U.S. M1 Carbine: Wartime Production (5th Edition, Revised and Expanded!)
by Craig Riesch.
The 5th edition of the best selling "bible" of the World War II M1 Carbine has been completely revised and expanded. The author, Craig Riesch, has compiled twenty years of surveys and research into this new 237 page volume. The book contains 38 charts and 212 photographs, and fourteen drawings. The book provides a history of the M1 Carbine's development, manufacture and use during World War II, as well as through the Korean War and the war in Vietnam.
The M1 Carbine is analyzed and described by its ten manufacturer, model and serial number range. The U.S. Army Ordnance Department required that virtually every part of the M1 Carbine be marked with a manufacturer's or subcontractor's code. Riesch has unraveled the manufacturer's and subcontractor's codes by serial number range and eliminated many "spurious codes". Every major and most minor parts can now be conclusively identified by manufacturer and serial number range, making it possible to examine an M1 Carbine to determine its authenticity with a high degree of confidence.
Using the charts and photos the collector can identify the manufacturer and period of use for the receiver group, barrel group, trigger housing group, and stock group and their component parts. Butt plates by the various manufacturers are shown in full-size photographs for easy identification.
All variations of the M1 Carbine are discussed -- M1, M1A1, and M2 -- by manufacturer. The aspects that make up the two types of true M1A1 folding stock paratrooper carbines are described and photographed. Serial number ranges for original manufacture are included. Reproduction folding stocks are shown and points of difference are identified.
The book is divided into six chapters and ten appendices. Each chapter describes a major subgroup of the M1 Carbine: receiver, barrel, trigger assembly, and stock. Chapter six cover the M1 Carbine accessories issued to the soldier, and chapter seven the trench knife an bayonet. The appendices include serial number sequences for each manufacturer, a description of the types of ammunition for the M1 Carbine, a discussion of "imported" carbines, an exploded view, and an M1 Carbine survey form on which the collector can list all parts of his or her carbine to determine authenticity. Complete instructions for disassembling the carbine are included with photographs.
U.S. M1 Carbines: Wartime Production(6th edition, revised and expanded)
