M2 Carbine Information needed

[Greystone45]

Is there anyway to tell when a specific M1 was converted to an M2 and received the overstamp? From what I gather, the only way you know you are getting a real M2 made during WWII is to buy one with the machined stamped M2? Otherwise someone could be buying an M1 that spent most of it's life an M1 until possibly just last year?

[CrossedCannons]

If the person you bought it from converted it just last year, you both are in deep doodoo

[emmagee1917]

Not an exact date , but there are clues.
1) Carbine must be Inland or Winchester
2) Serial number must be late 6 million or 7 million
3) Person selling it and making the claim should have the freedom of information act paper trail.
4) Said trail should begin with a govt transfer and not a form 1 making request.
5) No new MGs can be formed four after 1986 and true M2s should have a start date before or on 1968.

VERY few "real" M2s exist on a form 4 , most by far are converted M1s with registered recievers. Any gun with the "kit" registered would not be an M2 and , of course , had better not be stamped so.
Chris

[Sparrow]

Greystone 45 Sorry I iam late getting back to you just got back home......(Response to you e-mail) Yes This was my M2 Underwood Carbine. NO it was not WWII. (All WWII M2's only were Inland and Winchester. Most Inland's were overstamped, dont know about Winchester's This Underwood M2 was put together by ROCK ISLAND ARMORY, and so stamped on the side RIA on the front part of the slide in plain site, where you dont have to take it apart to see the the RIA its in plain site. YES it was on a (FOURM 4 Registered). Original WW2 Inland's go for $7-!0 K Winchester's $8-15 K if you can find one. Like I said I had this M2 many years and had to sell all my (class III regeistered guns all on the fourm 4) The person selling these guns (Vahn) @ (autoweapns.com) is a good friend of mine. Like anyone in businese selling these type of guns does it to make a profitt. How big is you pocket book. And yes I do have a copy of the origanal paper work registered with the U.S. Goverment with the $200.00 tax stamp that I can send you. If there is any else you would like to know please feel free to e mail me. (Hope I did OK with this response because Iam not to good with the computurer that's why I don't post)............Sparrow.

[Greystone45]

Thanks alot for this information. He didn't mention the RIA stamping, just that it could have been converted anytime between 1945 and 1986. You have been most helpful and i really appreciate that!

[Bill Ricca]

It was not a military conversion. Rock Island Armory was connected to SA, Inc., and made many carbines and conversions. That was circa 30-35 years ago.

Today there is another company, same name, that makes .45 autos.

[BrianQ]

Most Inland's were overstamped, dont know about Winchester's

If you see an Inland carbine with a 2 stamped over the 1, or vice versa, it was done after manufacture not by Inland.

[Sparrow]

BrainQ

You are Right about the overstamp 2 over 1...... I Stand Corrected........(Sparrow)