Newbie's First post - What Is This Rifle?

[6-42_Inland]

Greetings Ladies & Gentlemen,

This is my first post to this forum. After reading literally dozens & dozens of posts on several websites, this seemed to have the most knowledgeable and helpful members.

A friend of mine in my hunting club has asked if I want to purchase his .30 M1 carbine. Neither of us have any idea as to what the value of this rifle is, so it has been left to me to try and determine what that value should be to be fair for both of us.

My friend purchased this rifle in the early to mid 60’s, and has had it in his possession ever since. He used it for minimal amounts of target shooting, and for personal defense over the last 40+ years.

At some point the original rear sight was changed to an aftermarket William’s peep sight. The front sight is currently missing. It was removed rather spectacularly when we were shooting this rifle 10 years ago. Apparently, the flash hider that was installed on the barrel slipped forward and was then ripped off by the next round, taking the front sight with it.

From what I’ve read so far, the barrel appears to have been replaced prior to his purchase of the rifle. The barrel has a single set screw where the front sight was. While looking to find a replacement front sight, I have learned that the original barrels had a key way cut in the top of the barrel to orient the front sight, and then a drift pin was installed to hold the sight to the key. I found a front sight listed for the M1 carbine with a set screw configuration at Numrich’s web site. It was listed on the parts page for a Universal Manufacturing made barrel (p/n 544660). http://www.e-gunparts.com/product.as...=6118&mySort=1

To my knowledge, he never refinished the stock, nor had any other work done to the rifle.

Based on the serial number, dates of production for the serial number range, it appears that Inland averaged 65k guns per month of production. If this is true, and with a starting date of May 1942, this would put this in the June 1942 time frame. (Big assumption here)

I’ve posted a set of rather large photos at http://www.lhfc-1934.com/carbinephotos for your review and comments.

If there is any other item you need photographed to help determine the value, authenticity, etc. of this rifle, please don’t hesitate to ask.

Thanks in advance for any help and/or advice.

Information

Warning: This is a relatively older thread This discussion is older than 360 days. Some information contained in it may no longer be current.

[phillydude]

first thing, post the serial number, and as many pictures as you can, these fellas on here are the most knowledgable with out a doubt

[painter777]

Welcome 6-42_Inland,
Your barrel has been cut short, possible de-mill.
Or per regulations in Canada.
You can see the Inland style Heiroglyphics on the barrels bottom flat.
These are thought to be Inspectors/Shift markings.
Any sign of the top of the barrel being marked? And dated ?
Though you don't give us a full view of the rightside of the entire stock, I can see no rebuild stamps.
You have a very nice early Overton I cut stock for a Inland of your serial range.
Early receiver with no stake marks on the dovetails........makes it alone collectible.
Early GI dogleg hammer...First I've seen marked GI,,,,,, also collectible.
Some metal refinish at one time.
Overall worth more parted out than in it's current state.
Finding a early Inland barrel is possible along with a original flip rear sight....but pricey.

You could buy a shooter barrel for it and pop on a adj rear sight fairly cheap.
All depends how far you want to go.......Restore ? Or just make a shooter ?
I'll let others decide on a value.

Copy off a Data Sheet from the Carbine Club and fill in the blanks. This will help us identify the internals properly,

The Carbine Club - A CMP Affiliated Organization

Cheers,
Charlie-painter777

[6-42_Inland]

Additional photos posted at http://www.lhfc-1934.com/carbinephotos

Overall barrel length is 15 5/8" measured from the front of the receiver to the end of the barrel. How long should it be?

There are no markings on the barrel, other than damage/scratches, to indicate manufacturer or production date.

After looking at the data sheet from the link provided, the breech end of the barrel has the skirt that runs from the 4 O'clock position to the 11 O'clock position when viewed from the breech.

I'm hesitant to disassemble any of the internals at this point, mainly because I don't know what I'm doing! Sure I could take it apart, but putting it all back together again... Well, let's just see if I purchase this first before I tear into it.

[imarangemaster]

Important distinction: Is it 15 5/8th" from muzzle to rear of chamber (in which case it is a NFA controlled short barreled rifle), or 15 5/8th " from muzzle to where barrel meets receiver.

[painter777]

Think I see a P proof stamp on the top of your barrel, not far in front of the barrel band.
Measuring from the front of a band like your's......it should be about 8 1/2" long.

Charlie-painter777

[6-42_Inland]

More photos posted at http://www.lhfc-1934.com/carbinephotos

15 5/8th" from muzzle to where barrel meets receiver - see photos at above

Painter777 - I wish it were a "P", it's just rust.

I took the trigger assembly off and photoed some additional markings.

SI stamped into front of gas block - see photos at above location

Thanks again for the fast AND knowledgeable replies.

[painter777]

Your picture titled 'Barrel Top' shows a partial P proof stamp.
With the muzzle pointed away from you.....you'll see what looks like a backward C about 2-3" away from the front end of your stock.
Only a Inland barrel will have the markings like your's on the bottom flat.

Give me a few minutes and I'll look thru your new pics.

Charlie-painter777

[6-42_Inland]

Your picture titled 'Barrel Top' shows a partial P proof stamp.
With the muzzle pointed away from you.....you'll see what looks like a backward C about 2-3" away from the front end of your stock.
Only a Inland barrel will have the markings like your's on the bottom flat.

Give me a few minutes and I'll look thru your new pics.

Charlie-painter777

Your eyes are better than mine! I had the rifle in my hands and couldn't discern that as a partial "P". Time for glasses I guess...

[painter777]

The gas block pic shows the SI. stamping. The gas cylinder on Inland barrels were swaged on, like yours shows.
Very possible that the Inland marking and barrel date were removed right about where your broken off frt site screw is.

Charlie