Make: Quality Hardware & Machine Co.

Model: M1 Carbine

Serial Number: 4805309

Year of Manufacture: Receiver March-May 1944, Barrel date 1-1944

Caliber: .30 Carbine

Action Type: Semi-Automatic, fed by detachable magazines, cross bolt safety and removable spring tube.

Markings:

Top-rear receiver:"QUALITY H.M.C. 4805309"

Top-front receiver:"U.S. CARBINE CAL .30 M1".

Barrel:"INLAND MFG. DIV. GENERAL MOTORS 1-44". "P" about 5.25" back from the front sight. The barrel

flat is marked with the usual Inland hieroglyphics. Side of chamber has a flaming bomb. Top of chamber "K".

Front sight: "J-Q" O.D. Jennings Co. for QHMC

Rear sight: "S" and "GE-Q" Gerrard Co. for QHMC

Slide: "DA-Q" A. Dalkin Co. for QHMC

Barrel band: "M-R" Rock-Ola

Bolt: "X" and "EM-Q" Elgin Metal Novelty Co. for QHMC

Trigger group:"Q-TX" Triplex Corp. for QHMC

Mag catch: "EP-Q" Eaton Pond for QHMC

Hammer:"LT-Q" Ludlow Typograph for QHMC

Sear: "GE-Q" Gerrard CO. for QHMC

Magazine: "SS"

Upper handguard: "RMC" Rock-Ola Music Co.

Stock: "RSG" Saginaw Gear and an Ordnance wheel.

Oiler: "IS" International Silver CO.

Barrel Length: 18"

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

Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is an oval cut, low-wood with a 2-rivet upper handguard, type 1 barrel band, and a checkered metal butt plate. The LOP measures about 13.25". The wood has been sanded and refinished. The wood shows scattered minor marks, lines, and compressions. Behind the lug is a chip that has been repaired. There are also several chips coming from the belly behind the trigger guard. There are no cracks. The butt plate has lost most of its finish and shows rust and pitting. Overall the stock set is in about Good condition.

Magazine Quantity & Condition: This rifle includes one 15 round magazine in Very Good+ condition.

Type of Finish: Parkerized

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is well defined. There is very minor pitting visible in the last third of the bore. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 8.75/10.

Overall Condition: The rifle retains about 85% of its metal finish. The finish has turned brown/green from age. The friction surfaces of the bolt and receiver show rub wear. The front sight, muzzle, trigger group and bolt show the majority of the finish loss. The slide, trigger group and some of the internal components show surface rust. The action is smooth. The markings are clear and the screw heads are sharp. Overall this rifle is in about Good-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: Includes the magazine, sling, and oiler.

Our Assessment: This Quality Hardware M1 Carbine was manufactured between March and May of 1944 by QHMC, one of the smallest prime contractors selected to produce the M1 Carbine during World War II. Originally a manufacturer of tools, dies, components and machinery, Quality Hardware relied on a network of subcontractors to produce many of its components while assembling complete rifles for the U.S. military. This example is fitted with an Inland barrel dated January 1944 and retains nearly all of the parts that would be considered correct for a QHMC rifle of this production period. It also retains the early flip-style rear sight and push-button safety, features commonly found on carbines before later wartime upgrades were introduced. The only notable departure from originality is the RSG stock, while the remainder of the rifle closely reflects its original wartime configuration. As one of the less common M1 Carbine manufacturers, Quality Hardware rifles are prized for their historical significance and comparatively limited production, making this rifle an excellent representative of one of America's most successful wartime firearms.