Rock-Ola M1 Carbine .30 Carbine Semi-Automatic Rifle, April 1944 WWII Production, Custom Rail & Recoil Weight
Built in April 1944 during Rock-Ola’s final M1 Carbine contract run, this rifle represents one of only about 228,500 carbines produced by the jukebox maker—less than four percent of total wartime output. Scarcer than most prime-contract carbines, it retains the correct mid-’44 configuration and adds two discreet, shooter-oriented upgrades: a barrel-mounted accessory rail block and a spring-wrapped recoil weight inside the buttstock. These tasteful modifications expand versatility while preserving the carbine’s collectible core.
Condition
Overall Condition: Good condition, showing some signs of prior use and handling. Minor to moderate scratches, scuffs, and blemishes are visible on both metal and wood surfaces.
Bore Overall Condition: Good – Clean, well-maintained, minor wear marks.
Bore Rifling: Good Rifling – Intact, well-defined lands and grooves.
What’s Included
- 1x 30-round USGI-pattern steel magazine
- Olive-drab cotton web sling (installed)
- Accessory rail block mounted under barrel (installed)
- Spring-wrapped recoil weight device in buttstock (installed)
Rock-Ola’s serial range 6205XXX places this rifle among the last carbines shipped before production ceased, adding historical appeal for collectors tracking late-war variations.
The carbine retains its low-wood walnut stock, two-rivet walnut handguard, stamped adjustable rear sight, round bolt, and Type II barrel band without bayonet lug—features characteristic of mid-1944 manufacture.
The parkerized ordnance-grade steel receiver and 17.75-inch barrel present a uniform finish, balancing authentic wartime appearance with the durability expected from original U.S. production.
An accessory rail block secured to the underside of the barrel near the muzzle allows modern illumination or targeting devices without altering original sight alignment, while the internal recoil weight helps tame impulse for faster follow-up shots.
At 13.25 inches, the length of pull fits a wide range of shooters, and the proven short-stroke gas piston action delivers the quick-handling feel that influenced many later intermediate-caliber carbines.