Rifleman Q&A: Two Serial Numbers On An M1 Carbine?

by
posted on April 30, 2021
m1-carbine-national-firearm-museum-f.jpg
Q: I recently purchased a "G.I." M1 carbine. The only unusual aspect of the gun is that it has a serial number in the normal location (behind the rear sight), but the same serial number is also stamped in front of the rear sight. The two serial numbers appear to have been stamped at different times. Can you explain why the serial number was stamped on the gun twice?

A: Most M1 carbines were originally fitted with non-adjustable "L-type" rear sights. When they were arsenal rebuilt after World War II, regulations called for any superseded parts to be removed and updated components installed. One of these new components was the improved rear sight that was fully adjustable for windage and elevation.

When the new sight was retrofitted to some overhauled carbines, it could obscure all or part of the original serial number. In such instances, the serial number was re-stamped in front of the rear sight by ordnance personnel as part of the overhaul procedure in order to have the serial number visible. A carbine encountered today with two serial numbers has unquestionably been through an ­arsenal overhaul.
This Underwood Elliot Fisher M1 carbine in the NRA National Firearm Museum collection has the later ramped rear sight that partially obscures the serial number. On other models, the sight could obscure the serial number entirely, requiring arsenals to re-stamp the serial number elsewhere for easier visibility.
This Underwood Elliot Fisher M1 carbine in the NRA National Firearm Museum collection has the later ramped rear sight that partially obscures the serial number. On other models, the sight could obscure the serial number entirely, requiring arsenals to re-stamp the serial number elsewhere for easier visibility.

Most of the M1 carbines seen today have gone through extensive post-war arsenal overhauls. This resulted in many of the original factory parts being replaced by later pattern components, particularly the ramped rear sight and the "Type 3" barrel band with the integral bayonet lug. However, the re-stamped serial number wasn't standardized across all carbine rebuilds, so just because a particular carbine might only have one serial number stamp doesn't mean it hasn't gone through the rebuild process.

Additionally, the M1 Garands in U.S. military service underwent extensive rebuilding in the years following World War II, and there's a wealth of information on the markings and indicators found in rebuilt M1s. Bruce Canfield has a great overview in his story, "M1 Garand Rebuilds: History & Markings."


Latest

Rem700 Partsview
Rem700 Partsview

Exploded View: Remington Model 700

Since 1962, more Remington Model 700s have been sold than any other bolt-action rifle before or since, and this detailed disassembly guide, exploded view and brief history of the platform, is one worth filing near the toolbox.

Preview: Wildgame Innovations ZeroTrace Portable

The PureION technology employed by Wildgame Innovations’ ZeroTrace line of odor-elimination products chemically neutralizes offending smells—without resorting to an ozone generator—and the company’s Portable unit is the line’s most versatile product yet.

Review: Christensen Arms Modern Precision Rimfire Rifle

The Modern Precision Rimfire from Christensen Arms builds upon time-honored blueprints and is crafted from its maker's flash-forged carbon-fiber technology to create an accurate and fun-to-shoot repeating rifle.

New For 2025: H&K MR A4 Series

Building on its existing commercial line of MR556 and MR762 rifles, HK USA now offers A4 versions of both rifles, as well as large-format pistol variants.

Gun Of The Week: Smith & Wesson Model 1854

Welcome to another American Rifleman Gun Of The Week video, and this time we have a modernized American lever-action to take to the range. Meet the Smith & Wesson Model 1854.

New For 2025: Kimber 2K11

With its new 2K11, Kimber now has a dedicated design based on the 2011 concept that comes loaded with a number of added features.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.