I purposefully picked up a FAT carbine considering this is another chapter in their history.  Not as expansive and glamorous as the Bavarians/Austrians but a chapter none the less.   I Googled for info with little luck, finding mainly what FAT stood for, FAT isn’t an import mark, and discussions on how ugly the Italian replacement stocks are with most owners replacing them with USGI wood.   I read in CCNL 340, March 2007, a discussion on carbines returned from Italy being prepared for sale by the CMP.  It said the carbines had their bolts removed and many heavy in preservative.  This is a FAT 6.08 Rock-Ola service grade from the CMP in early 2008 which I assume is part of that bunch.   I was told it is as delivered from the CMP and I figured this is most likely as close to “original” FAT configuration as I’ll ever get.  I believe the “originality” is supported by all the metal parts, especially in the “hard to reach areas” still exhibit dried, brownish preservative.   In addition to the FAT w/date stamp on the ugly Italian M2 stock it has the corresponding FAT w/date stamp on the barrel (Undated Rock-Ola MW-1 w/Rock-Ola gas cylinder) in front of the receiver. The carbine is comprised of a Rock-Ola type IV slide, round Rock-Ola bolt, and a Rock-Ola Type I trigger housing with no milled angle between the front lugs.  It has a straight type III HI hammer, 26.5 coil hammer spring, an R.I. trigger with unmarked type III sear, a horseshoe w/M flip safety, and type III MAD mag release.  It has an NN front sight with Type III AI bayo barrel band from expected re-arsenal upgrades.  The rear site is a Type II milled, double stamped with HI and H in a shield as described in CCNL 359.  With all that said, I’ve got a few topics for discussion:  

I suspect there may be something in Vol 2 or 3 of Ruth’s books which I don’t have, so is there any info on the scope of work done on these carbines at Fabbrica d'Armi a Terni?  Did they go through a US armorer/re-arsenal before supplied to Italy? 

As stated, the bolt is a correct round Rock-Ola.  It has an IN firing pin and -U- extractor both of which appear to be relatively new dark blue/black.   Was the CMP taking efforts to match mfgs on bolt replacement or could this be the original bolt with replaced firing pin and extractor from a re-arsenal?

Any thoughts on the type I trigger housing being in this 6.08 carbine? 

Ruth stated the H in a shield type II rear sights were issued on later Rock-Ola’s.  I’ve included two pics for your evaluation if this may be original rear sight?  Also included one pic of the double stamp for your viewing enjoyment.

I bought a group of 10 CMP Carbines from the original purchaser. Most came with FAT stocks. He had a relative or acquaintance who made some Walnut low wood M1 profile stocks for him and he replaced all the stocks with these. I got the original stocks too, but only a couple could be traced to the Carbines they were on originally.

None of the Carbines were substantially correct. I think one had it's original stock. The serial was stamped into it.  Of course this doesn't address your questions, but perhaps gives insight into FATs received?

The usual stamp with date in it and also some with just a Star.

One member thought this about just the Star stamp:

" It may just be that it means it was worked on at one of the other arsenals and not at FAT or that it was just checked out and checked OK so nothing was done to it."

Agreed Wayne,
 

No front bevel, Rear magwall now wider than Type I, Rear Trigger housing Receiver Lug has same Beveled rear corners as a Type I.

When I typed 'Wide' it didn't feel right at the time........ Guess I got busted playing the odds.

Thx and Good Weekend to you.

CH-P777

I noticed your stamp is perpendicular to the barrel. This one has a star over FAT over underscored date in-line with the barrel same as the stock stamp.

    

    Looking for info on the FAT carbines is what brought me to this thread, and JackP's description of his Rockola is very similar to the condition of mine; dark grey receiver, barrel, and matching bolt. 

http://www.uscarbinecal30.com/forum/italian-m1-carbine-info-and-requests_topic5539.html?FID=53&PR=3" rel="nofollow - Italian M1 Carbine info and Requests - The Carbine Collector's Club (uscarbinecal30.com)

    There are no import markings, so, do I understand correctly, that it must have come back home before the GCA? The dark parkerizing has little wear, and all seems to be uniform, as JackP had mentioned. And, it shoots great! 

    As to reporting, I understood the club was looking for info on the Midway lot. I don't think this is one of those.

    I guess what I'm getting at is do I have something engineered by bubba, or are there some other examples out there that went to and came back from Italy in pretty pristine condition, with just a facelift at FAT. Wishful thinking I know, but, it's still a darn good shooter! Lou.

The serial numbers post on the CMP forum are not the CMP serials unless an owner submitted them.

You can contact the CMP to see if your serial was brought in through them.

The Army brings in the items and transfers them to the CMP. The Army is not subject to the GCA

The GCA 1968 required the import markings. The stock is marked FAT, can you make out the first number?

So the carbine may have been a CMP, or someone assembled a pre 68 carbine into that stock

as always, pics would be helpful

PS, I have a note to look for your TH hieroglyphic from another post, just been busy. If I do not answer in a week or so give me a nudge.

    I apologize for any confusion, but the FAT markings are on the barrel, above the chamber. The stock has no FAT. 

    As to the pics, would it be appropriate to post them here, or better to start a new thread? 

    And, on the hieroglyph, I was really just wondering if it's a partial, and if so, are there any examples of the entire mark. Thanks again, Lou.