New M1 Carbine

[Doug S]

I picked up what I thought was going to be an Underwood M1 Carbine from a friend tonight. Seems he got it a while back from a fellow who purchased it from the CMP. He put it away as soon as he bought it, without shooting it, and evidently without really looking it over well. He made quick assumption based on the barrel marking that it was an Underwood carbine. I bought it off of him for $500. I haven’t torn it down yet, but doing so is a lot of fun in my opinion, and I plan to spend time going over the parts this weekend. Giving it a quick look over with my carbine book in hand, here is what I’ve noticed so far. It turns out he was mistaken about it being an Underwood (receiver wise). It is a total “Mix-master” with a Winchester receiver 558****, early 1944, and a 10-43 marked Underwood barrel. Some other things I noticed are the stock has a “J” and a flaming bomb in the sling slot. According to my book this indicates a wartime replacement stock. Top handguard is the two rivet type. Round bolt, Type II rear sight, Type III front barrel band marked MMQ (Quality Hardware).

It’s not a bad looking carbine, and I the $500 price tag seemed reasonable for a decent condition albeit total mixmaster M1 Carbine.

I do have some questions though. Anyone know the going price for a Winchester receiver mixmaster these days? Does the Winchester name command any higher premium without the matching barrel? I ask this because I may use this for trading fodder for a M1 Garand. Is it common for the barrels to be mismatched to the receivers after refurb? Also, I forgot to mention that the stock also has a "9" over a "114" on the right side of the buttstock, and a stamp of a star above the letters SABO above the letters SSAB, above a 62 (then the J and the flaming bomb in the sling cutout). Does this provide a clue as to where the rifle was imported from?

Thanks for any feedback.

 

[blkbrd666]

Actually, if I found one that did all match I would be pretty certain that some collector at some point had restored it to its "theoretical" original condition. There were lots of mixed parts from the factory...example: Quality Hardware made receivers but not barrels...they got their barrels from Rock-Ola(most of the time).

 

[MissouriCrowinMass]

In Mass.......average mixmasters go for about $600 and a nice mixmasters up to a grand. Of course cigarettes are $8.50 a pack too.

 

[JWF III]

You can call it a mix-master if you want. But I prefer to call it a wartime repair. The armorers didn't care who made what part, as long as it worked. Being made in '43, it almost assuredly saw time in theatre, if not in action.

Wyman

 

[Tinpig]

"Total mixmaster" means that you have an absolutely typical USGI M1 Carbine. Carbines were repaired, rebuilt and upgraded either during or after WWII and Korea without regard to who manufactured the parts.

Interchangeability of parts is one of the most desirable traits of a military rifle.

Sounds like you have a very nice rifle at an excellent price. I'm sure you'll get good value for it in a trade...or you can keep it, shoot it, enjoy it, and get the Garand.

Tinpig

 

[Bill_Rights]

Well, dang it, post some pics! Especially of the deets you describe, with the camera in close-up mode. No pics, no believe....

 

[Doug S]

Hi All,

I appreciate the comments on my rifle.

I took it to the range today and test fired it. I fired 60 rounds of Winchester lead hollowpints, and Remington ball, and the gun functioned perfectly. Nice shooter and accurate. This would make a nice self defense carbine IMO. I tried to get a picture, but it didn't come out very good. Outside the lighting was too harsh, inside too dark. I finally took one without flash, and it's a little blurry, but it is also the most accurate looking pictures. I don't think I could get a picture of the Winchester marking because it is hidden below the rear sight. I'll try later, and I can also post a picture of the barrel marking. For now, here it is.

Thanks again for the positive comments

 

[MP-44]

Nice!!!!!!

 

[Doug S]

A couple of pictures of markings.