Make: Bullseye Gun Works

Model: M1 Carbine

Serial Number: 2114

Year of Manufacture: Circa 1960. The first noted Bullseye receiver was 1010 and the Last noted was 2308 putting this rifle toward the end of their production before the company was acquired by Abe Seiderman Circa 1960.

Caliber: .30 Carbine

Action Type: Semi-Automatic carbine fed by detachable magazines. 

Markings:

The side of the receiver below the wood line is marked “BULLSEYE”

The rear of the receiver is marked “2114”. 

The magazine release button is marked “M” and “WA” for Winchester 

The Rotary safety is marked “CM” a post war rebuild part.

The bottom of the trigger group is stamped “X”. The left side of the trigger group is stamped “W 4”-a Winchester trigger group. 

The slide is marked “7160091 B” and “PI” on the inside. For Packard Inland.

The rear sight is marked “PI” for Packard Inland. These “PI” marked adjustable sights were the first adjustable sights produced by Inland. Used starting in May of 1944.

The front sight is marked “RIA” for Rock Island Arsenal a post war rebuild part

The barrel band is marked “KI” for Keeler Brass Co.

The bolt is marked “-U-” for Underwood Elliot Fisher

The stock is marked in the sling well with “IO” for Inland Overton. The right flank of the stock has a large ordnance wheel.

The upper handguard is stamped “H.I.” for Hillerich & Bradsbury makers of the Louisville Slugger baseball bats. Correct for Inland.

Barrel Length: 18"

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a fixed blade set between protective ears. The rear sight is the later style sliding aperture sight with a serrated windage knob dovetailed to the receiver. The sliding part of the sight, and the knob are both frozen in place most likely from being refinished.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is an Oval cut, low wood stock, with a four rivet handguard, type three barrel band with bayonet lug, a later style rotary safety and a checkered metal Buttplate. The LOP measures about 13.25” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The stock has been lightly sanded and refinished. As a result the stock shows very few lines and compressions with no visible chips or cracks. The upper handguard is in Excellent condition showing almost no wear. The metal buttplate retains 99% of its finish and shows only some minor surface rust freckling. Overall the stock is in Excellent condition for C&R.

Magazine Quantity & Condition: None.

Type of Finish: Blued and case colored.

Finish Originality: Original and refinished.

Bore Condition: The bore is very bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no fouling or erosion in the bore. The feed ramp is clean. This rifle appears unfired outside of perhaps being test fired. The muzzle reads at a 0. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 10/10.

Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 99% of the blued metal finish. The surface of the gun shows scattered minor rust freckling. Mainly on the front and rear sights, bottom of the barrel band and the muzzle end of the barrel. The front side of the receiver dovetail for the rear sight is cracked from left to right but it is still holding the sight firmly in place. The markings are clear and the screw heads are sharp. Overall this rifle is in Excellent condition for C&R given its age.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this rifle. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This rifle includes a certificate of authenticity and Universal firearms cardboard box with Sealed Owners manual.

Our Assessment: This Bullseye Gun Works M1 Carbine, produced around 1960, is a fascinating example of early commercial production, blending surplus military components with craftsmanship tailored for civilian markets. Bullseye Gun Works, established in Miami, Florida, in 1954, initially operated as a gun shop before expanding into wholesaling M1 Carbines by the late 1950s early 1960s before being acquired by Abe Seiderman and Universal firearms. This particular carbine, with its striking case-colored receiver, features parts from several prominent manufacturers. The trigger group was made by Winchester, a company integral to U.S. military firearm production during World War II, known for its robust and high-quality components. The bolt, sourced from Underwood, reflects the precision of a manufacturer known for making typewriters. The rear sight and slide are marked for Packard Inland, one of the General Motors divisions tasked with mass-producing M1 Carbine sights and slides during the war, famed for its manufacturing innovations. The upper handguard, stamped Hillerich & Bradsbury, adds a unique touch, as this company was better known for producing Louisville Slugger baseball bats but also contributed to wartime production efforts.

Accounts vary but sometime in the late 1950s early 1960s, Bullseye Gun Works was acquired by Abe Seiderman, founder of Universal Firearms, who played a pivotal role in commercializing M1 Carbines for civilian use. Under his leadership, Universal Firearms became known for blending military surplus parts with new components, paving the way for a diverse range of carbine models. This particular rifle, hailing from Abe Seiderman's personal collection, exemplifies the transitional phase of M1 Carbine production, showcasing the creative use of surplus parts while maintaining the functional excellence of the original design.

This M1 carbine stands out with its case-colored receiver and the mix of components from respected wartime manufacturers making this rifle not only a visually unique collector's item but also a historical artifact that bridges military and commercial firearm production. Its provenance from Seiderman’s collection adds significant historical value, reflecting the legacy of innovation and adaptability in post-war firearm manufacturing. This rifle serves as a testament to the enduring appeal and versatility of the M1 Carbine, cherished by collectors and enthusiasts alike.