Make: Universal Firearms 

Model: M1 Carbine

Serial Number: 2380

Year of Manufacture: 1963-1967 

Caliber: .30 Carbine

Action Type: Spring Return Pump Action carbine fed by detachable magazines. 

Markings: The left side of the receiver is marked “2380 UNIVERSAL CORP HIALEAH, FLA.”

The magazine catch is marked “M” and “E.I.” an Inland Division part.

Buttpad: “UNIVERSAL FIREARMS CORP. HIALEAH, FLORIDA”

Magazine “UNIVERSAL FIREARMS CORP. HIALEAH, FLA. PAT. APPLIED FOR”

There were no other visible markings found. I did not want to risk damaging the finish by disassembling the rifle.

Barrel Length: 16.1"

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a Williams Guide Series sporting ramp with gold bead front sight. The base is cut for a hood but there is no hood present. The rear sight is a Williams Guide Series “U” notch semi-buckhorn style rear sight adjustable for windage and elevation.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The furniture set is a two piece smooth American walnut with a tapered pump grip forend and a semi-pistol grip, straight comb stock with a textured rubber buttpad. The length of pull is 14” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttpad. The pump grip shows very light scattered wear with a few small lines and compressions. The only notable mark is a small chip out of the top, rear, left hand side of the grip this chip is finished over. The stock shows minor handling wear with some scattered thinning in the finish. There are several small lines and compressions. The only notable compression is about ½ an inch long on the toe of the heel. The stock shows no visible chips or cracks. The buttpad shows minor discoloration from age, the texture is still good and there are no visible cracks. Overall the stock is in excellent condition for its apparent age.

Magazine Quantity & Condition: This rifle includes one 5 round Nylon Magazine. The magazine is visually in Excellent condition however the follower gets stuck when the magazine is loaded.

Type of Finish: Nickel and Blued. 

Finish Originality: Original and refinished.

Bore Condition: The bore is very bright and the rifling is sharp. There is some minor fouling on the edges of the lands. There is no visible erosion. 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 8/10.

Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 99% of the Nickel metal finish. There is some minor rub wear on the sides of the barrel and guide rod from the pump. There is some minor scattered pitting in the nickel beginning to form. The bolt retains about 60% of its blueing and shows finish loss on the friction surfaces. The edges of the receiver towards the rear and the corners of the trigger guard show some finish thinning. The visible markings are clear and the visible screw heads are sharp. Overall this rifle is in about Excellent condition given its age.

Mechanics: The pump action functions smoothly and correctly. This rifle has a spring assist return on the pump grip. If the pump is cycled rearward and let go it will go into battery under spring tension. 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, the magazine and Serialized Universal firearms cardboard box with “VULCAN NICKEL 2380” written on it.

Our Assessment: This Universal Firearms Vulcan pump-action carbine in .30 Carbine is a rare and intriguing firearm, likely developed as a prototype or experimental model by Abe Seiderman, the president of Universal Firearms. This carbine features a 16-inch barrel, a nickel finish, smooth walnut furniture, and is fed by a detachable 5-round magazine. Its design reflects Universal Firearms' innovative approach to firearm manufacturing during the 1960s.

Universal Firearms, established in 1961 in Hialeah, Florida, by Abe Seiderman, initially produced M1 Carbine replicas using surplus GI parts. As surplus parts became scarce, the company began manufacturing its own components and introduced new models, including the Vulcan series. The Vulcan 440, a pump-action carbine chambered in .44 Magnum, appeared in Universal's brochures from 1963 to 1967 with around 1500 total being made. It retained the rear design of the M1 Carbine but modified the front to accommodate the larger cartridge, eliminating the short-stroke gas piston and converting the action to a pump.

The existence of this Vulcan model in .30 Carbine suggests experimental efforts by Universal Firearms to diversify their product line. This rifle could have been produced as a demo for gun shows to determine interest in a 30 carbine version of the 440 or even as a fun presentation rifle for Abe Seiderman himself. Either way this carbine is most likely one of a kind and represents a distinctive chapter in Universal Firearms' history showcasing Abe Seiderman's commitment to firearms innovation.