Make: Universal Firearms 

Model: M1 Carbine

Serial Number: 5940

Year of Manufacture: Post 1961- Pre 1967 

Caliber: .30 Carbine

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

Markings:

The top-front of the receiver is marked “U.S. CARBINE / CAL. .30 M1” 

The top of the receiver in front of the rear sight is marked “5940” 

The rear of the receiver is marked “UNIVERSAL / HI ALEAH, FLA.” 

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

The rotary safety is marked “SS” a post war rebuild part 

The trigger housing is unmarked

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

The slide is marked ““D-7161843 / SG” for Saginaw Gear

The barrel band is marked with a “C” C. Cowles & Co.

The front sight is marked “RIA” for Rock Island Arsenal 

The top of the bolt is marked “X”. This is most likely a Rock-OLA made bolt that they used for testing and then returned to the parts pool to be used for production. 

The handguard upper is marked “579” 

The stock is marked “579 AUG 29 1962” in the nose. 

The oiler is marked “IS” for International Silver CO. correct for Inland Div.

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.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is a select walnut, Universal Firearms made enclosed wood carbine stock with an oval cut, semi pistol grip, straight comb and Metal buttplate. The upper handguard is a four rivet upper handguard with sighting groove held in place by a type three barrel band with bayonet lug. The LOP measures about 13” from the front of the trigger to the back of the stock. The buttplate has turned green with age, retains almost all of its finish and shows rub wear around the edges. The upper handguard shows minor wear from use and a series of compressions from the sling. The stock itself shows lines, compressions and punch marks scattered throughout the stock. There are some places where the finish in the stock has dried out and turned opaque. There are no visible chips or cracks. Overall this stock is in about Good to Very Good condition.

Magazine Quantity & Condition: None.

Type of Finish: Blued and parkerized. 

Finish Originality: Original and refinished.

Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is a section of visible pitting under the front sight in the bore. Both the muzzle and feed ramp are clean. The muzzle reads at a .05 or as the CMP would state it a 0+. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 9/10.

Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 95% of its metal finish. The friction surfaces of the bolt and receiver show the majority of the wear. The front sight is beginning to turn plum. The blued barrel shows scattered lines and some surface rust freckling. The barrel band, trigger group, and rear sight have turned green with age. The receiver and bolt also show some surface rust and brown from patina. The markings are clear and the screw heads are sharp. Overall this rifle is in Good Condition.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. This is the Gen 1 version of the Universal M1 carbines that follows the original M1 Pattern of construction and uses many original GI parts. 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, Universal firearms cardboard box, green canvas sling and a sealed owner’s manual.

Our Assessment: The M1 Carbine, developed during World War II, was designed to provide U.S. troops with a lightweight, semi-automatic rifle that bridged the gap between standard-issue pistols and the heavier M1 Garand. Chambered in .30 Carbine, it featured a 15-round detachable magazine and became renowned for its portability and ease of use. Over six million units were produced between 1941 and 1945, serving various roles from frontline combat to support positions.

Post-war, the demand for M1 Carbines persisted, leading companies like Universal Firearms to produce civilian versions. Founded in 1961 in Hialeah, Florida, Universal initially assembled carbines using surplus GI parts. Early models, known as "Gen 1," closely mirrored the original military specifications and were compatible with GI components. As surplus parts dwindled, Universal began manufacturing their own, resulting in later models that diverged from the original design and had limited parts interchangeability.

This specific Universal Firearms M1 Carbine features both blued and parkerized finished parts. The receiver and barrel were made by Universal Firearms while many of the other parts are surplus WWII era Government Issue. The most interesting of which is the “X” marked bolt. Rock-Ola marked many of their round profile test bolts with an “X” so they would know that the bolt was used for testing. Many of these bolts were then returned to the production lines to be used. It is fascinating to think that one ended up at Universal firearms in Florida after the war. This early production example represents a blend of historically authentic parts and commercial production originating from the family collection of inventor, founder and President of Universal Firearms, Abe Seiderman.