M-1 carbine magazines

[Bill Hollinger]

That is a good looking carbine. Thanks for sharing and welcome to the site. Enjoy

[DarrylS]

That's a good looking first carbine with the regular updated items.

...Thanks Jim...I'm at a bit of a disadvantage as I have no idea what a "first carbine" might look like. I hope you're right. I may get a chance to start pulling it apart this weekend to see what makes it tick. If my daughter gets home ( she's in Wisconsin ) I'll be taking more pictures as well. Thanks again...

[Harlan (Deceased)]

Jim didn't mean it as derogatory Darryl. I think you took it wrong. Jim's one of the nicest guys around and he meant you did well for your first one. That's a nice carbine in good condition with all the upgrades done after the end of WWII. Many are beat up by now.

Go ahead and tell yourself you can quit after just one. (Denial is the first symptom of carbinitis)

Here's some books you'll be needing too. It really doesn't matter which one to get, because you'll want them all.
The one on the lower right by Craig Reisch is the smallest and least expensive (there's a later edition of it)
WAR BABY! on the upper left is the most comprehensive and best in my opinion

[DarrylS]

Jim didn't mean it as derogatory Darryl. I think you took it wrong. Jim's one of the nicest guys around and he meant you did well for your first one. That's a nice carbine in good condition with all the upgrades done after the end of WWII. Many are beat up by now.

Go ahead and tell yourself you can quit after just one. (Denial is the first symptom of carbinitis)

Here's some books you'll be needing too. It really doesn't matter which one to get, because you'll want them all.
The one on the lower right by Craig Reisch is the smallest and least expensive (there's a later edition of it)
WAR BABY! on the upper left is the most comprehensive and best in my opinion
https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...neBooks1-1.jpg

...Hi cafdfw...Oh Lord...LOL...I NEVER took what Jim said in a derogatory manner at all. First impressions are usually right on for me and I liked Jim from the get-go. I'll appreciate all the advice he has to offer to me and any of the "noobs" that pop in with their "first" carbines.

Every welcome I've received has been sent with sincerity friendliness and Jim's was one of the first. I knew immediately what Jim was saying and I hoped he knew that I took it as a complement.

This is just a nice place to be whether it is involved with carbines or baked beans. Jim and everyone else seem to be great guys and I appreciate being accepted as quickly as I was...Thanks fellas......and cafdfw, I'll be looking into those reference books as well...Thanks a bunch...

[JimF4M1s (Deceased)]

Sometimes I say something that could be taken more then one way. Not intended. Just typing a quick response forgetting that a newer person may not know what I am talking about. It's a bad habit. Glad you saw through that.

The Riesch book, now edition 6 in out, is a quick reference for parts. It shows pictures and explains the differences. It has a few things not 100% correct, but cost about $20 on ebay or at your local gun shows. The War Baby books are great, also not 100% correct. But $50 to $60 each, very detailed. History of each company, parts type to expect in certain ranges, transfered parts from other companies, markings to expect. They are well worth the money, but maybe for someone who has more then one carbine. There are others too. Some people like, some they don't. You need to consider what fits your needs and pocketbook at this stage of your carbine research.

It will be educational and fun, let alone addicting.

[DarrylS]

Thanks for the information Jim. I hope that before this "carbine thing" gets too addictive, I am able to learn enough from you guys to make wise decisions in what I pass up or buy.

When I start to take down this carbine I'm sure the questions will start to flow pretty strong. I hope you all have patience with me...LOL...us "old guys" learn and retain it a bit slower than you yungun's......I look forward to "talking" to you and the others for a long time...

[Harlan (Deceased)]

Playing the age card will get you little sympathy around here Darryl. Several of us are 'old fogies'

Do you have any references for field stripping? There's a lot on-line for free that will help until you get books.
I think you'll find that most things are pretty straight forward. It was a well thought out design.

If you run up on anything you don't understand, don't hesitate to ask here and you should get a response pretty quickly.

Below are a few links to some on-line stuff that might be useful or interesting

http://www.alpharubicon.com/leo/M1ca...pingserger.htm

http://www.alpharubicon.com/leo/carbinetriggergroup.htm

http://www.alpharubicon.com/leo/sergercarbinebolt.htm

M1 Carbine 15 rnd Magazines

M1 Carbine Buttplate Identification

[INLAND44]

Finding the Ordnance 'crossed cannons' stamp on a potbelly stock also marked for Inland (H.I.) is a real winner! You're right about the handguard - it dates later than the carbine but earlier than the stock, but could have been put on it at the rebuild. I would not change the first thing on it because you will lose the authenticity of the rebuild. It appears to have been well-used after the rebuild too, which IMO would place it in use in the Korean conflict. The potbelly stock with the flat bolt is a cool combination that has a certain 'look'.

[DarrylS]

Finding the Ordnance 'crossed cannons' stamp on a potbelly stock also marked for Inland (H.I.) is a real winner! You're right about the handguard - it dates later than the carbine but earlier than the stock, but could have been put on it at the rebuild. I would not change the first thing on it because you will lose the authenticity of the rebuild. It appears to have been well-used after the rebuild too, which IMO would place it in use in the Korean conflict. The potbelly stock with the flat bolt is a cool combination that has a certain 'look'.

Thanks for the complements and comments Inland44. I'm certainly not an expert on carbines nor shall I ever be one but I do tend to "tinker" to make things what I assume they should be. My assumptions are often wrong in that I make what was "right" not so right due to my "tinkering"......LOL...I agree with you in that I will forever be better off leaving it as I found it. It's what I've wanted almost all my life and to change in in any way would be to disrespect what it is. Your advice is very well taken. It does have that "certain look" doesn't it??......Here's a couple of pictures of the crossed cannon and the H.I. stamp...

[ChipS]

I lean toward the M1 type stocks myself but the M2 stock you have looks about as good as it gets and definitely of collector quality. Most 'potbelly' M2 stocks IMO are a dime a dozon (almost literally), generally beat up and/or made of birchwood or other expedient non-walnut wood as available late in WWII, or after, and rarely marked with the prime manufacturer's mark (H.I.) and ordinance acceptance cartouche (cross-cannons). Your stock is very nice, dense grain walnut showing very little wear and, most importantly, all the right WWII stampings that are very clear and distinct. About the only thing that could make it any better to me would be Winchester manufacture markings. I would almost take that stock off, put it in the safe and buy a cheap beater stock to shoot with. Also, I believe that the 12-43 barrel is original to your receiver. Congratulations, IMO you have a VERY nice first carbine.

P.S. Order 'U. S. M1 Carbines, Wartime Production', latest (6th?) edition, by Craig Riesch RIGHT NOW. Just do it. You will not be sorry. Regards, ChipS