Make: Inland Division of General Motors with a Saginaw Gear made receiver.

Model: M1 Carbine

Serial Number: 917878

Year of Manufacture: Receiver Late 1943, Barrel Date 10-43.

Caliber: .30 Carbine

Action Type: Semi-Automatic

Markings:

Receiver: “U.S. CARBINE CAL. 30 M1 / INLAND DIV. 917878” below the wood line on the left hand side “SG”, the bottom of the receiver is marked with an “R” & “G”.

Barrel: on the flat is stamped with the Inland Hieroglyphics, Top of the barrel is marked “P” about 5” back from the front sight. The end of the barrel is marked “INLAND MFG. DIV. / GENERAL MOTORS / 10-43”. The top of the chamber “3”.

Front Sight: “N” IBM Part

Barrel band: Unmarked

Slide: “PI” on the inside-Packard Inland

Bolt: Unmarked

Rear Sight: “S” with rounded corners.

The trigger group is marked “INLAND”

Hammer: “NI” National Cash Register Co. correct for Inland.

Safety: Unmarked

Sear: “R.I.”

Magazine Catch: “EI” for Eaton Pond Co.

Upper Handguard: “IO” Inland Overton

Stock: Circle “P” on the pommel, sling cut “IO” for Inland Overton, Right flank marked with a large ordinance wheel.

Barrel Length: 18"

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a fixed blade set between protective ears. The rear sight is the early style “L” type dual aperture sight dovetailed to the receiver.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is an Oval cut, high wood stock, with a two rivet handguard, type one barrel band, cross bolt safety and a checkered metal Buttplate. The LOP measures about 13” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The wood shows handling wear scattered throughout with a notable series of scratches on the left side just behind the nose. The leading edge of the pommel has several chips and there is a horizontal crack forming on the right flank just below the charging handle. The upper handguard shows light handling marks with one notable depression on the left edge of the sighting groove. The metal butt plate has semi-dulled checkering, has turned brown with age, and shows pitting from oxidation. Overall the stock is in Good+ condition.

Magazine Quantity & Condition: One 15 round “KI” marked magazine. The magazine shows surface rust freckling in the bluing. Overall the magazine is in good condition.

Type of Finish: Parkerized / Blued

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is very bright with well defined rifling. There is no visible erosion. In this writer's opinion the bore rates 9.75/10.

Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 98% of its metal finish. The magazine catch, bolt, and friction surfaces of the receiver show the majority of wear with the bolt a small portion of its finish. Most of the metal surfaces have turned green/brown with patina and age. The barrel has a few small nicks in the finish. The screw heads are sharp and the markings are clear. Overall, this rifle rates in about 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 the magazine and a sling.

Our Assessment: This Inland Division M1 Carbine, made in October 1943, is a classic WWII-era rifle, highly sought after by collectors for its historical significance and production pedigree. This example features a High Wood stock, an SG-made receiver, and almost all correct parts with its original finish, making it a well-preserved piece. Notably, it includes a Packard Inland slide and a National Cash Register hammer, components sourced from Inland’s network of subcontractors during wartime production. The L-type aperture sight is correct for mid-1943 production, maintaining the rifle’s original battlefield configuration. The bore rates 9.75/10, indicating exceptional rifling and minimal wear, making this carbine a top-tier example of a wartime Inland.

The M1 Carbine was a lightweight, semi-automatic rifle issued to troops needing a more compact weapon than the M1 Garand, including paratroopers, officers, and support personnel. Inland, a division of General Motors, was the largest producer of M1 Carbines, ensuring their widespread use across all major WWII theaters. This Inland example, with its correct mix of wartime parts and original finish, represents a fine collectible piece, showcasing the durability and effectiveness that made the M1 Carbine a critical tool for U.S. forces in World War II and beyond.