M1 carbine.

[tkaction]

I am hoping that someone can explain a couple of arsenal marks on my Plainfield M1 carbine. I have a triangle with a P in it on the barrel a R.I.A. on the front site and a large M on the mag release. Trigger and mag housing is an exact copy of the GI trigger housing except in aluminum.
It is not the Universal aluminum ones but a direct copy of the GI. anyone ever heard of this? It shoots very well and has a nice crisp letoff.

 

[closetgunnut]

I'm not an expert, not even close, but I'll take a stab at your markings....

If I'm not right someone will hopefully chime in.

The triangle "P" on the barrel:
An arsenal marking showing that the barrel was proof fired.

The large "M" on the mag release:
The mark for a Type 2 mag release

The R.I.A. on the front sight:
I think the sight was made by Rock Island Arsenal (Commercial firm)

I could be right. I could be wrong. (wouldn't be the first time, won't be the last)

BTW: Does the barrel have a Manufacturer stamp? I.E. "Inland", "I.B.M", etc...? Just wondering.

Hope this helps,
Closet

 

[tkaction]

I have only field stripped it and I have not found any genuine GI parts yet. I will post pictures later and do a complete clean up on it. The extractor appears to be chipped but the function is good but not powerful . I am going to replace it.

 

[NC-Mike]

http://www.m1carbinesinc.com/carbine_plainfield.html