Gunsmithing Gunsmith Needed M1 Carbine

[Tpb10505]

So I have an Inland Carbine that has been restored by Fulton Armory. I got it from a fellow who had never fired it. Well after 3-4rds the handguard pops right off. I've tried shaping the riveted metal tongue with a file, w/out removing length, to fit better but it has been to no avail. There seems to be about 1/8" play in the handguard when its installed, and the rivets are loose. I could just replace it but it matches the stock so well. Fulton wanted $130 just to look at it.

To me it seems it just needs a longer metal tongue riveted in place of the old one. Its a simple stamped piece, I'm just not able to replicate it or rivet. I wouldn't think a 'smith would need the whole gun, and the replacement metal could even be a tad long and I can file it to fit.

Its the one gun I'll never sell. Too cool, and too much fun.

 

[bornhunter04]

Re: Gunsmith Needed M1 Carbine

I had the same issue on my m1. You can use ducttape as a filler until you get a perm fix. My smith took some epoxy and small 'pins' to lengthen the piece that goes under the metal band, basically the problem is that the piece doesnt go far enough into the metal band thus giving it enough play for the handgaurd to pop out.. Ive never had an issue with it popping off since.

Edit to add: mine didnt have a metal band, its was wooden, same shape but wood, and the wood had 'worn down' over the years resulting in the play.

 

[Tpb10505]

Re: Gunsmith Needed M1 Carbine

Bueller? Bueller? Seems like it'd be something simple to do

 

[rg1911]

Re: Gunsmith Needed M1 Carbine

I collect M1 carbines; great fun little carbine, especially with the selector switch. (Legally.)

I checked a few handguards I have, and the metal lip, particularly the rivets, on the one you have does not quite look like it's USGI. I'm wondering if the handguard is a commercial replacement.

The only time I've had a handguard pop off is when the front barrel band wasn't held firmly by the guard retainer spring and was allowed to slip forward under recoil.

Before welding, etc., make sure the back surface of the retaining spring is nice and flat and perpendicular so it catches completely in the hole in the barrel band. And make sure the hole in the band isn't rounded on the edge.

If all the checks are OK, I'd just buy a replacement handguard. They're available on gunbroker, ebay or from a couple reputable dealers. I usually buy from Nick Dailey ([email protected]).

Let me add that the tolerances of the wood furniture on an M1 carbine actually are pretty tight. (One of the problems they had during the war was getting furniture manufacturers to work with tighter dimensions than they were used to.)Anyway, if the handguard or the forward lip is too short, it could allow the handguard to move enough to eventually pop off. Just glue, either permanently or temporarily to see how it works, some wood scrap to the front lip to make sure the handguard can't move.

Cheers,
Richard

 

[Tpb10505]

Re: Gunsmith Needed M1 Carbine

Richard,

It is indeed not an original handguard. The stock, handguard and barrel are all new from Fulton armory. It is one they restored. I appreciate the contact, as I'm probably going to replace it. Thanks,

-Tanner