Universal Carbine

[dispatch55126]

I just picked up a first generation Universal Carbine. Its in very good shape but I'd like to know what parts are interchangable with USGI parts. Specifically, what, if any parts of the trigger group and bolt group can be interchanged with USGI parts?

Thanks.

 

[kwelz]

In general no. Universal carbines are not interchangeable with USGI parts.

 

[Maverick223]

I believe the entire bolt and trigger group is USGI in the first generation. Azizza, subsequent generations use proprietary parts, but the first gen. is all USGI except for the receiver, stock, and barrel IIRC.

 

[dispatch55126]

My mag release is H&R Machine and the rear sight is Packard, both sub'd for Inland. I haven't fully stripped it yet so I haven't been able to locate manufacturing stamps for the bolt or trigger group.

 

[Maverick223]

dispatch, here is a site that provides some additional information. It seems that all parts (only on the 1st Gen.) are interchangeable with USGI parts and many of the original parts are refinished USGI. As Universals go you got a good one.

 

[jimmyraythomason]

I had to replace a bolt on a Universal Carbine in the late '70s. I ordered a complete U.S.G.I bolt assembly for it. When it arrived I only had a stripped bolt.No biggy,just use firing pin and spring etc. right? NO GO. The Universal firing pin was larger in diameter than U.S.G.I. I drilled out the bolt body to size and assembled it. Worked great but I don't know if it lasted. It wasn't mine. Military bolt worked fine in that U.C. but the U.C. bolt internals weren't the same as U.S.G.I.

 

[dispatch55126]

Maverick223-

Thanks for the link. This confirms what I had suspected. This Universal still uses the USGI bolt assembly, slide and is single sprung (thankfully). The trigger group, however, is a redesign so USGI and aftermarket stocks won't work which isn't a bad thing since the stock is in excellent condition.

 

[Maverick223]

No problem, dispatch, actually from what I found (on the CMP forum) the trigger group is the same, but only on the first generation rifles. I didn't find anything about the stock, but I know that later generations wouldn't fit, so that may very well be the case. Best of luck, Mav.

 

[kwelz]

I stand corrected. Thanks guys.

 

[dispatch55126]

I finally have the rifle torn down. The trigger group is Universal and aluminum so so much for the USGI trigger group. The slide was made by Winchester so that is USGI and the bolt is "USGI style" but I don't see a proof mark so I'm not sure if its USGI or Universal.

Other than the bolt packed with heavy grease, its in great condition and should be a reliable shooter.

More to come...

 

[Maverick223]

The trigger group is Universal and aluminum so so much for the USGI trigger group.

Perhaps that was swapped out later, from what I have found (no personal experience with swapping the trigger group, but the bolt will swap just fine) it should be the same (dimensionally, perhaps different specs and metallurgy). I would try switching the entire trigger pack with a USGI set if you have a friend that has a USGI pattern M1Car. The bolt is very likely a Universal bolt considering that it has no proof. FWIW I would replace that bolt, considering you don't know how well it was heat treated...if at all.

If you don't mind me being a bit nosy, why do you ask, are there parts that need replacement or are you just wondering what parts are interchangeable in case you need a replacement in the future?

 

[dispatch55126]

If you don't mind me being a bit nosy, why do you ask, are there parts that need replacement or are you just wondering what parts are interchangeable in case you need a replacement in the future?

With all of the negative publicity, I'm going through the rifle in detail to find out exactly what I have. Its a beautiful rifle in excellent condition so I'm comfortable in that it was well taken care of.

Knowing what is interchangeable will allow me to find future parts, if needed. Also, identifying the USGI parts adds a level of comfort in knowing that it'll be reliable. When I bought the rifle, the guy I bought it from raised a few red flags, primarily when he said it was twin sprung. However, once I fully disassembled it, I found that to not be the case.

 

[.45Guy]

The Universals have their issues. But If you find one cheap enough, even a stamped op-rod, dual sprung, late model can make for a nice trunk gun with a little TLC. FWIW, the thingss that crap out the most are GI compatible. Well, other than the op rod.

 

[Maverick223]

10-4, the only thing that I would be worried about (rightfully or not) is that bolt. It is very likely perfectly fine, but that is one part that you don't want to come unglued.

.45Guy, that is a funny looking M1 Carbine on the bottom.

 

[.45Guy]

LMAO, I would have thought that you would have commented on the 16.75" barrel on the carbine. But I digress. If it is an early carbine, pick up a complete GI bolt and be done with it. If it is a late model, the extractor and ejector from a GI rebuild kit are useable.

 

[BHP FAN]

Truthfully,I fired many thousands of rounds through mine before I finally swapped it for a 30-30.

 

[Maverick223]

I would have thought that you would have commented on the 16.75" barrel on the carbine.

I knew that it looked a little short, but I figured it was due to the MN "ruskie jungle carbine" (often mistaken for a flamethrower) and the somewhat disproportionate optics that you have on the M1.

You can find a replacement bolt here.

 

[.45Guy]

That isn't actually an MN. It is a Carcano, in 7.62x39.... There is a rather long thread on that rifle here on THR.

 

[Maverick223]

That isn't actually an MN. It is a Carcano, in 7.62x39

I see, I should have noticed that the magazine was curved instead of slanted and the lack of the ugly MN cocking piece (noticed the bolt but figured that was a later modification), that rifle has one of the slickest bolts that I know of...better than the SMLE in my opinion.