Quality Hardware H.M.C. M1 .30 Carbine 18” Parkerized Military Semi Automatic Rifle, 1944 C&R

SOLD FOR: $1,030.00
LSB#: 180724DN02

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

Model: M1 Carbine

Serial Number: 4778554

Year of Manufacture: April – June 1944. Barrel Date 1 – 44.

Note: Page 30 of Scott Duff’s book, The M1 Carbine Owner’s Guide, does not list the last batch of Quality H.M.C. serial numbers. Page 209 of Craig Riesch’s book, U.S. M1 Carbines Wartime Production 7^th Edition, lists the last group of serial numbers “4,632,100 to 4,879,525”.

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. / 4778554” on the rear. The barrel is marked “UNDERWOOD / flaming bomb / 1 – 44” (faded). According to page 50 of Craig Riesch’s book, U.S. M1 Carbines Wartime Production 7^th Edition, Underwood supplied barrels for Quality Hardware. The left rear of the trigger group is marked “ROCK-OLA” which is a Rock Ola mark (page 78). The hammer is marked “W” which is a White Sewing Machine Company mark (the Winchester “W” mark is stamped differently, pages 88 & 89). The IV magazine release is marked “M” (pages 98 & 100). It was designed for use with the 30 round M2 magazine. The rotary safety is marked “S in a circle” which is a post WWII rebuild stamp (pages 95 & 184). The inside of the operating slide is marked “AOB” which is an IBM mark (page 66). The bolt is marked “WU” under the left lug which is an Underwood mark (page 36). The recoil plate screw is marked “x” which is a Winchester mark (page 133). The front sight is marked “.U.” which is an Underwood mark (page 56). The Type II rear sight is marked “H in a shield” which was used by Winchester, Rock-Ola, Standard Products and IBM (pages 29 & 184). The Type III barrel band is marked “J.M.Q” (Mueller Furnace, a subcontractor for Quality Hardware) on the band and “CQ” (Consolidated Industries) on the lug. These are post WII rebuild marks from not listed in our reference material (pages 59). For more see the thread at https://www.milsurps.com/showthread.php?t=16531. The right side of the butt is marked with a faded “crossed cannons” cartouche. The left side of the butt is marked “RIA / EB in a box” which is a Rock Island Arsenal cartouche for rebuilt weapons (page 181). The face of the grip is marked with a “circled P” proof. The Type I stock sling well is marked with a faded “RMC” and “flaming bomb” which are Underwood marks. (pages 108-109). The inside of the handguard is marked “RSG” which is a Saginaw Gear mark (page 138). The sling is marked “MRT / MAR 1951”.

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 small dents and spots of light surface erosion on the edges. The right side of the butt shows a long scratch and a surface crack that extends from the sling well to the buttplate. The wood shows various scrapes, scratches and a few dark lines (marker?) of discoloration. 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.

Type of Finish: Parkerized

Finish Originality: Original to Arsenal Refurbishment

Bore Condition: The bore is mostly bright; semi bright at the muzzle. The rifling is sharp. There is no erosion. The bore shows an M.E. of 1.5.

Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 97% of its metal finish. The barrel has small scratches & some pin prick surface erosion showing through the finish. The trigger guard has a deep scrape showing through the finish. The receiver has some oxidation showing through the finish. The metal shows light scrapes. The front of the barrel and trigger guard shows small scratches. The right side of the receiver shows some thinning consistent with cycling. The screw heads show moderate use. The markings on the barrel are faded. 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: The rifle comes with a green canvas sling that shows oxidation & scrapes on the metal tabs as well as light soiling on the canvas. It is in about Very Good Plus to Fine condition.

Our Assessment: This Quality Hardware M1 Carbine was originally made in 1944. It was Arsenal Refurbished at the Rock Island Arsenal and is marked accordingly on the stock. It was rebuilt using a mix of USGI parts. The markings on the metal & wood add to its historical value. 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.