuration carbine. Well, maybe 4 feet away if there is an obvious barrel shadow. I just wouldn't spend a lot of money on "correct" early parts that are likely to be fakes.

Just realize that switching the front band and rear sight isn't easy, and it is good insurance to use the proper tools. Front and rear sight tools run around $150 for the set.

[Mott]

Thanks to all for the information. It is interesting and useful! I know it is increasingly encumbant upon the buyer to know what they are purchasing. The market is a wash with fakes or retro rebuilds. So now my task is to find a real live WWII configuration IBM. I will keep my IBM CMP just the way it is.

Sincerely,
Mott

[Bruce McAskill]

Carbine Club newsletter #329, page 5:

"The flat bolt was used to about 3744xxx. During a transitional period, 3744xxx-3849xxx, both flat and round bolts were used. After 3849xxx, round bolts were in general use until the end of production".

The type 3 bolt didn't start into production till Feb./March 1944. During Dec. 7 through 15 1943 10 carbines were inspected then test fired for 6000 rounds. The highest serial number was 3844404.

[dbarn]

Mine was produced in Jan 44, and has a round bolt. Here's a couple of photos. The only carbine in the collection with provenance to a WWII Lt. Col., a pilot in the Army Airforce.

[painter777]

MAN,
It's sure nice seeing some pictures again !!

THANKS
Charlie