New to M1 carbines....what do I have????????

[zage tactical]

First of all I'm new here, so nice to be part of a group with a passion for the same thing rising up in me....these things are addictive...So I came across a 1942 Inland M1 carbine I got in trade….would like to learn more about the rifle and its value….the story I got from the guy I got it from was….in mid 1960s the guy he got it from bought this rifle through the NRA. Cost was $20.00 and was sent directly from Rock Island Arsenal Depot and has not been altered since. It seems like it was referbed after WW2 and never left again until private purchase as its in perfect shape. I have the original bill of sale from the US government to the original owner. I also got a box of 1960s era ammo with 9 rounds left in box. Supposedly 41 rounds are all that has been through rifle since full arsenal referb….(until last weekend…lol +100) also came with 5 30 rnd mags, 3 15 rnd mags, M4 bayonet, a M1 carbine book, sling, oiler and 2 mag pouches ( one for short mags and one for 30 rounders….the parts are mix matched but this is how it was….this is what I know….if not listed its unmarked or I haven’t broken it down that far yet. Thanks
Stock is marked with
• In sling well….HI and ordinance bomb
• Left side…..RIA over EB in a box
• Right side butt…..cross cannons cartouche
• Hand guard OI
Barrel is marked
• INLAND division of general motors( something like that) no date
• On front of gasblock has a WI
• Front sight…NI
• Barrel band... JM with bayonet lug
Operating slide parts
• Slide…PI
• Slide spring guide…Q
Receiver
• Inland
• Sn# 438,770
• Rear sight…IR Co 007160060
• Recoil plate…W
• Bolt…N 6 (haven’t broken down yet)
Trigger group
• Trigger housing vertical inland
• Trigger….JU
• Sear…HI
• Hammer…SG
• Magazine catch….M with a smaller WA running beside it
• Safety is a push button ( haven’t taken out yet)
It really looks just like the one on the top of page on the USCARBINECAL30M1.COM website

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.

[imarangemaster]

Congratulations and welcome to the Carbine forum! You have a 1960s weapon sold by the DCM (Department of Civilian Marksmanship - the predecessor of today's CMP) . Sounds like a typical post war rebuild. Remember, that is not a bad thing. Just because it was not "as left the factory in 1943", it is still an "as issued" weapon that is a piece of US and military history "as is." After WW II virtually all but a few were rebuilt with upgrades (adjustable sights, flip safeties, better magazine catches, and better barrel bands that both held the barrel more secure for better accuracy and accommodated a bayonet/lug. These upgrade weapons were used in Korea, Vietnam, Central America, and untold National Guard and Reserve units until the 197os or even later.

[zage tactical]

thanks, so CMP was sold through the NRA and drop shipped directly from US government arsenals ( rock island arsenal)? the paperwork I have is directly from Rock Island Depot and has all release of liability from the US. $17.50 + $2.50 s&h lol.... does anyone know its value and is it worth trying to get piece by piece parts to get it all matching? I hate to mess with its "correct" incorrectness....

[imarangemaster]

thanks, so CMP was sold through the NRA and drop shipped directly from US government arsenals ( rock island arsenal)? the paperwork I have is directly from Rock Island Depot and has all release of liability from the US. $17.50 + $2.50 s&h lol.... does anyone know its value and is it worth trying to get piece by piece parts to get it all matching? I hate to mess with its "correct" incorrectness....

DCM was the old program in the 60s that sold through NRA. It evolved into CMP, which is the current program that sells directly.

As far as restoring it to 1943 "as issued" the cost would probably run into 4 digits, depending what early parts it needs. If you want one as issued in 1943, etc., look around. I sold a correct 1943 Inland last year for under $1500 and a 1944 Winchester for $1450. It would probably cost more to "restore yours". Also consider that once you "restore" yours, it is not original in any sense (either as issued in 1943 or as issued after rebuild post war). It is just a carbine cobbled together by you from various parts. As it sits, especially with the original paperwork from DCM, it is worth much more as a piece of History.

If you are dead set on an original, either buy one or take an un-papered mix-master carbine to restore. Ones like yours with original paperwork are very rare.

[zage tactical]

thanks explains a lot....pictures (very bad ones due to limit on size, can email better ones) and a scanned copy of paperwork are in my photo gallery.....

[JimF4M1s (Deceased)]

Zage,

Welcome to the carbine forum. For extra information you can use the search feature.

Your DCM carbine is a mixed parts gun. Most from them were. Having the original paperwork adds value. As does the accessories. What would be very helpful are pictures. It's pretty easy and we have a sticky that explain how to do it.
How do I show pics from Photobucket, Flickr, ImageShack etc. on milsurps.com?
If you break it down and take pictures of the parts and markings it will be easier for us to give you additional information.
As for restoring, finding parts for an early carbine would be costly. And usually not worth it in the long run.
Also take pictures of the magazines. Are the 30 round full seam, or half seam, markings. Is the bayonet leather handled, maker, resharpened. C or D clip sling. Oiler marking. Markings on the pouches. All these items adds value to your total package.

We look forward to seeing you carbine.

Enjoy the forum. Jim

[zage tactical]

have to work on pictures..lol

[zage tactical]

here are a few pics..I have a bunch and will post more in a while...thanks





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here are the papers sale from rock island arsenal depot....will work on getting it bigger....

[imarangemaster]

Outstanding military rebuilt Carbine! It has Rock Island rebuild stamp and Rock Island DCM shipping papers. That is a peach! It is almost a twin to mine, but mine lacks the paperwork and rebuild stamp. It would be a mortal sin to change it.

[browningautorifle]

That's a neat little carbine, like it's own little history lesson. All the right stuff for it's time and everything matches.