Make: Inland Division of General Motors with a Saginaw Gear made receiver.

Model: M1 Carbine

Serial Number: 947653X, The X suffix denotes an overrun into Inland serial numbers.

Year of Manufacture: Receiver 1943, Barrel Date 9-43.

Caliber: .30 Carbine

Action Type: Semi-Automatic, magazine fed.

Markings:

Receiver: “U.S. CARBINE CAL. 30 M1 / INLAND DIV. 947653X” below the wood line on the left hand side “SG”. Small SG marking.

The barrel: “INLAND MFG. DIV. GENERAL MOTORS 9-43”. Mid barrel there is a “P”. The barrel flat is marked with the usual Inland hieroglyphics. The front of the gas block is marked “I-I” for International Silver Co produced for Inland. The top of the chamber “D”.

The front sight: Unmarked

Barrel band: “UI” correct for Inland.

Slide: “PI” on the inside-Packard Inland and a faint “S” on the bottom.

Rear Sight: “S”

The trigger group: “INLAND”

Hammer: “H.I.” for Hemphill MFG CO.

The Safety is unmarked

Sear: “R.I.” - Inland

Magazine Catch: “E.I.” an Inland Division part.

Upper Handguard: “IO” Inland Overton

Stock: The grip “11-9”, the pommel circle “P”, the sling cut “IO”, the right flank has an ordnance wheel. Inland Overton made stock.

The oiler: “IS” International Silver Co.

The magazine: “AI”

Barrel Length: 18"

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a fixed blade set between protective ears. The rear sight is the early style “L” type dual aperture sight dovetailed to the receiver.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is an Oval cut, high wood stock, with a two rivet handguard, type one barrel band, cross bolt 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 wood has been sanded and refinished. The wood shows some surface level lines and small compressions with a notable chip in the left side nose. There are no visible cracks. The metal buttplate has turned green and shows a few very small oxidation spots. Overall this stock set is in Very Good+ condition.

Magazine Quantity & Condition: The rifle includes one 15 round magazine. The magazine is in Very Good condition.

Type of Finish: Parkerized

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is very bright with well defined rifling. There is no visible erosion. This is a very clean bore. In this writer's opinion the bore rates 10/10.

Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 99% of its metal finish. Most of the metal surfaces of the receiver and trigger group have turned green with patina and age. The bolt shows some, but very little, rub wear on the friction surfaces. The lug has turned green as well. There is one small patch of oxidation on the left side of the barrel. The screw heads are sharp and the markings are mostly clear. Overall, this rifle rates in about Excellent condition.

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 the magazine and canvas sling.

Our Assessment: This Inland M1 Carbine was manufactured by the Inland Division of General Motors in September of 1943 and features a properly marked Inland barrel dated 9-43. The receiver, while Inland-marked, bears a small “SG” stamp low on the left side beneath the wood line, indicating it was subcontracted from Saginaw Steering Gear, another GM division, and then assembled by Inland at their facility using Inland parts. The serial number carries an “X” suffix, used during the war to avoid duplication after producing overlapping serial blocks.

The rifle retains all Inland-correct parts, including the internals and high wood stock, which is appropriate for the mid-war production period. The condition is excellent, with only minor signs of handling and an exceptionally clean bore, suggesting careful use or limited firing. Carbines like this reflect the production collaboration between GM divisions under Inland’s contract, and when all parts match to the Inland specification, they’re especially desirable to collectors. This is a prime example of a wartime Inland M1 Carbine built entirely in-house, using subcontracted components as originally intended.