M2 carbine parts and identification

C

chaynes

Inactive
First off, I just found this forum this morning and it rocks! I think it will be a great resource for the future. Also, this being my first post, admins feel free to re-post it in another section if 'NFA guns and gear' is not appropriate.

I have found an M1 carbine that I am interested in, but I have learned that it may come with some M2 carbine parts. I am nervous about this, since a fully auto M2 carbine is considered illegal. From reading these forums, I have discovered that there are 7 M2 parts needed for fully auto action. Does anyone have pictures of these parts that I can use to identify what parts are M2? I don't have any pics of the gun or I would post them up. I understand that it is not a full M2, but i would like to know what parts on it are.

Any help is appreciated!
 
The bolt was a round bolt. This was done to increase the mass and weight to slow down the rate of fire that would result with the original M-1 bolt. The bolt was interchanged freely with the M-1 so I wouldn't worry about it.

The magazine catch had a little finger that protruded out towards the muzzle. About 1/8" or 3/16" long, it was intended to stabilize the 30 round magazine designed for the M-2. That kinda became a standard part for the M-1 so don't worry about that either.

The M-2 Slide (operating rod) appeared much like the later M-1 Carbine slide. The difference was that a portion of the front was milled away to make space for the trip lever. Unknown if this can be used.

Hammer & Sear - both were cut differently. Unknown if these may be used.

Definitely keep the following out of your gun:

Trip lever - does not belong.
Selector switch - does not belong.
disconnector, disconnector spring and plunger - does not belong.
 
Many years ago, the (then) ATTD (now BATFE) listed the six parts they considered necessary to either convert an M1 carbine to selective fire or that in themselves constitute a machinegun within the meaning of the term in the National Firearms Act.

They are: 1) M2 hammer, 2) M2 sear, 3) disconnector, 4) disconnector lever, 5) selector, and 6) M2 slide (cut out on right side to operate the disconnector lever).

Note that the M2 trigger housing, M2 stock, round bolt, and small parts (springs) are NOT included.

The three parts that are exclusive to selective fire and have no place in a semi-auto are the disconnector, disconnector lever, and selector. The M2 hammer will work in an M1 with a shim. Many M1 carbines sold through DCM and CMP had or have M2 slides and M2 sears, as well as M2 trigger housings.

Note that ALL of those six parts are needed to convert an M1 carbine to selective fire. ALL, not just some. And you have to have ALL of them to constitute an "M2 kit" which is a machinegun in and by itself, whether you have an M1 carbine or not.

If your carbine doesn't have any of those three exclusive parts, don't worry about it.

Jim
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top