new M1 owner

fireman280 · 01-07-2006, 08:54 PM

I recently just bought a winchester m1, it's in great condition and is a joy to shoot. I'm trying to figure out if it is has all winchester parts or is a mix. Regardless, I did have a question about the stock. The front lower portion is "potbellied"....not straight like the Inland M1 my friend owns. It doesn't seem standard because the mag housing is sunken in due to the curve of the stock. Have any ideas? Thanks for any info in advance!

Mooseman684 · 01-08-2006, 12:40 AM

Look on the left hand side of the stock at the front portion of the receiver and see if the wood is flush the full length of the receiver or if it is slotted about 1 1/2 inches in length and about an 1/8 in.wide gap...if it is slotted then you have an M2 potbelly stock which was not standard for Winchester
M1's.Some carbines were arsenal converted to M2 full auto selectable but
Inland was the primary M2 builder.Look for stamping code in the sling cut.
As for the parts... look for "W" stampings on all the parts and also the barrel markings for Manufacturer and date code behind the rear sight. It may or may not be marked !

jimb2 · 01-08-2006, 09:55 PM

Don't jump the gun on the M2 stock! What is the serial number range on the carbine? IF it is a very late Winchester M1, the M2 stock could be correct! And the gap at the left front of the receiver is less than 1/16th inch. If the M2 stock was correct, it would also have a W stamped into the sling bevel on the left side of the stock. And later Winchester barrels are undated.

fireman280 · 01-22-2006, 10:15 PM

The serial # is 5606XXX. The stock is m2 style but lighter and redder than most authentic stocks I have seen. I've been told that the stock is an aftermarket commercial variant - there are zero stamps/markings on the stock. But the barrel is winchester - has the "W" stamped on it. Should I try to find an authentic WWII stock for it?

dixiephile · 01-24-2006, 12:33 PM

I too am the proud new owner of a Winchester M1 Carbine ( at last! ). So far
all appears original but the Mag release and the stock. What a joy to shoot.
Now to unload my Universal - although it's been a fair shooter, still, it's not the same.

01-07-2006, 08:54 PM	#1
fireman280 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2005 Posts: 4	new M1 owner I recently just bought a winchester m1, it's in great condition and is a joy to shoot. I'm trying to figure out if it is has all winchester parts or is a mix. Regardless, I did have a question about the stock. The front lower portion is "potbellied"....not straight like the Inland M1 my friend owns. It doesn't seem standard because the mag housing is sunken in due to the curve of the stock. Have any ideas? Thanks for any info in advance! Last edited by fireman280; 01-07-2006 at 08:58 PM.

01-08-2006, 12:40 AM	#2
Mooseman684 Super Moderator Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Alaska Wilderness Posts: 9,668 Images: 2	Look on the left hand side of the stock at the front portion of the receiver and see if the wood is flush the full length of the receiver or if it is slotted about 1 1/2 inches in length and about an 1/8 in.wide gap...if it is slotted then you have an M2 potbelly stock which was not standard for Winchester M1's.Some carbines were arsenal converted to M2 full auto selectable but Inland was the primary M2 builder.Look for stamping code in the sling cut. As for the parts... look for "W" stampings on all the parts and also the barrel markings for Manufacturer and date code behind the rear sight. It may or may not be marked ! __________________ You know you might be facing your doom,when all you get is a click when you're expecting a BOOM!

01-08-2006, 09:55 PM	#3
jimb2 Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Ohio Posts: 513	Don't jump the gun on the M2 stock! What is the serial number range on the carbine? IF it is a very late Winchester M1, the M2 stock could be correct! And the gap at the left front of the receiver is less than 1/16th inch. If the M2 stock was correct, it would also have a W stamped into the sling bevel on the left side of the stock. And later Winchester barrels are undated. __________________ I am a nobody. Nobody is perfect. Therefore, I am perfect...

01-22-2006, 10:15 PM	#4
fireman280 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2005 Posts: 4	new m1 owner The serial # is 5606XXX. The stock is m2 style but lighter and redder than most authentic stocks I have seen. I've been told that the stock is an aftermarket commercial variant - there are zero stamps/markings on the stock. But the barrel is winchester - has the "W" stamped on it. Should I try to find an authentic WWII stock for it? Last edited by fireman280; 01-22-2006 at 10:21 PM.

01-24-2006, 12:33 PM	#5
dixiephile Registered User Join Date: Jan 2005 Posts: 2	I too am the proud new owner of a Winchester M1 Carbine ( at last! ). So far all appears original but the Mag release and the stock. What a joy to shoot. Now to unload my Universal - although it's been a fair shooter, still, it's not the same.