Need Help with M1 Carbine ID

Draco1 · January 28, 2013, 06:14 PM

I hope this post is in the correct forum. I've been searching the internet but have not found anything that has helped me in my quest to ID this gun. There are very few markings on it and the most important one looks like it is hidden by the rear sight. Using a flashlight I can see what looks like either an 'RG' or an 'RB' underneath the site. Underneath that are 4 characters which I am assuming is the serial number? Any help or insight would be greatly appreciated.

Draco1 · January 28, 2013, 06:15 PM

James K · January 28, 2013, 06:32 PM

First, it is not a GI carbine receiver and your stock is not GI.

In the early 1960's a company called Rowan, Becker Co., of Waterville, OH, made carbine parts and also assembled carbines. At first they used unmarked receivers from National Ordnance, which they marked with their name; later they had receivers cast by other companies. One marking they used was "R.B. CO. INC." which might be what is on your carbine. I don't turn up any "RG" marking.

BTW, your front sight is on backwards.

Jim

January 28, 2013, 06:14 PM	#1
Draco1 Junior Member Join Date: January 27, 2013 Posts: 2	Need Help with M1 Carbine ID I hope this post is in the correct forum. I've been searching the internet but have not found anything that has helped me in my quest to ID this gun. There are very few markings on it and the most important one looks like it is hidden by the rear sight. Using a flashlight I can see what looks like either an 'RG' or an 'RB' underneath the site. Underneath that are 4 characters which I am assuming is the serial number? Any help or insight would be greatly appreciated.

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January 28, 2013, 06:15 PM	#2
Draco1 Junior Member Join Date: January 27, 2013 Posts: 2

January 28, 2013, 06:32 PM	#3
James K Member In Memoriam Join Date: March 17, 1999 Posts: 24,383	First, it is not a GI carbine receiver and your stock is not GI. In the early 1960's a company called Rowan, Becker Co., of Waterville, OH, made carbine parts and also assembled carbines. At first they used unmarked receivers from National Ordnance, which they marked with their name; later they had receivers cast by other companies. One marking they used was "R.B. CO. INC." which might be what is on your carbine. I don't turn up any "RG" marking. BTW, your front sight is on backwards. Jim