M1 Carbine-All WWII Original?

[dbuffington]

Hi Folks!

Today, in the latest episode of "What the Heck Did I Buy?" we have an M1 Carbine I purchased at auction Saturday.

I'm a novice at military arms of all kinds, but here (I think) are the essentials ...

M1 Carbine
General Motors Inland Division
Serial 5380103
Rear sight marked "H.I."
Front sight marked "N"
Stock has no arsenal rebuild stamps
Round bolt
Side-by-side mag release and safety

You'll find a few images below. Any thoughts?

Thanks!
Dave

Information

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[ABPOS]

I'm not sure if the round bolts were WWII era or not. I guess I should go get the book I have. I guess the rear sight might be a question too, but I think some were saying it might have been used as early as WWII. Although I think it's a more later style adjustable sight. Isn't that a "type III" guys?

Is it a high wood stock? Can't tell by the pictures.

[NRA]

doubt it

[Bruce McAskill]

The type 3 round bolt started about Feb. 1944. It was a standard bolt for the M1 carbine and was the only bolt being made and used by the end of carbine production in April 1944 for almost all the makers except Inland and Winchester who used it till the end of their production in the late summer of 1945. Standard Products was the only other maker that did not use the type 3 bolt before ending their contracts to make carbines.

The rear sight is a type 2 milled sight made for Inland. The carbine appears to be in original configuration for the serial number but that would also depend on what is inside.

[USGI]

Is that barrel date 7-44? I've got an Inland with s/n 5,413,XXX that has an 8-44 barrel. Everything looks right to me including the blued round bolt, "M" mag release, push safety, Type 5 slide, "N" front sight, Type II rear sight, Type II barrel band, and 4 rivet handguard. In my opinion the oiler is upside down - not sure if the sling should be tan or OD, but that's not a big deal. - Bob

[Johnny Peppers]

Looks identical to a 5.4 million original I have. Barrel date on mine is 8-44. I believe it is original.

[phil441]

My pet peeve is people trying to recreate a WWII appearance by replacing a type III barrel band with a type I or type II. That almost always leaves a type III shadow on the fore end of the stock and barrel. To me, that's an indication of whether or not it's been fooled with. I see no indication of that on yours. Good find!

[dbuffington]

Is it a high wood stock? Can't tell by the pictures.

The cutout in the lower portion of the stock is approximately 9.75 inches long. I believe that makes it a "low wood" stock.

Is that barrel date 7-44?

Yes, the barrel date is 7-44.

Oh, and by the way, I'm responsible for the oiler being upside down =(

Thanks to all!
Dave

---------- Post added at 11:29 PM ---------- Previous post was at 11:25 PM ----------

Oh, and another question while I'm here ...

What I thought might be corrosion on some of the parts, particularly the barrel, has turned out to be heavily caked lubricant of some kind.

I was able to clean the barrel with Hoppe's No. 9, and it looks nearly new now. But I think I need something with more pressure and penetration to clean some other of parts, like the rear sight. Is it safe to use a "Gun Scrubber" type cleaner (like a spray brake cleaner) on the finish of these guns?

Thanks again!
Dave

[Johnny Peppers]

Gun Scrubber or brake cleaner won't hurt the metal finish on your Carbine, but take the metal out of the wood. Use an old toothbrush on the heavily coated areas. The finish will probably appear lighter when you get all the old grease and oil out of the finish, but a coat of oil will return it to original color.

[blazer91]

Dave, that's a beautiful little gun, congrats on your purchase.
Jim