Hand stamped M only receivers 1 or 2 handstamped

[CMPRO23]

When did the hand stamped M only with the 1 or 2 added as needed. I have an Inland # 6,380,xxx . From what I can find the M2s started after the 6.6 million number. Whhy would they make a M only receiver before the M2s were in production ?

[USGI]

Here's a link to an older thread that you may not have seen yet. Also wanted to make sure you understand that only the 1 or 2 were "hand stamped" on these, not the "M". The pictures are missing from the thread in the link, but you should be able to find some in your searches. On mine the "1" is a bit lower than the "M" and was done after it was parkerized.

https://www.milsurps.com/showthread.php?t=64468&page=1

Let us know what your barrel date is and also post a picture of the stamping on the receiver. My older brother has a 6,418,xxx Inland from the CMP that has an 11-44 barrel and is not hand stamped. - Bob

This is a pic of my 6.9M receiver stamping:

[W5USMC]

Turns out that the OP's Inland is not a hand stamp, just a heavy roll stamp on the right side of the receiver ring making the "1" look a bit different, it is discussed in this CCC forum thread.
hand stamp questin - The Carbine Collector's Club - Page 1

[painter777]

http://www.uscarbinecal30.com/forum/...7110/m1hs2.JPG




Link to picture

Ch-P777

[jimb16]

If you look, the E in carbine is also distorted.