West German M1 Carbine

[Ryanxia]

I'm wondering if anyone would have any more info on this rifle. It is a .22 caliber M1 carbine made in West Germany. The pictures are below, it says "TORRO" but doing a search I didn't find any manufacturer with that name. ERMA-Werke kept coming up but their site didn't reference TORRO if it was a model so I'm not sure.

These pictures are all I have to go by and unfortunately not any other markings. It belongs to a friend. Any info is appreciated.

 

[Jim Watson]

From M1CarbinesInc.com page on Erma .22 Carbines:

"The research conducted by Holger Schlemeier of Bavaria indicates the Torro was manufactured for the market in Spain. Proof mark years range from 1987-1993, serial numbers range from E050xxx-E053xxx. Holger has found quite a few Torro's in Austria."

 

[Ryanxia]

Thanks Jim, I didn't see there was a page 2 under the ERMA-Werke versions where the Torro is listed.

I wonder how/why so many were found in Austria?

 

[ulflyer]

Just guessing, but maybe it is/was the Austrian's previous use of the GI M1 30cal Carbines that they had for some years after WWII. The US provided a huge number to them that was used by their Police and Gendarme units. These were returned to the US a few years ago and sold by the CMP. The look alike Torro/Erma in 22cal being much cheaper to shoot.

 

[Jaymo]

Wonder why it is stamped that it was made in West Germany, if it was made in Spain?
Curiouser and curiouser.

 

[Carl N. Brown]

It was made in West Germany for sale in Spain.

I believe it was originally intended as an in expensive military/police trainer then they discovered intense civilian interest.

 

[Gun Master]

Erma has produced a lot of past fecal matter.
Looks good. Hope it is.
Oh, based on past performance, I'll just wait 'til somebody else buys one and reports.