Help needed for correct barrel for NPM

[painter777]

Have a guy passing by my way Sunday morning. He has a NPM 4,157,0XX (couldn't make out the last 2 digits from his few pictures)
I just e-mailed him to try to line up a meeting. Sounds as though he's trying to sell for a friend and will be picking it up Friday, then heading to a shoot up this way on Sunday. His friend (the owner) thinks the barrel might be a replacement since it's not a NPM barrel. I know NPM didn't make barrels.
So I've asked for the markings on the barrel in my e-mail.
If this is a dated barrel......... What date range could I expect if it's a original barrel to the receiver. In the 4 mil NPM range was there a maker or two more commonly seen in this range?

No books handy here, but can remember NPM used UEF, IBM, Marlin, RMC, and Buffalo Arms barrels.

I know these questions are a bit cloudy, but any help greatly appreciated,
Charlie-painter777

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.

[lbelflowers]

I would say,for an Underwood 12/43 or later,IBM 12/43 after that it would be undated. I think the Marlin,Rockola or Buffalo Arms are undated.

Loren

[Tired Retired]

Charlie, I have a 4.16 NPM receiver dated to December 43 to Jan 44. It has an Inland barrel which I know to be a replacement - I was told that NPM never accepted Inland Barrels in 43. Based on that, I would say that a dated barrel prior to Dec 43 would be a possibility for IBM, Underwood, Marlin, Rockola and BA. Remember that IBM, Rock and BA had all stopped dating barrels by mid-to-end of 43. I don't have any stats as far as which one was used more often in that range. Hope that helps.

[usgicollector]

The other thing to remember is, that npm used a different type of proof mark. I am riding home from work right now, so, no referance material in front of me. So, I don't remember if they used thier own P on the barrel, but they did use a . to indicate proof firing by them. If your barrel is original to the NPM receiver it should have at least the proof P from the manufacturer and a . from Npm

[Bruce McAskill]

NPM received about 30,000 barrels from Buffalo Arms in Dec. 1943 and 25,000 from Marlin. These were the only barrels reported to have been shipped to them in Dec. 43. NPM made 44,888 carbines in Dec.43 so one of these barrels would most likely be correct.

[mpd1978]

Here are pics of NPM proofing(IBM, IBM, BA 11/43), as said above, it should have a P and punch mark if its the original barrel. As for what brand of barrel, i doubt its worth trying pinpoint the ranges in which certain brands were used-probably not possible.

[painter777]

Can't Thank you guys enough for your help.
Back when I was juggling 3 IBM barrels, trying to figure out which could/may be correct per date and marking for a late IBM project. BrianQ among others were kind enough to point out the style P I needed for my IBM project at that time.
One... to early, one... import marked, but luckily the last was correct for that project.
That import had the NPM Punch mark on it, but was attached to the project receiver.
I was able to swap out the import IBM barrel and install the right one.
The other 2, I passed along to fellow members. So with members help, I now have my IBM project complete.

Now with the NPM I'm trying to get a look at, I'm hoping I get a call back from the seller to arrange a meeting Sunday morning. Also to hear what barrel it has on it, among other features.
What are the chances of contacting a seller with some questions and finding out he'll be shooting in a match less than 3 miles from my home this weekend?

I'd like to add....
About a week ago a poster was upset....
Quoting him.... " I may be wrong but this doesn't seem to be a very friendly place. I will take my questions elsewhere".
I think this post and the helpful replies knock a hole in that statement.
Sorry he's upset, but after his original posting having trouble removing a frt sight, he received 2 very helpful replies. Then after his last comment (quoted above) still received 8 more helpful replies.

Just trying to say..... If this Forum and it's members don't seem to be helpful and friendly......
Let this post with it's detailed replies show it's just the opposite.

If this NPM ends up being worth discussing, I'll bring it back to the boards attention.

In the mean time,
mpd1978, Bruce McAskill, usgicollector, Tired Retired, and lbelflowers Your time and the information you've passed along is greatly appreciated.

Sincerely,
Charlie Holland
painter777

[BrianQ]

You need an Underwood barrel dated 11-43, an undated Marlin barrel or a Buffalo Arms barrel dated between 9 to 11, 1943. The barrel may or may not have a proof P but will have the NPM proof mark.

[painter777]

Brian,
I talked to him over the phone tonight.
It has a no date Marlin barrel.
It has the post war upgrades. I can live with that, I'm just wishing for a original barrel and receiver.
He couldn't see a P stamp. But didn't pull the bayo up.
I'll be meeting him here at home Sunday morning, where he said I'm free to inspect.
I'll surely be looking for the NPM punch mark.
I see that it has a beautiful SJ lo-wood stock.
Standard Pro is next on the wish list.

Thank You... A Good Weekend To You,
Charlie

P.S. The Wife and Daughter are in PA until Sunday night. If this works out, I can have it tucked away with no one knowing ;-)

[wtmr]

good thing they all look the same