Quality Hardware & Machine Co M1 Carbine, MFD 1943 QHC M-1 Carbine, 18″ Semi-Auto Rifle, .30 Cal. C&R

SOLD FOR: $1,140.00
LSB#:
 181226DN13

Make: Quality Hardware & Machine Company (Quality H.M.C.)

Model: M1 Carbine

Serial Number: 1886224

Year of Manufacture: October – December, 1943 (page 30 of Scott Duff’s book, The M1 Carbine Owner’s Guide). Barrel Date: August, 1943.

Caliber: .30 Carbine

Action Type: Semi Automatic, Detachable Magazine

Markings: There is no visible import mark. The top of the receiver is marked “U.S. CARBINE / CAL. .30 M1” on the front and “QUALITY H.M.C. / 1886224” on the rear. The barrel is marked “BUFFALO ARMS / 8 – 1943 / flaming bomb”. According to page 50 of Craig Riesch’s book, U.S. M1 Carbines Wartime Production 7th Edition, Buffalo Arms supplied barrels for Quality Hardware. The left rear of the trigger group is marked “Q-NL” which is a Quality Hardware mark (page 78). The hammer is marked “LT-Q” which is a Quality Hardware mark that was also used by Rock-Ola (page 89). The magazine release is marked “LT-Q” which is a Quality Hardware mark (page 100). The push button safety is smooth and unmarked which is consistent with Quality Hardware and others (page 95). The inside of the operating slide is marked “DA-Q” which is a Quality Hardware mark (page 65). The bolt is marked “.U.” under the left lug which is an Underwood mark (page 36). The bottom of the recoil plate is marked “RO-Q” which is a Quality Hardware mark (page 135). The front sight is marked “JQ” which is a Quality Hardware mark (page 56). The Type III rear sight is marked “H in a shield” which was used by other manufacturers (page 29). The Type III barrel band is marked “J.M.Q.” on the band and “EM-Q” on the lug which are Quality Hardware marks (pages 59). The sling well is marked “Q-RMC” which is a Quality Hardware mark (page 108-109). The right side of the buttstock is marked with an Ordnance Department “crossed cannons” cartouche ahead of the oiler cutout (correctly marked, page 124) and with a partial “crossed cannons” cartouche to the rear of the cutout. The inside of the handguard is marked “Q-RMC” which is a Quality Hardware mark (page 138).

Barrel Length: Approximately 18 Inches

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a post set between two protective wings. The rear sight is an adjustable Type II aperture assembly.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock has a pistol grip, metal barrel band with sling loop & bayonet lug, sling well, sling pass through and a metal buttplate. The buttplate shows a few light scrapes. The barrel band shows an area of thinning and some oxidation. The wood shows various scrapes & scratches that have been finished over. The gloss finish shows other scrapes & scuffs. Some have dulled areas of the gloss finish. The LOP measures 13 1/4 inches from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The stock rates in about Very Good Plus to Fine overall condition as refinished.

Type of Finish: Parkerized

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is bright. The grooves near the muzzle are light grey. The rifling is crisp. There is some light frosting in the grooves near the muzzle. The bore shows an M.E. of 1.

Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 95% of its metal finish. The barrel and front sight show scrapes, thinning and spots of discoloration from oxidation. The right side of the receiver shows thinning consistent with cycling. The metal shows other light scrapes & handling marks. The screw heads show light use. The markings are deep. Overall, this rifle rates in about Very Good Plus to Fine 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: There is no magazine.

Our Assessment: This Quality Hardware M1 Carbine was originally made in 1943. It has had its stock refinished so the wood looks nice. The rifle has markings on the metal & wood that add to its historical value. These marks include lots of Quality Hardware stampings on the metal parts and on the wood. The rifle isn’t all matching but comes pretty close as only the bolt and rear sight are not matching. Buffalo Arms did supply barrels to Quality H.M.C. so it is the correct barrel for a Quality M1 Carbine. This M1 Carbine should be fun to shoot and looks nice enough to add to your WWII Collection. Good luck.

CA Legal or CA Private Party Transferable: This rifle is curio and relic eligible and can be transferred/sold in California.

Quality Hardware & Machine Co M1 Carbine, MFD 1943 QHC M-1 Carbine, 18" Semi-Auto Rifle, .30 Cal. C&R
Quality Hardware & Machine Co M1 Carbine, MFD 1943
QHC M-1 Carbine, 18″ Semi-Auto Rifle, .30 Cal. C&R