Inland 12-43 looking for info/insight

[ABPOS]

It's a nice carbine with lots of history. You might want to learn how to break it down. It's not that bad. Most anybody could do it, unless you really just aren't mechanically inclined. Which doesn't sound to be the case, since you've done other weapons.

Information

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[ckcstewart]

Thanks for all the info...now I see why I was having a tough time getting an accurate handle on this thing...there appears to be some conflicting/inaccurate published data out there. Really though, its kinda understandable considering what was going on at the time. I am swamped today, but i will break it down and get pics. I don't mind at all breaking down firearms...just have been reluctant to fool with this one. Hell, sometimes I take stuff apart just to see IF I can get it back together. I'll try to get pics asap and also answer some of the specific questions that have been posted and emailed. Thanks guys...

[carbineone]

Thanks for all the info...now I see why I was having a tough time getting an accurate handle on this thing...there appears to be some conflicting/inaccurate published data out there. Really though, its kinda understandable considering what was going on at the time. I am swamped today, but i will break it down and get pics. I don't mind at all breaking down firearms...just have been reluctant to fool with this one. Hell, sometimes I take stuff apart just to see IF I can get it back together. I'll try to get pics asap and also answer some of the specific questions that have been posted and emailed. Thanks guys...

Yeah to just field strip it is a few minute job and very easy. Most of records from the Companys that made these Carbines were lost or destroyed I would think. I assume some Company records exist in very limited form and some Goverment Records still exist,though very limited. Too bad someone did not start writing a book shortly after these were made. Then some good info would have been had first hand from people that worked for these Companys and actually assembled these weopons.Unfrortinitely no one could have had that insight for the desire in the future for the records that were just tossed in the trash.

If it had been the computer age back then that we have today all the records probably could have fit on a few CDs.

I think if we did know everything it would not be as interesting collecting these fine little Carbines. The unknown I think makes it more fascinating in a way.

Most of those people that had first hand experience with the manufacturing of them and using them in the service unfortinitley are no longer with us. Including the Soldiers that used them in WWII. May they rest in peace and thanks to them..

Alot of people sometimes forget the Historical signifigance these and other Military Weopons have. I always think of those people that have used them for their original intended purpose and what a Ohnor it is to shoot mine and be able to do so due to their sacrifices of the past..Thanks

[JimF4M1s (Deceased)]

Carbineone,

There are many documented files and first hand accounts from people who worked in the plants, managed the plants, and carried the weapons. There are also some good books out that explain design, developement, and production.

Books by Larry Ruth are considered the best. "War Baby" & "War Baby Comes Home"
One club has been around since the 1976 and might also be worth considering. They put out a newsletter and you can purchase all the back issues if you choose. The Carbine Club - A CMP Affiliated Organization

So all hope to learn about these pieces of history is not lost. Information is out there and available.

Jim

[carbineone]

Yeah I know there is alot of info out there and records but I am sure many many were lost or destroyed. I am actually going to join the Carbine club to try to buy some of the letters I am interested in. I do not want to buy them all just certain ones pertaining to things of interest to me... I was just asking for info on the Carbine Club letters today over on the CMP...Thanks

[ckcstewart]

I'm sort ofpressed for time so I just pulled the action out and tried to get some quick pics to at least show markings. Also tried to get pics of sight to show the offset to the left...I didn't move it there BTW. What is that really light marking on the triggerguard...looks kind of like a 1 in a state outline?

http://photobucket.com/ckcstewartm1action

May have to cut n paste that URL

---------- Post added at 07:46 PM ---------- Previous post was at 07:38 PM ----------

Pics aren't very good, but I was in a hurry and figured they are good enough to tell whats going on...and the link does work. Thanks...

[usgicollector]

The marking you are seeing is the Inland logo standing on it's side. It is the outline of one of the original buildings in the plant that was previously used by the Wright brothers. On the inside of the building outline is the name INLAND.
By the way very nice original Inland you have there!

[emmagee1917]

If you took apart a nylon 66 and put it back together ( you did not say you did the latter ) , the carbine should not be a problem at all . Unless , of course , you tear the bolt down without a tool or try to remove the gas piston nut out of the block .
I did that (66) when I was a teen , took me two-three nights to get it back together and I had to make several ( 5? , 6? ) little tools to do it. Once my friends found out about it , I did thiers , too. Got down to being able to do one a night , strip , clean , assemble.
Chris

[ckcstewart]

If you took apart a nylon 66 and put it back together ( you did not say you did the latter )

Nice catch . You had more patience than I did...plus I knew a gunsmith. I took it to him in a bag and he got it back together...and told me to NEVER bring it back in pieces again. When Remington says "no user serviceable parts inside", you really should pay attention.

I have done a little googling and searching and have found many instances of contractors shipping parts to other contractors to fill shortages during production but haven't seen any Underwood hammers to Inland...Winchester did though according to this;

"(Organized by year. 1942 - 1944)

-Underwood shipped approximately 16,000 Firing pins to Inland in 1942.
-Winchester shipped approximately 1,200 firing pins to Inland in 1942.
-Rock-Ola Shipped approximately 10,000 sears to Inland in 1943.
-Underwood shipped approximately 4,000 Rear (Flip sights) to Inland in 1943.
-Winchester shipped approximately 4,000 hammers to Inland in 1943.
-National Postal Meter shipped approximately 25,000 Rear (Flip sights) to Inland in 1944.
-National Postal Meter shipped approximately 1,000 Rear Sight Leafs to Inland in 1944." cr. NaughtyMonkey M1 Family

I can see why this can get in your blood...history, heritage, pride and lots of detective work/mystery. I can also see the problem with all matching vs how it left the factory.

[JimF4M1s (Deceased)]

I haven't seen where Underwood integrated hammers (WU) to Inland.