[flintgeezer]

Greetings to all-
I could use a bit of help identifing the age of my M1 universal. From reading the posts, I have noticed the early ones seem to be more desirable and the newer ones labeled as junk. My universal has no noticeable sereal numbers and although I have read the older ones use a one spring system I don't know if I can identify this externally. I'm no gunsmith-just a hunter and shooter that actually FOUND this firearm
(with 3 clips and a box of .30 ammo) in the TRASH. A guy on my block died and the bank set all his stuff to the curb in order to sell the house. All I know, as I live in a major city-i'm just glad I found it-and not a kid or local bad guy. The weapon seems clean and in fine shape. (No rust-oiled and in a case.) I appreciate and advice as I really like the little guy! Also, Would this weapon work well for deer hunting? Most all shots in Michigan are under a hundred yards and most closer. I presently use a trusty 30. 30. winchester. I'm hoping this would make a good backup firearm.
Thanks!

[jimb2]

Its easy to tell if you have an early or late Universal. First remove the mag. Second, loosen the screw on the front barrel band. Next slide the band forward while depressing the retaining spring. Once you have the band moved forward you can lift the action out of the stock. Then just turn it over and look at the recoil spring(s) behing the slide and in front of the receiver. If you can count to two, ya got it made! (LOL). One early two late. simple as that.
As far as deer hunting goes, a carbine will do the job as long as shot placement is good. But it is a bit on the anemic side for big game. It is only slightly more powerful than a .357 magnum, so shot placement is critical. Make sure it will function well with soft points before you go for deer. Some cabines don't like them. Most carbines do not like hollow points so I don't recommend even trying them.
HTH

[flintgeezer]

Thanks a bunch-Easy it was...Unfortunately-2 springs.
I guess this shows why I found the rifle in the Garbage!
It still looks clean enough to shoot for fun-I'll keep it to that.

[Chris]

Finding it in the garbage could be a good thing. Still would want to check to see if it was hot and such.

Don't want to be in possession of stolen goods especially a firearm