New Member in Upstate South Carolina

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   Sorry, my knowledge of terms is a little lacking, I don't understand what "OP" or "WTB" stands for?

I have sent Wayne another picture of the stamp in question on the stock.  It becomes a little more visible with a red light on it from an angle.  I hope it helps.

I have a few questions, like, why does this rifle not have one single mark I've read about like the flaming bomb, or the crossed cannons symbol?  
If the pictures now provide enough clarity, what parts are not correct, if any, for a rifle that has gone through the rebuild that this rifle appears to have been?  Essentially, I'm trying to build a parts list of what I need to look for.  Related to this, since I know I need a rear sight, am I looking for a Type II or a Type III rear sight?  Also, what his the hole on the forward part of the dovetail for the rear sight?

Thank You,
Adam

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RFDK13 Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Recruit Joined: Jan 09 2026 Location: South Carolina Status: Offline Points: 14	Post Options Post Reply Quote RFDK13 Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: Jan 13 2026 at 5:52pm
	Sorry, my knowledge of terms is a little lacking, I don't understand what "OP" or "WTB" stands for? I have sent Wayne another picture of the stamp in question on the stock. It becomes a little more visible with a red light on it from an angle. I hope it helps. I have a few questions, like, why does this rifle not have one single mark I've read about like the flaming bomb, or the crossed cannons symbol? If the pictures now provide enough clarity, what parts are not correct, if any, for a rifle that has gone through the rebuild that this rifle appears to have been? Essentially, I'm trying to build a parts list of what I need to look for. Related to this, since I know I need a rear sight, am I looking for a Type II or a Type III rear sight? Also, what his the hole on the forward part of the dovetail for the rear sight? Thank You, Adam

W5USMC Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Moderator Group Joined: Apr 29 2017 Location: Missouri Status: Offline Points: 3640	Post Options Post Reply Quote W5USMC Report Post Thanks(1) Quote Reply Posted: Jan 13 2026 at 6:26pm
	Adam, WTB= want to buy, see below link for other common acronyms. Acronyms, Definitions Commonly Used - The Carbine Collector's Club As far as your carbine and "correctness" goes, it is a typical rebuild, it appears that your barrel is likely original to the receiver as is the front sight (which I believe is marked RP on top). Everything else is mixed, inland trigger housing, WRA push safety, replacement mag catch and as already mentioned the stock would have been originally on a carbine manufactured by Saginaw in their Grand Rapids plant. Your hand guard is Rock-Ola but would never be able to say if actually original to your gun. I cannot tell what the marking is on the hammer, and disassembly is necessary to see the bolt, sear and trigger markings. With the stake mark on the receiver dove-tail I personally would just put an adjustable rear sight on it and leave the rest as is. It is a great looking carbine. Edited by W5USMC - Jan 13 2026 at 7:55pm
	Wayne USMC Retired NRA Life Member

jackp1028 Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Hard Corps Joined: Jan 01 2016 Location: Cloudcroft, NM Status: Offline Points: 1450	Post Options Post Reply Quote jackp1028 Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: Jan 13 2026 at 6:47pm
	Adam, you are the OP (original poster). Your carbine does have the crossed cannon symbol just to the right of the sideways S'G'. Here's what it might have looked like at some time in the past. However, this Ordnance stamp is for a Saginaw Grand Rapids carbine that the stock originally belonged to.
	JackP

jackp1028 Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Hard Corps Joined: Jan 01 2016 Location: Cloudcroft, NM Status: Offline Points: 1450	Post Options Post Reply Quote jackp1028 Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: Jan 13 2026 at 6:51pm
	Also, the hole on the dovetail is a stake mark left by a center punch that was used to secure the rear sight in place. I would prefer a Type II rear sight as it is machined rather than stamped. But it's up to you. Either would be fine.
	JackP

Matt_X Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Hard Corps Joined: Nov 10 2020 Location: Phila, Penn Status: Offline Points: 1047	Post Options Post Reply Quote Matt_X Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: Jan 13 2026 at 7:21pm
	Here you can see how the adjustable sights got staked with a narrow punch. I put this adjustable (type 2) sight back on after removing the reproduction flip sight. In the small photos it looks like the stock is a highwood, which I personally prefer even though its a little more delicate. The R in RSG indicate was made by Robert Irwin's factory. The receipt or shipping paper isnt exactly what I was hoping it was, but is still really neat. Anniston Aresenal was one of the locations where carbines were overhauled. But this paper is for something different. It shows this carbine was sold through a colloboration or arrangement with the National Rifle Association. It shipped from Anniston, bu tthe apparently the records were kept at the Rock Island Arsenal. Component are probably similar to what was issued Korea and Cold War eras.

Matt_X Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Hard Corps Joined: Nov 10 2020 Location: Phila, Penn Status: Offline Points: 1047	Post Options Post Reply Quote Matt_X Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: Jan 13 2026 at 7:40pm
	Tell us what you're aiming for as a gift. If there is strong reason for WW2 configuring, let us know. I have one like that, and I have another with the adjustable sight that is what I usually bring to matches. Yours also has one of the later operating slides. As I recall it should help eject shells more consistantly to the front. It may also help slightly with the timing of the bolt locking. That's described on the parts page of the main website. If you're planning to use the large magazines like the one pictured, see if the magazine catch is a later one that hold all three support points.

W5USMC Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Moderator Group Joined: Apr 29 2017 Location: Missouri Status: Offline Points: 3640	Post Options Post Reply Quote W5USMC Report Post Thanks(1) Quote Reply Posted: Jan 13 2026 at 7:52pm
	RFDK13's stock cartouche under red lighting. Yes Matt, his stock is high wood.
	Wayne USMC Retired NRA Life Member

RFDK13 Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Recruit Joined: Jan 09 2026 Location: South Carolina Status: Offline Points: 14	Post Options Post Reply Quote RFDK13 Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: Jan 13 2026 at 9:31pm
	All, Thanks so much for all the input that has advanced my understanding of what I'm working with, in just a matter of days, to a level that would have taken me months or years to acquire on my own (if ever). I am very grateful. In answer to Matt's question about what the goal/desire is regarding the gift to a soon-to-be Marine: my wife & I plan to present it to him, along with the purchase receipt, a copy of the FM23-7 Carbine reference book I was given, and a couple of other historical Marine Corps documents I have, in a display case that he can proudly display in his own home one day. Ultimately, as a stickler for detail myself, I want the rifle to be able to withstand the toughest scrutiny from someone like one of you guys and have you say, "yup, that looks legit, not some hack job wannabe M1 Carbine some moron cobbled together." I am aware that people "sporterized" these rifles after the war, but it sounds like you guys are saying this setup is not surprising for a rifle that has undergone rebuild along the way, so if I simply find and install a Type II rear sight, get it cleaned up, and then put it in a display case, my goal should be accomplished. Please let me know if I am missing something, but I am really appreciative of all the expertise. Adam

Matt_X Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Hard Corps Joined: Nov 10 2020 Location: Phila, Penn Status: Offline Points: 1047	Post Options Post Reply Quote Matt_X Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: Jan 14 2026 at 7:23am
	Others are more familiar with the DCM NRA program. I've heard it mentioned that a abridged version of the FM23-7 was included as part of the early DCM program. FM = Field Manual 23 is the series for small arms. There are several editions for the carbines of its service years, with revisions inbetween those editions stapled into the front marked c1, c2 etc. The abridged version cuts out the information on qualification and training excersizes. I personally think the 1944 edition is the clearest to read and understand. I suppose anything other than what you have listed depends if you want to include some of the additional accessories. Off the top of my head the carbine was issued with one magazine it shipped with, the sling, and as a replacement for carrying a pistol, probably 2 magazines and a "pocket" (a double pouch to go on the pistol belt). There's some debate how many mags were issued at various times. The accessory packet mentioned earlier in this thread as I recall includes extra magazines, a thong (pull through brush and jag), etc.

shadycon Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List On Point Joined: Mar 16 2016 Location: NRV, Va. Status: Offline Points: 176	Post Options Post Reply Quote shadycon Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: Jan 14 2026 at 10:24am
	My suggestion is to keep asking question on / and how to do your own research, what is faked, what is correct for your carbine. Do a data sheet and use it to see what you need to correct it. Once you know this, the decide how to proceed. Good luck .........
	M1's are FUN!!! TSMG's are more FUN!!!

Marty Black Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Moderator Group Editor in Chief Emeritus Joined: Dec 30 2015 Location: Pismo Beach, CA Status: Offline Points: 100542	Post Options Post Reply Quote Marty Black Report Post Thanks(1) Quote Reply Posted: Jan 14 2026 at 3:34pm
	A few comments: RE: a carbine manual, during the heyday of CMP selling carbines in the 2000s, they had - for a short time until their supply ran out - a partial reprint of FM 23-7 that was included with a purchase. It was a cheap photocopy with dark photos and light text, bound with a couple staples. I threw mine away. For the casual carbine owner, rather than FM23-7, I'd strongly recommend "The M1 Carbine Owner's Guide" by Larry Ruth and Scott Duff, 136 pages. Second choice would be the NRA Reprint "U.S. Cal. .30 Carbine," 21 pages in 1991 edition, 25 pages in the 2001 edition (with color cover). Both have excellent information and very readable. "At The Front." is a US company that sells excellent quality repro uniforms and accessories for re-enactors. They have a nice C-tip sling and oiler and a "stock pouch" that is made without the (pistol belt) snap that can damage the stock. The "stock pouch" looks really cool and was popular with WWII troops, but I find that it interferes with accurate shooting, because it is difficult to get a proper "cheek weld" on the stock with the pouch in place. But it IS sexy looking ! :-) Two 15-round mags in the "stock pouch," and a 30-round "banana clip" in the magazine well, and you've got one of the coolest looking rifles ever made! Regards, Marty Black
	Marty Black

Marty Black Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Moderator Group Editor in Chief Emeritus Joined: Dec 30 2015 Location: Pismo Beach, CA Status: Offline Points: 100542	Post Options Post Reply Quote Marty Black Report Post Thanks(1) Quote Reply Posted: Jan 14 2026 at 4:21pm
	And one more thought, re: accessories issued with a carbine. Here is one instance: In about 2001, CMP received hundreds of carbines that had been packed by the Navy's Ordnance Supply Depot in Norfolk, VA in about 1953. They were unfired since being partially rebuilt; see CCNL 316. Known among collectors as "white bag" carbines. Many or perhaps most of them originally had a small packet attached to the "white bag" with black electrical tape. This small packet held a magazine, sling, and oiler. While inventorying these carbines at CMP, only a very small percentage of the white bags still had this accessory pack attached. But most of the white bags showed residue from the black electrical tape which once held the accessory pack to the white bag. Regards, mb
	Marty Black

RFDK13 Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Recruit Joined: Jan 09 2026 Location: South Carolina Status: Offline Points: 14	Post Options Post Reply Quote RFDK13 Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: Jan 14 2026 at 10:36pm
	Thank you for the input guys. Matt, I believe I am working with the original version of the field manual. Definitely has the look and feel of 80 year old paper, says FM23-7 & War Department Basic Field Manual across the top, U.S. CARBINE CALIBER .30 M1 AND MA1A in the center, and at the bottom says WAR DEPARTMENT . 23 APRIL 1944. Contents look like original material, not cheap re-print. As for looking for a replacement Type II rear sight. I scoured the entire WTB section of this forum last night and could not find anything, so I went hunting on the general web. The only thing I could find was this one option: https://riverbankarmory.com/product/m1-carbine-sight-rear-type-2/ ; Should I expect to have to pay $125 dollars for a Type II sight, especially when I only get to see 1 picture and cannot tell who it is made by? Thanks, Adam

Jond41403 Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Hard Corps Joined: Feb 21 2021 Location: East Tennessee Status: Offline Points: 874	Post Options Post Reply Quote Jond41403 Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: Jan 14 2026 at 10:49pm
	run away! Riverbank is a company that you never ever want to do business with. eBay is generally a good place to look. Riverbank has been one of the main sources for all of the fake junk parts that are floating around everywhere, a lot of them being advertised as genuine. Riverbank has done a lot of harm to the history and collectibility of the M1 carbine.

W5USMC Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Moderator Group Joined: Apr 29 2017 Location: Missouri Status: Offline Points: 3640	Post Options Post Reply Quote W5USMC Report Post Thanks(1) Quote Reply Posted: Jan 15 2026 at 1:31am
	Adam, since this carbine is going to end up belonging to a "soon to be" Marine, I have a type II Hemphill (H in a shield) rear sight that I will send you for the cost of shipping if you are interested. Send me an email and we will work it out.
	Wayne USMC Retired NRA Life Member

Jond41403 Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Hard Corps Joined: Feb 21 2021 Location: East Tennessee Status: Offline Points: 874	Post Options Post Reply Quote Jond41403 Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: Jan 15 2026 at 4:06am
	offers don't get much better than that!

RFDK13 Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Recruit Joined: Jan 09 2026 Location: South Carolina Status: Offline Points: 14	Post Options Post Reply Quote RFDK13 Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: Jan 15 2026 at 6:12am
	This group has been a bigger blessing than I ever could have imagined. Wayne, thank you so much, I will e-mail you directly.