Just got my M1 carbine any experts out there?

[jsalcedo]

I got my M1 carbine out of layaway today and was wondering if anyone knew any history of the specimen I received


The top of the barrel near the front sight is marked Underwood 8-43
and has a marking that looks like a circle with plumes of flame coming out of the top. This marking is repeated behind the rear sight

The top of the chamber is marked US CARBINE CAL 30 M1

Farther down the barrel is a P

The serial number is 1408xxx

The stock is marked on the side with VERA.
G.H.D

The rear sight is marked IR CO
7160060

The metal on the gun is perfect save for the hardened cosmoline
The wood is near perfect except for being darkened in places by the cosmoline as well.


I can't wait to take it out shooting.

Thanks in advance for any info from the carbine experts.

 

[ScottsGT]

Try this web site. They'll know.
http://www.jouster.com/cgi-bin/carbine/carbine.pl?

 

[Dave Markowitz]

I'm no expert, but I also have an Underwood Carbine. If I remember correctly, they are considered to be one of the best of the makes to have, quality-wise. Mine's a gem, even though at this point it's a mix-master.

 

[VG]

and has a marking that looks like a circle with plumes of flame coming out of the top. This marking is repeated behind the rear sight

It's a U.S. Ordnance mark, typically called "The Flaming Bomb."

The Jouster forum is about the best for Carbines, if contentious at times.
The Jouster Garand forum is the best, hands-down.

 

[JohnKSa]

8 43 is the month and year of manufacture.

 

[Devonai]

Who made the receiver?

 

[jsalcedo]

Who made the receiver?

It's marked UNDERWOOD beneath the rear sight.

The flaming bomb is found on every individual assembly.

 

[Master Blaster]

Just curious where did you get the M-1 and how much did you pay for it?

Thanks

 

[jsalcedo]

My local gun/pawnshop (Quality gun and pawn) for $450.

They told me it was a desirable model but I'm sure they would have said anything to make a sale.

 

[Devonai]

Based on my experience and my own carbine I think you got a very good deal. That is to say, if your carbine has an original barrel. Since the manufacturer is the same for both your barrel and receiver, there's no reason not to think so. However, my Standard Products carbine has an Underwood barrel, both dated 1943. Furthermore, the operating slide is also Underwood. I'd like to believe that my carbine is all original (with the exception of the barrel band, which is obviously a replacement as it sports a bayo lug), but it seems unlikely. I have been told that it's possible that a number of Standard Products receivers ended up at Underwood for assembly, but there is no proof this ever happpened.

All I know is that the bore is perfect and it shoots like a dream. I paid $325 for mine, probably due to the age of the stock. There is a cartouche on it, but it's so faint as to be almost invisible.