Make: Inland Division of General Motors

Model: M1 Carbine

Serial Number: 44249

Year of Manufacture: Mid 1942

Caliber: .30 Cal Carbine

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

Markings:

The top of the receiver: “U.S. CARBINE CAL. 30 M1 / INLAND DIV. 44249”.

The receiver bottom: “3”

The Barrel: “MARLIN”, “P” 3.5” back from the front sight, and a small flaming bomb on the right side of the gas block.

The Barrel Band: “IS” Inland

The front sight: “N” Inland

The rear sight: Shield “H”-Hemphill MFG. Co.

The slide: “S.G.” Saginaw Gear

The magazine catch: “M” and “WA” Winchester

The trigger group: “Q-NL” for National Lock Co

The safety: “SS” a post war rebuild part.

The hammer: “WA” Winchester

The Lug: “W” Winchester

The stock: The sling cut “H.I.” for Hillerich & Bradsbury makers of the Louisville Slugger baseball bats. The right flank has a large faint ordnance wheel. The left flank “RIA FB” indicating a rebuild or inspection at Rock Island.

The upper handguard: “M-U” Marlin Underwood

The oiler: “IS” International Silver Co.

Barrel Length: 18"

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a fixed blade that has been painted white set between protective ears. The rear sight is a later style sliding aperture sight with a knurled windage knob dovetailed to the receiver.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is an Oval cut, low wood stock, with a two rivet handguard, type three barrel band with lug, a rotary safety and a checkered metal buttplate. The LOP measures about 13.25”. The wood has been lightly sanded and refinished. The wood shows scattered light lines and compressions scattered throughout. There is a notable scratch on the right side low edge next to the trigger guard. There is a notable chip from the leading edge of the pommel. The toe of the heel has a wood repair. The metal buttplate has some slight discoloration, sharp checkering, and minor rub wear on the edges. There are no visible cracks. Overall the wood is in Very Good condition.

Magazine Quantity & Condition: None

Type of Finish: Parkerized / Blued.

Finish Originality: Arsenal Refurbished

Bore Condition: The bore is very bright with well defined rifling. There is no visible erosion. There is no visible pitting. In this writer's opinion the bore rates 9.75/10.

Overall Condition: This rifle retains 95% of its finish. The friction surfaces of the bolt and receiver show some rub wear. The barrel shows some patches of discoloration from age. The markings are clear and the screw heads are sharp. Overall this rifle is in Very Good 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 pouch and a sling.

Our Assessment: This is an early-production Inland Division M1 Carbine, serial number 44249, originally made around mid-1942 during the first production run. The receiver has been refinished, probably during an arsenal refurbishment performed at Rock Island Armory, as suggested by the RIA/FB stamp on the Hillerich & Bradsby stock. It features a mix of replacement parts commonly found on postwar rebuilt carbines, including a Marlin-manufactured barrel, a Saginaw Gear slide, a National Lock Co. trigger group, a Marlin-marked Underwood handguard, and a Winchester recoil lug.

While no longer in original 1942 configuration, this carbine represents a typical example of a U.S. government rebuild that remained in inventory for years after WWII. The variety of high-quality parts from multiple prime contractors reflects the logistical reality of maintaining a large reserve of serviceable arms. The low serial number places it among the earliest Inland receivers produced, adding interest for collectors despite the mixed components. The most notable of which is the stock made by Hillerich & Bradsby the makers of the famous Louisville slugger baseball bats. The blending of parts from multiple wartime contractors serves as a reminder of how American industry and workers from all backgrounds united to meet the demands of a global conflict, suspending ordinary life in a collective effort to support the troops overseas.