Make: Universal Firearms 

Model: Carbine

Serial Number: 142795

Year of Manufacture: 1968-1984 

Caliber: .30 Carbine

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

Markings:

The top-front of the receiver is marked “UNIVERSAL / HIALEAH, FLA. / PAT. 3.382.766”

The rear of the receiver is marked “142795”. 

The magazine release is marked “H.I.” and “M”. for H&R Machine CO made for Inland Division. 

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

The rear sight is marked “LYMAN”

Barrel Length: 18", 20” with the front sight extension. The barrel is a 60/30 octagon barrel. 

Sights / Optics: The front sight is what appears to be a Williams Guide Series sporting ramp with gold bead front sight very similar to what Universal used on their Vulcan rifles. The rear sight is a flip down Lyman U notch sight with white aiming reference dovetailed to the rear of the barrel. The left side of the receiver has been drilled and tapped for a Universal style scope mount.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is a Universal Firearms, select walnut, high gloss finished, open top, thumbhole sporter style stock with a wide forend, raised comb and plastic serrated buttplate. The stock features two sling swivels and a length of pull of 14” from the front of the trigger to the back of the stock. The stock shows crazing in the finish, with scattered marks, and compressions mainly on the leading edge and bottom of the pommel of the grip. The wood shows no visible chips or cracks. The buttplate shows some chips in the toe and it has finish from the stock covering it that is peeling in places. The screw heads in the buttplate show surface rust. From what my research has revealed this is a one of a kind stock from Universal Firearms and overall the stock is in Very Good condition.

Magazine Quantity & Condition: None.

Type of Finish: Blued with a Gold trigger and stainless bolt.

Finish Originality: Original and refinished.

Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is defined. There is no fouling or erosion in the bore. The feed ramp is clean. The bolt face shows no brass fouling. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 10/10.

Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 99% of the blued metal finish. The surface of the gun shows scattered marks, lines, and minor rust freckling scattered throughout the blued surfaces. The bolt is mostly unfinished and shows some minor rub wear on the friction surfaces. There are several places where the original oil on the rifle has caked up that wipe off fairly easily with a cloth. 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 a certificate of authenticity and Universal firearms cardboard box.

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 example is what appears to be an experimental sporter style version of Universal Firearms’ Hybrid Carbine. This rifle was built using a second generation “cut” side Universal receiver, a second generation Universal slide with no set screw, and Universal trigger group. To make this carbine a sporter style it has been set in a thumbhole stock with no upper handguard and given an attractive 60/30 octagon barrel. The receiver has also had the sight bridge removed and has been drilled and tapped for one of Universal’s scope mounts which would pair nicely with the Lyman flip down rear sight and the raised comb of the stock. The barrel has also been fitted with an extension to accommodate the guide style front sight and give the rifle a more sporter look. Based on my research this may be a one of a kind example originating from the personal collection of inventor, founder and President of Universal Firearms, Abe Seiderman showcasing his commitment to firearms innovation using the M1 carbine platform.