Parts Markings - Unmarked Barrels

Print Page | Close Window

Unmarked Barrels

Printed From: The Carbine Collector's Club
Category: The Club
Forum Name: Parts Markings
Forum Description: Questions and Answers
URL: http://www.uscarbinecal30.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=4450
Printed Date: Apr 19 2024 at 7:35pm
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 12.01 - http://www.webwizforums.com

Topic: Unmarked Barrels

Posted By: floydthecat
Subject: Unmarked Barrels
Date Posted: Jan 14 2020 at 8:39am

Poked around and have not found any recent data on unmarked barrels. I am not talking about commercial barrels with brazed or welded-on gas cylinders. I have an opportunity to pick-up a new barrel with a swaged cylinder, but there is not a mark on it. I’ve read where the possibility is that it could be Bavarian. Were/are there some recent/past unmarked commercial barrels made with swaged-on cylinders?

Replies:

Posted By: Quietus
Date Posted: Jan 14 2020 at 8:06pm

It's possible that an unmarked swaged cylinder barrel may have been made by Erma Werke of Dachau. Those installed on German guns got marked; those installed later on Austrian guns acquired from Bavaria, were not marked on installation there in Austria.

On the host site here, in the "oddities" section of the Bavarian section, there is a pic of an Erma Werke barrel. They are different than others, due to an extra machining contour at the front of the gas cylinder. It sets them apart.

I have a carbine with one of those barrels that came to CMP from Austria. It is unmarked. Its outside muzzle contour is sharper and flatter than a Winchester barrel (can't compare it to another.)

Posted By: floydthecat
Date Posted: Jan 15 2020 at 7:32am

Thanks for the info Quietus.

The gas cylinder attachment looks exactly like the usual GI cylinder. It does not resemble the Erma style attachment shown in the oddities section of the web pages.

This could be a more recent barrel...does anyone know where Fulton gets their barrels and how they may be marked, if at all?

There have been/are now some "mint" unmarked barrels for sale on epay. I discount this barrel as being commercial due to the cylinder attachment.

Posted By: Quietus
Date Posted: Jan 15 2020 at 7:58am

I think that Fulton uses Criterion barrels. A quick look at C's website didn't tell me anything about markings.

But if you can check this new barrel, in hand, and assuming it's never been finish reamed: Criterion says its barrels are made with chambers .010" undersized. A "Go" gauge might tell you something.

That check would of course not be definitive as to maker. You might call Criterion and ask about markings. After that, maybe search out current barrel makers for M1 carbines. A couple of names just tossed out not knowing if they make carbine barrels: Green Mountain (AK barrels for sure), and Wilson Arms (not Combat.) I know Wilson Arms still makes M1 Garand barrels, maybe they make carbine barrels as well.

Posted By: floydthecat
Date Posted: Jan 15 2020 at 8:13am

I have a “choice” on a deal I am working on. This barrel is fitted to a receiver, supposedly properly installed and head-spaced. Like I mentioned previously, I have ran across unmarked barrels touted to be Korean/Vietnam era replacements, yet unmarked. Was hoping someone could shed some light on these claims of post-war unmarked barrels. I know SA manufactured barrels, but assume they were all marked.