Early Inland, SN 96XXX?

[elliott41]

I'm new to the forum, and looking forward to learning more about the M1 carbine. I have an early Inland, SN 96XXX, which was probably built in December 1942. When it went through depot overhaul it got an Inland barrel marked 5-44, which I want to replace with one marked 12-42 or thereabouts to be consistent with the receiver's SN.

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.

[Tired Retired]

Elliott, welcome to the forum. These guys can tell you alot about carbines so you are in the right place.

Post some pictures and these guys can tell you the story of your carbine. The more detailed the pics, the more detailed the story.

As far as the finding a 12/42 barrel, it may prove to be difficult. You may want to check with Eddy Yuja who goes by 81mm on GB. His parts are the real deal. Stay away from a certain seller in Riverbank, California. While I have never bought from him, his reputation is that he'll sell you anything you want, but it won't be real...

Just my two cents....

[JimF4M1s (Deceased)]

Elliott,

What are you trying to accomplish by changing the barrel? Are you wanting to restore it back to what it's original configuration was out of the factory? If so, changing the barrel might just be the first item on a list of many. Does it have original finish or has it been refinished? Pictures of the stock, handguard, barrel band, rear sight, trigger group parts if you are able to take them apart would give an idea of what type parts are in your carbine. Changing the barrel back and say leaving an adjustable rear sight and straight hammer would conflict.

This could turn into a very costly project for you. Some would say leave it alone. The arsenal rebuilt is part of the carbine's history as well.

Do you have any carbine books you can use to check your parts? There is a $23 book (U.S. M1 Carbines, Wartime Production, 6th Revised and Expanded Edition) soft bound, that could help, and there is a $60 book (War Baby! The U.S. Caliber .30 Carbine, Vol. 1) hardcover, that gives history, and more detail on what parts were used when.

Lots to consider.

Jim

[Mikey51]

Welcome to the forum Elliott. I agree with Jim, leave it alone until you find out more. Pics would be great as we were talking about #99714 a few weeks back. Mike.

[Tired Retired]

Elliott, Let me add to to my earlier comments. First, unless your carbine is in a real "collector" condition, you have a shooter. Shooters are GREAT!! (Almost everything I own is a shooter.) Before you change anything - shoot it. If it shoots well, don't change it. If that barrel was changed years ago, it was because the original barrel mandated it (wear, damage, pitting, rust, just plain shot-out). I do not know anyone who shoots a M1 Carbine that does not love the platform for what it is.

Thats two more cents - guess I am up to four at this point.

[imarangemaster]

I agree with leaving the Inland 5-44 barrel. Unless it is an all original in original condition, I think the arsenal rebuild with upgrades is more authentic and the pinnacle of carbine development. It is the most recent "as issued" condition of the weapon. I know lots of folks want a "Saving Private Ryan" early carbine, but my CMP Inland with upgrades could have been on Okinawa, Pork Chop Hill, or in the I Drang with an advisor in 1962. What's not to like?????

[USGI]

imr - what's the "gismo" to the left of the pineapple grenade? Honest, I don't think I've ever seen one them, whatever it is ! - Bob

[BRK]

Its a Japanese type 97 grenade from WWII. It came in two types, one for throwing and the other was rifle launched.

The one in the picture is the throwing version.

[gsimmons]

It's a jap type 97 grenade.

[imarangemaster]

Japanese Type 97 Hand grenade. A sapper threw it in my dad's tent on Iwo Jima one night. It was a dud, probably because of Chinese slave labor. The sapper got away, but it scared the cr@p out of my dad and his tent mates! My dad had an "ordy" render it safe.