Make: Universal Firearms 

Model: M1 Carbine

Serial Number: 3594

Year of Manufacture: Post 1961- Pre1967 

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 “UNIVERSAL / HI ALEAH, FLA.” 

The rear of the receiver is marked “3594” 

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-7161843-7 / HSA” with a flaming bomb a post war Arsenal rebuild part. 

The right side of the barrel is marked with a “3” 

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

The front sight is stamped with “N”-International Business Machine part 

The stock is unmarked

The magazine is marked “U” for Underwood

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 knurled 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 wood upper handguard with sighting groove held in place by a type three barrel band with bayonet lug. The LOP measures about 13.25” from the front of the trigger to the back of the stock. The buttplate has retained all of its finish and has sharp checkering. The upper handguard shows a few small scattered marks and one small punch mark on the left side. The stock has had the nose shortened, and shows scattered lines and compressions throughout with a notable patch of compressions on the left side between the trigger and rear sight. There is some finish missing from inside the sling well. There are no chips or cracks visible. Overall this stock is in about Very good condition.

Magazine Quantity & Condition: This rifle includes one 15 round magazine in very good condition. The blued finish of the magazine shows some surface rust scattered throughout. The magazine has a strong spring and undamaged feed lips.

Type of Finish: Blued and parkerized. 

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. There is a small pitting mark on the bottom of the bore about an inch back from the muzzle. The feed ramp is clean. The muzzle reads at a .05 or as the CMP would state it a 0+. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 10/10.

Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 99% of its metal finish. The friction surfaces of the bolt and receiver show very minor wear. The bolt shows pitting that has been finished over. The rest of the rifle shows only some very minor age from storage. The markings are clear and the screw heads are sharp. Overall this rifle is in Excellent to Like New 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 and the magazine mentioned above.

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 is one of the earliest versions produced by Universal and 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 rifle shows some age but basically no use other than chamber checks and some mild storage wear. This carbine represents a blend of historically authentic parts that were commercially produced into an M1 originating from the family collection of inventor, founder and President of Universal Firearms, Abe Seiderman. This rifle has been well preserved and presents a rare opportunity to own one of the earliest versions of a commercially produced M1 carbine.