New Member from TX

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   I’m a new member who recently joined after being introduced to the club from a long time member.   I began collecting rifles many years ago of various types and makes, however, never acquired a carbine.

I spent 20 years in the U. S. Army and after retiring began a second career in corporate security.   As odd as it may seem, that career transitioned  into an executive level position software development company. I retired last year for the second time, this time permanently.   I now have the time to pursue my collecting hobby as well as others more earnestly.

Over the years I managed to pick up a couple of M1 Garands, 1903’s, and some other U. S. and foreign military weapons.   I always admired the M1 carbine but for whatever reason I could never find anyone willing to part with one. Many friends had one in their closet that had been handed down from their father or grandfather and when I inquired about it I was always told: “It’s not for sale.”   I’ve seen them for sale on gun broker and other websites but just didn’t know enough about the various models and originality to warrant paying what in many cases seemed like a high price.

 A few months back I picked up a copy of Canfield book on the M1 carbine and began researching the various makes and models. This led to my first find, an Underwood model. It’s not perfect, but it is about 90% correct. 

Last weekend,  I was visiting family in Maryland and quite by happenstance I’ve visited a local pawnshop that sold guns.   While there, I found an inland carbine with a three digit serial number! It also had an M1A1 stock in good condition. While the receiver did not match the era of the stock, the rifle offered many possibilities.   Club member, New2Brass, reached out to me and offered valuable advice and the rest is history!

My plan is to hopefully  add others to my collection including IBM, Rock-Ola, NPM and Winchester.  I look forward to meeting many other carbine aficionados on this form and learning from you.