.30 Carbine help needed

[BamBam]

I have a .30 Carbine with the following markings:

Barrel:
- Inland Mfg. Div.
General Motors

- 7-42

Stock:

- RRA

- P (behind trigger guard)

Sight:

- J.A.O.

Bolt:

- 20,XXX


Any info would be welcomed!

 

[thisaway]

According to Craig Riesch's U.S. M1 Carbines Wartime Production 3d ed., :

1) Barrel markings indicate manufacture by the Inland Mfg. Div. of General Motors corp. in July 1942.

2) "Some Inland, Underwood, early Winchester, and early Saginaw S'G' carbine stocks will show the 'circled P' proof stamped into the bottom of the pistol grip." (Riesch, p.71)

"RRA" is an inspector's cartouche, I think. There should be an ID code letter(s) stamped in the left side of the sling well in the butt.

3) "J.A.O." is a code for Inland Mfg. Div. used only on the Type 3 rear sight. (Riesch, p. 17)

4) I cannot find anything referencing a number on the bolts...it may be spurious. On p. 18 of Riesch's book, it states that there should be a manufacturer's code mark on the lugs or under the left lug if Underwood Mfg. Co.



Hope this helps!

BTW, the receiver should have the manufacturer's name stamped on the rear, under the rear sight. If you don't mind, look at it and post it here, please.

 

[Robert inOregon]

Would guess that its a Red River Arsenal rebuild. Hard to say without seeing the rifle and getting more details. Should be more markings under the rear sight (Adjustable??) and inside the stock. Bayonet lug??

 

[BamBam]

Thanks to both of you for your replies. I was told that the RRA may indicate a rebuild.

Has adjustable sights and bayonet lug.
I'll check the rifle over and supply the info you asked about.

BamBam

 

[DamnedDirtyApe]

If you can't see the manufacturer's name on the heel of the receiver, it's cause it's underneath the rear sight.

Post the first five or six numbers of the serial number that's probably still visible, and it will be a guide to the manufacturer.

Each supplier was assigned a block of serial numbers by the govenment.

 

[BamBam]

Ape,
Love the SN!

Looks like "INLAND DIV." and "201XX" under rear sight. I was incorrect when I said that "201XX" was on the bolt; it's under rear sight.

Right side of stock (just forward of sling slot) has another faint stamping. It's a circile with two things (that look kinda' like flashlights) crossing thru it.

Also "R1A" on left side of front sight.

In addition to "J.A.O.", rear sight has "160060" on right side.

"M" on mag release button.

What may be "10" is stampped in bevel of sling slot (left side).

Any idea if this M1 is more desireable (collectable) than others in similar condition? I am clueless.

Thanks again,
BamBam

 

[BamBam]

BTT

 

[thisaway]

BamBam,
If the serial really is 201xx, then you have a very early Inland M1 Carbine. This would make a good carbine to restore to "World War 2" condition. I suggest you get a copy of Riesch's book from www.tapco.com and find out which parts you need in order to restore it. A WW2-original-condition (or fully restored) is worth a significant amount.

 

[BamBam]

Thisaway,

Thanks for the info.
This is actually the second time I've owned this rifle. Still never fired it. Guy I sold it to (and recently got it back from) says it operates fine. Also says that he has a book for it that he'll give me.

Where can I find a value guide? Also, I'd like to leave it in its current condition if it hasn't been molested. Any idea of how I can research this? (Guess I ought to go get that book)

Thanks again,
BamBam

 

[popeye]

I too have an Inland. Should WWII guns have bayonet lug?

 

[Marshall]

BamBam,

Try this:

Gun Guide


Good List of Gun Value Books


Good Luck,
Marshall

 

[skymark]

U.S. Carbine CAL .30 M1

I also am just trying to find out info on my fathers M1 with similar #'s and markings plus....

Info: Inland MFG DIV General Motors 11-44

Folding Stock

Adjustable Rear sight

Bayonet Rig to name a few,


any info would be appreciated,

Thanks

 

[FMJMIKE]

http://www.m1carbineforum.com/

 

[Dave Markowitz]

I too have an Inland. Should WWII guns have bayonet lug?

As made during WW2 the Carbines generally didn't have bayonet lugs. The barrel band with bayonet lug was developed in late 1944 or early 1945 and really didn't see service in significant numbers until after the War. Virtually all GI Carbines were refurbished after the War so most of them were fitted with bayonet lugs.

To change the barrel band you need to remove the front sight. It is pressed on and pinned in place. There are special tools for removal and installation.

 

[Grump]

Right side of stock (just forward of sling slot) has another faint stamping. It's a circile with two things (that look kinda' like flashlights) crossing thru it.

That sounds like the Ordinance acceptance stamp. Those two things are old fashioned cannon barrels. IIRC, it was put on the stock after the assembled rifle passed both proof (the circle-P for most I'm aware of) and targeting tests.

 

[Trebor]

Some WWII Inlands had the bayonet lug. The rifle would have to be manufactured in late '44 or '45 though, IIRC.

 

[Father Knows Best]

RRA indeed indicates Red River Arsenal, in Texas. It indicates that your rifle was rebuilt at the Red River Arsenal after the war. I have several RRA Garand and carbine stocks in my collection.

 

[GarandOwner]

I second getting the book, its only about $16 and can answer any question you have as far as parts go: by the way if your 201xx bolt matches your reciever then it was stamped on by someone after market. Bolts were never serialized to their reciever.