Make: Universal Firearms 

Model: M1 Carbine

Serial Number: 21326

Year of Manufacture: Post 1961- Pre1967 

Caliber: .30 Carbine

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

Markings: The visible markings are listed below. The barrel band detent was stuck in the up position so to avoid damaging the stock or barrel band I did not remove the rifle from the stock to get the non visible 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 “21326” 

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

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

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

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

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 M1 style high wood carbine stock with an oval cut, semi pistol grip, straight comb and Blued 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 13.5” from the front of the trigger to the back of the stock. The nose of the stock has been removed and finished over. The right rear of the stock from the sling well cut to the buttplate has a crack forming. There is a small punch mark on the toe of the heel and a very small chip out of the left side of the recoil lug. The rest of the wood on the stock shows only minor scattered handling wear. The upper handguard shows some glue residue, three nicks in the finish in the sighting groove, and some rub lines scattered throughout. The metal buttplate retains almost all of its finish and shows some minor rub wear on the edges, some mild scattered surface rust freckling and sharp checkering. Overall the stock is in 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 no fouling or erosion in the bore. The feed ramp is clean. The muzzle reads at a .25 or as the CMP would state it a 2.5+. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 9/10.

Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 99% of its metal finish. The friction surfaces of the bolt show the majority of the wear and finish loss. The rear sight retains its original parkerizing and has turned green. The front sight has turned plum. The exposed portion of the barrel shows some very minor surface rust freckling. The bottom of the barrel band does as well. Throughout the surface there are patches of what appear to be glue or a glue like residue. This residue wipes off fairly easily with a rag. The visible markings are clear and the screw heads are sharp. Overall this rifle is in about Very Good condition.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly however the bolt is a little sticky probably from the glue like substance and will need to be cleaned for smooth operation. This is the Gen 1 version of the Universal M1 carbines that follows the original M1 Pattern of construction and uses some 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 a Universal firearms cardboard box, a green canvas sling, manual and pamphlets.

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 Gen 1 M1 Carbine features mostly blued with a few parkerized finished parts. The receiver and barrel were made by Universal Firearms while many of the other visible parts are surplus Government Issue. This rifle also features the vented metal handguard and a green canvas sling. It is also very interesting to see an M1 with the nose of the stock removed giving it a pug nose look. In conclusion, this carbine, built using a combination of refinished GI and new commercial production parts originating from the personal collection of inventor, founder and President of Universal Firearms, Abe Seiderman, exemplifies a unique period in the storied history of the M1 carbine.