Off the wall carbine idea

[Brasidas]

I'm new to the carbine collecting world, having purchased a CMP rack grade IBM carbine last October. Prior to that, I've had a fair amount of range time using a Inland that was on extended loan from a friend, as I was more interested in shooting them than collecting. Yet, I've always wanted to own one because it was the primary weapon my Dad carried throughout his WWII European service as a forward observer.

But the bug has bitten and now I'm infected, like the rest of you. I've purchased the books and have read them repeatedly, learning something new each time. One of the things that I've found most impressive was it's rapid development from concept to proven battlefield weapon, with over 6 million produced in a span of three years! This could only be accomplished by having several contractors and many subcontractors all building parts to a single government spec. The parts from one supplier had to be 100% compatible with every other supplier. This one fact I find astonishing and impressive.

I've noticed that collectors are most interested in carbines which are more or less built with parts from the same manufacturer, which makes perfect sense. But its too bad that many of these great rifles become show pieces or "safe queens".

I propose another type of carbine to add to one's collection. How about one that is deliberately built from part(s) culled from every single source? A 100% mix-master that has a part from every single major contractor and as many subcontractors represented as possible?

Purists and serious collectors are probably chuckling now... but having a carbine like this in one's collection represents what this rifle really is; a fantastic demonstration of a genius design, complete co-operation between government and the private sector and a first rate example of the industrial prowess of the United States at it's best. It would truly be a democratic rifle. And in an odd way, it would be beautiful.

It would cost less that an all original and could even give someone bragging rights as to how many different manufactures are represented in a working rifle.

And then after building one, it would be important to go out and shoot it on a regular basis! That's the real proof and the ultimate testament of it's design.

Any takers, or is this idea too crass to contemplate?

Information

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[imarangemaster]

My new Inland has: Inland, Standard Products, Saginaw (SG), Quality Hardware, and Winchester already. many mixmasters are almost to the point of which you speak!

[Brasidas]

Like everyone else, I would love to own a carbine made with all matching and historic components. Who wouldn't? If I see one within reach, I'll go for it. And as my knowledge deepens, I'm sure to more appreciate the beautiful examples that many of you accomplished collectors have displayed here.

But I also see value and beauty in owning a deliberate 100% mixmaster. And I suspect I'll go out of my way to build a really nice one, as crazy as that may sound. Perhaps I'll acquire orphan parts from list members here.

I like the idea of bragging "it's a Heinz!" when someone asks me what kind of carbine I'm shooting. I'm sure THAT would start a conversation.

[dnikkor]

Just order a CMP rack grade....most likely it will be plenty mutt for your tastes.

[Brasidas]

I already did that. Got an IBM rack grade that is mostly IBM, including the stock. Lucky, I guess...

Gonna keep it pretty much intact, except I replaced the Winchester recoil plate with an IBM and swapped in M2 mag release so I can use 30 round mags. But is okay, as is.

But maybe I should order one where I specify I want a true mongrel. That will probably be a first for CMP.

[sk1ski]

Funny reading your note. I did this 3 years ago with a Garand. H&R receiver, Marlin Barrel, Winchester bolt, unmarked blank Trigger Housing, Springfield NM op rod, with the small stuff mixed with Italian PB and BMB and SPG. I put one of the "Anchor" stamped sight covers on it too. The stock is that awlful brown plastic from a drill rifle, same plastic handguard, and an oversized greek light wood fore end. Started too make a good shooter then I got carried away trying to make is as mismatchedand ugly as I could. Maybe an Irwin Petersen receiver would be a good starting point for a carbine like this!
Thanks for bringing this topic up.

[emmagee1917]

Back when carbines were cheep and only a few books out , a lot of folks around here got the bug and wanted thier carbine to be correct. Word got out that I was into them and had the books and knew them quite well. I had a little side business going getting parts from Ricca and others to make people's carbines the way they wanted. My price? A flat hourly fee or thier old parts with them buying the replacements at my cost. I have a good supply of spare parts . I was allways willing to pay the little bit more to get a correct one , though I do have two that were rebuilt where the rebuild was limited to updates and refinish.
A friend picked up an Underwood that was a mixmaster and he decided to do this to. It now has at least one part from each manufacturer .
Chris

[Brasidas]

A friend picked up an Underwood that was a mixmaster and he decided to do this to. It now has at least one part from each manufacturer .
Chris

See...? That's good.

My point is that a mixmaster which contains at least one part each of the major suppliers is also a valid and worthy collectible. Now, it would be even more interesting if each part was from the same time frame, that is, all type III for example.

[DaveHH]

Had it since 1969, I always just shot it and took it camping etc. After all of the investigation and research, I found that it was as made (it even has one of those SW in a circle oilers that are supposed to be for Winchester, but nobody knows) and now I'm afraid to shoot it. If I busted an extractor or sear, then it wouldn't be original anymore and it is worth a fair chunk of change. I had to buy a SG NPM just to have one to shoot and use. So there is a place for mixmasters. The type 3 barrel bands shoot better too. The new NPM has NPM, Inland, Quality Hardware, Winchester, I.B.M., Rockola and RIA parts and was rebuilt by Underwood. I have an IP mag so that leaves Standard Products and SG-S'G' to complete the grand slam. Cool and cheaper too.

[emmagee1917]

...I don't really have that problem. After "correcting" the other people's carbines I ended up with a ton of spare parts at no cost except my time spent. I was going to use them to "correct" any carbines I bought , but I ended up buying ones that were correct anyway , so except for replacing the odd field replacement mag catch or safety , I did not use them for that. What I have done , though , is combed through them and pull any part that matched the ones on the bought carbines as far as markings AND finish. What was left over from each manufactorer was traded for spares that DID match. So I have a couple of each small parts for each of my carbines and I just don't have to worry about breakage.

Chris