WW2 U.S. M1 Carbine "All-Matching" Underwood 1943 Rifle (Original)
SKU: US M1 CARBINE UNDERWOOD 1943 RIFLE
Original/Reproduction: Original (All Matching)
Availability: In-stock
Manufacturer: Underwood Typewriter Co. of NY
Date Manufactured: 1943
Model: M1 CARBINE
Serial Number: 2355422
Caliber: .30 Carbine
Magazine: 15 rounds
Barrel Length: 18"
Total Length: 35.6 in (900 mm)
Bore Condition: 9.5/10
Action: Gas-operated, rotating bolt
Rate of fire: 60–70 aimed rounds/min (M1/A1) 750 rounds/min
Effective firing range: 300 Yards
Elevation Setting
Rear Sight: "H" Inland
Front Sight: ".U.", Underwood
Feed system: 15-round detachable box magazine
Condition: Excellent/Mint
Price: $4000.00
Seller Type: Classification: C&R / FFL
Seller ID: JMW
Seller Code: 1900
Return Policy: 3-day inspection and return policy on used guns and accessories.
Description
Here is an original, "All Matching", Underwood U.S. M1 Carbine Semi-Automatic Rifle, crafted in 1943 at the Underwood Typewriter Company in New York City. This .30 caliber semi-automatic rifle saw its inaugural service with the United States Armed Forces on October 22, 1941. Throughout the wartime production, a total of 6,110,730 carbines were manufactured, with Underwood contributing 545,616 units, accounting for 9% of the overall production between 1942 and 1944. It's important to note that despite their similar names and appearances, the M1 Carbine is distinct from the M1 Garand rifle, featuring different functionalities and utilizing disparate ammunition types.
History
Before World War II, the U.S. Army Ordnance department received numerous complaints indicating that the full-size M1 Garand rifle posed significant challenges for support troops, such as mortarmen and radiomen, due to its weight and bulkiness. Field exercises conducted prior to and during the early stages of the war revealed that the M1 Garand hindered the mobility of these soldiers. The rifle, when slung over the shoulder, often got caught on vegetation, bumped into helmets, and obstructed vision. Many soldiers resorted to carrying it diagonally across their backs, which made it incompatible with standard field packs and haversacks. Furthermore, the emergence of German airborne forces employing surprise attacks behind enemy lines underscored the need for a compact infantry weapon for support troops. This requirement called for a lightweight defensive firearm with enhanced range, accuracy, and firepower compared to handguns, while being significantly lighter than the Thompson submachine gun or the M1 rifle. In response, the U.S. Army determined that a carbine would meet these criteria and specified that it should weigh no more than five pounds and have an effective range of 300 yards. Paratroopers were also identified as potential users, leading to the development of a folding-stock variant.
The M1 carbine emerged as one of the most economically viable All_weapons in the U.S. military arsenal during World War II. At the outset of the conflict, the production cost of an M1 carbine averaged around $45, roughly half the expense of an M1 rifle at $85 and a fraction of the cost of a Thompson submachine gun at approximately $225. Additionally, the .30 Caliber carbine ammunition was significantly cheaper to manufacture than the standard .30-06 ammunition, requiring fewer resources and being more compact, lighter, and faster to produce. These cost considerations played a pivotal role in the decision to adopt the M1 carbine, particularly given the immense quantities of All_weapons and ammunition required by the United States military during World War II.
