M2 Carbine Manufacturer Questions

[zultar]

Question on the arsenal conversions of M2, I have seach google and can not find my answer, and don't own the required books (ie War baby). Im looking at a Rock Island Armory M2 carbine. Its over stamped M2, so I am assuming they converted it. Now from what I understand Rock Island Armory was not incorporated untill 1977. So did Reese, et al, buy some M1 carbines, convert them with overstamping the M1 with 2 and stamp Rock Island on the receiver as well? So would this be considered an 'arsenal' conversion as far as value and quality, or not since Rock island Armory is a civilian company? or does it matter? All I want is a good shooter. And does anyone know who were the real arsenals that orginally converted M1 to M2?

[jim c 351]

Question on the arsenal conversions of M2, I have seach google and can not find my answer, and don't own the required books (ie War baby). Im looking at a Rock Island Armory M2 carbine. Its over stamped M2, so I am assuming they converted it. Now from what I understand Rock Island Armory was not incorporated untill 1977. So did Reese, et al, buy some M1 carbines, convert them with overstamping the M1 with 2 and stamp Rock Island on the receiver as well? So would this be considered an 'arsenal' conversion as far as value and quality, or not since Rock island Armory is a civilian company? or does it matter? All I want is a good shooter. And does anyone know who were the real arsenals that orginally converted M1 to M2?

 

zultar,

As far as I know the only WW11 manufacturer that stamped receivers M2 was Inland Div. GM. These receivers would have a ser. no. range of 6,800,00 or higher.

Winchester made very few M2 carbines and I beleive they may have overstamped the "1" with a "2". These receivers would probably have receivers in the 7,000,000 range.

US gov't arsenals converted M1 to M2 carbines and overstamped the receivers.

Prior to 1986 private companies converted carbines and also overstamped the registered receivers. Apparently these companies were also required to stamp their name as manufacturer. This is what you have and it should make a fine shooter.

Jim C

[zultar]

Thanks, up until recently I didn't know private firms restamped the receivers with their names and I thought only govt arsenals overstamped the '1'. But it still is a step up from a civilian conversion i guess. As long as it shoots good and I can wipe out as many pigs as I can at once, Im fine.

[zultar]

And that being, are rock island armory conversions decent M2's for less than $6k?

[jim c 351]

And that being, are rock island armory conversions decent M2's for less than $6k?

 

zultar,

As long as you start with a original WW11 receiver, add original WW11 or Korea war M2 parts , you have nothing to worry about, with one exception. I wouldn't want a converted gun with a separate spring tube receiver. These receivers tend to be weaker between the slide and op springs and sometimes crack with heavy use. These receivers were made by Quality HMC, early Winchesters , early Rock-Ola and very few Inlands. You never said the make of you carbine.

 

If your carbine has a M1 trigger housing or M1 slide that was machined to M2 specs I would replace it.

 

As far as price is concerned , thats entirely your call.

Jim C

PS if the name stamped behind the rear sight is Rock Island Armory , then you do not have an original GI carbine and everything I've said is out the window.