Quality Hardware M1 Carbine
Quality Hardware & Machine Corporation · Carbine · Out Of Production · 1943
Also known as: Quality H.M.C. M1 Carbine, QHMC M1 Carbine
Overview
The Quality Hardware M1 Carbine was produced by the Quality Hardware & Machine Corporation of Chicago, Illinois, one of the prime contractors for the U.S. M1 Carbine in World War II. Between 1943 and 1944 the firm produced approximately 359,000 carbines, with receivers marked 'QUALITY H.M.C.' or 'Q.H.M.C.'. Some Quality Hardware receivers were actually machined by the Union Switch & Signal Company under subcontract. Mechanically it is identical to other M1 Carbines: a gas-operated, short-stroke piston semi-automatic chambered in .30 Carbine.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 2480 g (87.5 oz) |
| Weight (loaded) | 2770 g (97.7 oz) |
| Overall Length | 905 mm (35.63") |
| Barrel Length | 458 mm (18.03") |
| Height | 120 mm (4.72") |
| Width | 32 mm (1.26") |
| Action Type | Gas Operated Short Stroke |
| Firing Mechanism | Hammer Fired |
| Trigger Type | Single Stage |
| Magazine Capacity | 15 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Detachable Box |
| Muzzle Velocity | 607 m/s (1991 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 1311 J (967 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 275 m (301 yd) |
| Maximum Range | 1829 m (2000 yd) |
| Rate of Fire | 40 rpm |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Rifling Twist | 508 mm (20.00") |
| Number of Grooves | 4 |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Wood |
| Finish | Parkerized |
Calibers
- .30 Carbine · primary — also known as 7.62x33mm, .30 M1 Carbine
Features
- Firing modes: Semi Automatic
- Feed systems: Detachable Box Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Cross Bolt Push Button Safety
- Features: Short Stroke Gas Piston, Rotating Bolt, Detachable Box Magazine, Lightweight Design, Adjustable Rear Sight, Blade Front Sight, Bayonet Lug, Sling Swivels
Base model
Service history
Operators
- United States Army · adopted 1943 · as Carbine, Caliber .30, M1
Conflicts
- World War II (1943-1945)
- Korean War (1950-1953)
Production
Estimated total produced: 359,000 · Production years: 1943-1944
Chicago, Illinois; some receivers subcontracted to Union Switch & Signal
Origin
Country of origin: United States
Designer: Frederick Humeston / William Roemer (Winchester)
Discontinued: 1944
Notes
Receivers marked 'QUALITY H.M.C.'. A subset of Quality Hardware receivers were machined by Union Switch & Signal under subcontract and are collector standouts.
Background
Quality Hardware & Machine Corporation outsourced some of its receiver machining to Union Switch & Signal, creating one of the more interesting subcontract stories among WWII carbine makers.