Make: Universal Firearms 

Model: M1 Carbine

Serial Number: 5279

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 “5279” 

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 marked “INLAND” made by Inland Division of General Motors

The rear sight is marked “I.R.C.O. 7160060”-for International Register CO.

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

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

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

The magazine is marked “JLC-B” J.L. Clark MFG. CO. magazine produced for IBM.

The stock is marked “O” in the nose.

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 low wood carbine stock with an oval cut, semi pistol grip, straight comb and Metal buttplate. The upper handguard is a vented metal 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 no wear or marks. The stock itself is visually stunning and shows only barely visible handling wear. There are no visible chips or cracks. Overall this stock is in about Like New condition.

Magazine Quantity & Condition: This rifle includes one 15 round magazine in excellent condition.

Type of Finish: Blued and parkerized. 

Finish Originality: Original and refinished.

Bore Condition: The bore is semi-dull 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 .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 rest of the rifle shows some minor age from storage. The front sight has turned plum and is installed backwards. 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 however the safety is stuck in the off position and will need to be repaired. 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 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. This rifle has one of the most beautiful stocks I have ever seen on an M1 carbine. The rifle shows some age but basically no use other than chamber checks. It is odd to see the front sight installed backwards and I would personally love to hear the story of how that happened. This carbine 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. It has been wonderfully preserved and presents a rare opportunity to find one of these guns in such condition.