M1 Carbine question

[Frogprince]

The bayonet lug equipped barrel bands were standardized in May of 1944. The mass production of M-4 carbine bayonets began after the termination of the production M-3 combat knives. With my recollection of the date of the switchover being in July of 1944. I’m sure that there were delays of both in getting into the hands of the troops.

In August of 1945 M-4 bayonet production itself was terminated. So while later wartime issue carbines had lugs installed at the factories. The earlier issue carbines were retrofitted with the lugs (sights etc.) when they went through any of the numerous rebuild programs after the war. FP

[herbert38]

m1

thanks for all the help...Dan

[bodes]

Is there a site that has a list of SN dates?

The 136,000 serial number is fairly low.....The information I have on M1 carbines puts your rifle's receiver at the early part of 1943 (Jan-Feb)......This is providing your receiver is made by Inland as well....Bodes

[herbert38]

m1

Thats what I was looking for thanks so much,,Dan

[jdbwoodsman]

The Type III barrel band (which included the bayonet lug) was used by Inland starting in the 6.3 million serial range. That was sometime about February 1945.
Winchester first used the Type III band at 6.5 million serial range and that was about May 1945 for them.

The Type II adjustable sight (milled) was used starting at Inland at about 5.0 million serial range. That was about June 1944.

The Type III adustable rear sight (stamped) was used starting at Inland at about 6.2 million serial range. That was about late January/February 1945.

Originally your rifle would have had an I-cut high wood stock, push button safety, flip rear sight, Type I barrel band, and all matching internals in the trigger group and bolt when it was made in very early 1943.

[Gene]

I'd love to see wartime pics of the carbine with bayonet lug in use; does anybody have any to share? Pacific theater would probably be more likely to see such carbines.

[jdbwoodsman]

Some bayonet lug barrel bands were installed in Oct/Nov 1944, but the major production didn't get underway until early to mid 1945 and by then only Inland and Winchester were still making the M1 Carbine. All other production had ceased before 1945. Carbine historians are trying to verify if any lugged carbines were ever used in WWII. The M4 bayonet went into production in 1944, but from available photographic evidence and veteran recollections, it appears very few, if any, bayonet-equipped carbines were used in combat operations in the European Theater. It is possible that some saw action on Okinawa, but if so, it was a small number.

[ncblksmth1]

Beautiful rifle. It however is put together or at least an arsenal gun. The barrel date 10-43 is way too late for a 100K serial number. Get the Harrison book or the Reich book and read up. Your stock has an A on the pistol grip which lets me know its an arsenal upgrade. The US army started putting bayonet lugs on rifles in 1945 near the end of the war. The bayonets were not used during WWII by front line troops. I have looked far and wide to find any evidence that they were but none. WWII troops issued the M1 carbine were also issued a knife like the M3 Knife or maybe the cattauragus 225 Q. I say this because I have owned several carbines w/lug and there are no drawing numbers prior to 1945. And like everything else in the US it took a while to get moving on it.

Still you have a beautiful rifle. Perfect for 1946 or later period.