Finally picked up an M1 Carbine

[jeffyhog]

I've been wanting an M1 Carbine for many years, but never knew enough about all the variations or found one that I was willing to spend the money on.

Found one at a shop a few days ago and decided to pick it up. It's a Quality Hardware receiver in the 4.8 million serial range, so 1944 based on what I've read. It was supposedly restored or built by Fulton Armory and the stock has the FA / CMcK cartouch. The rifle looks like brand new, and the shop told me that the guy who brought it in said he never fired it after getting it from Fulton.

I tried calling Fulton to see if they had any records on the rifle, but was told that they were not easily accessible. No paperwork came with the rifle.

There are many parts with USGI manufacturers stamps on them, but I'm sure the barrel has been replaced. No date on it, and the only stamp I can find on it is a "C". I'm guessing it's a Criterion barrel, but does anybody know how it should be stamped? Anything else I should check for?

Anyways, pretty excited about getting this and now I'm busy reading about them and trying to decipher all these codes. I guess it doesn't matter since it's not original, but love the history on these things.

I can't figure out how to imbed my pictures