I just received a M1 Carbine from my grandpa, it was willed to me by him and was used as his home defense gun. He was a Marine in a mortar squad in WWII so he had sentimental connections to carbines. If what he told me was true, he purchased the carbine surplus after the war or something to that effect. It was not his rifle during the war but it was close enough for him.
So basically I now have an IBM M1 Carbine sitting in front of me. As far as I can tell all the parts seem original. The barrel is stamped 11-43 with what looks like a torch and flame beneath the barrel date stamp. I can get more information if needed, but basically does this mean that the gun was made in 1943 by IBM and etc. What info can I get from this gun? Like where it might have been used and etc. Is there any way the story behind this gun can be tracked besides word of mouth? I know that's far fetched but I would love to know everything about this gun because its my favorite gun I own.
EDIT: Is there any difference in mags and etc that I should know about between this carbine and others that were made after it?
I've already had my fun shooting it, that's why my Grandpa gave it to me. He knew I loved the gun and it was the only one I wanted from his collection so he willed it to me when he passed away.
EDIT: This is one of those things that just stays in the family. There are a few things that he had that are staying in the family. A few of them include a Type 99 Japanese rifle, a WWII Katana, a USMC engraved Ka-bar and some other items. They are all staying in the family.
Last edited by redrider13; 10-31-2009 at 01:37 AM.
Congrats on your acquisition. It is sad it had to happen under those circumstances, but it seems it is what you both wanted. This will be a firearm that you will cherish for a long long time, and that is the best way to have a firearm go through a family by having it passed down like that through generations.
I have an M1 carbine, and I really enjoy shooting it as well. I probably don't shoot it as much as I should! If you have some pics, I'm sure many of us would be happy to drool over our keyboards
I have a similar story, although it didn't happen to me. A guy where I work, his dad has pretty much lost his memory, and is in a nursing home. He was telling me about "an old military rifle" he had in his closet for years. He doesn't know anything about it and said he'd get me some pics so I could help him identify it. He took the pics, but forgot them in the printer as he was hurrying out the door. I quizzed him on sights, stock, color, any writing, etc. but the only evidence he had for me was it had a bent bolt. So he told me his grandpa was in the army way back when and his grandpa gave it to his dad. Turns out it was one of 3 or 4 rifles I rattled off to him. I was thinking WWI and suggested early Enfield, Springfield 1903, Eddystone or a Mauser (well that pretty much covers everything since it has a bent bolt). He reported back that it did in fact say Eddystone on it. So he's got an old .30-06 Eddystone that he remembers using when he was 21 (so 20+ years ago anyways) that he killed his only deer with. I was going to suggest to him a place to check on the internet to look for value, but he cut me off and just said he didn't care, he'd never get rid of it. Thats what I like to hear
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Good story, redrider13. Congratulations! I read your story with interest because I also inherited an "old military gun" which I knew nothing about at that time. Turns out that that was the beginning of a serious renewal of a gun interest I had, but had been inactive for many years.
So...that old "military gun" turned out to be a Remington 03A3 1943 made rifle shooting 30.06 rounds, which I then used for my first attempt at deer hunting. It was in near perfect condition but I was curious enough to nearly completely disassemble it, clean it, and get it back together properly.
Now that rifle sits in my gun case, along with my other guns, and is the one I'm the most proud of owning. I remember my deceased father in law each time I see or hold that rifle. Naturally, it'll never be departed with, and I'll probably give it to my grandson at some time. He's just beginning in his interests in guns...but if things go as I hope, he'll be the continuing link for my guns.
Well ya came to the right place Redrider. I know a little about M1 carbines. But a couple others on here are outright experts. M14man, Jimb2 and Orlando know thiese rifles like no one I ever saw. Post your pics and you will get answers.
If you want a few quick pointers.
Does it have a bayo lug on the front?
Does it have a push button or a flip safety?
Does it have a flip peep rear sight, a forged solid wall rear sight, or a stamped sheet metal walled rear sight?
Look in the SLING SLOT and see if there is any initials there.
The M1 carbine is whatever the reciever is not what the barrel is.
So check under the rear sight and see what it says there.
These are a small part of what to look for in an M1
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It is foolish and wrong to mourn the men who died. Rather we should thank God that such men lived.
... Is there any difference in mags and etc that I should know about between this carbine and others that were made after it?
Congrats on honoring your Grandpa by keeping his relics in the family and using the one that you inherited. My everyday carry gun is my Grandpa's Colt Detective Special.
Back to the Carbine. If the Magazine catch button has a "M" on it, you can use any carbine mag. That Mag catch was made for the M2 with it's 30 round mag, which being heavier and balanced differently than the 15 round, isn't held properly by the older catches, which will be either plain or may have the "M" without the underline. With these catches, only use 15 round mags, or to force a 30 rounder to work, hold it in your left hand and push forward slightly while shooting.
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My rifle and pistol are only tools. I am the weapon.
Does it have a push button or a flip safety?
Push button
Does it have a flip peep rear sight, a forged solid wall rear sight, or a stamped sheet metal walled rear sight?
The flip L-shaped sight.
Look in the SLING SLOT and see if there is any initials there.
I see a "J" on the slanted part of the sling slot.
The M1 carbine is whatever the reciever is not what the barrel is.
So check under the rear sight and see what it says there.
It says "I.B.M. Corp. 378xxxx"
Thanks for the help guys! I'll be sure to get some pictures up!
I took the pictures today with all the good sunlight I had but I can't find the daggum usb cable! I'll get them up as soon as I get home from work tonight.
