Rock-Ola M1 Carbine
Rock-Ola Manufacturing Corporation · Carbine · Out Of Production · 1943
Also known as: Rock-Ola .30 Carbine
Overview
The Rock-Ola M1 Carbine was built by the Rock-Ola Manufacturing Corporation of Chicago, Illinois, the jukebox maker, which converted to wartime arms production as one of the prime contractors for the U.S. M1 Carbine. Between 1943 and 1944 Rock-Ola produced approximately 228,500 carbines marked 'ROCK-OLA' on the receiver. Because relatively few were made and the marking is famous, surviving original Rock-Ola carbines are among the most sought-after M1 Carbine collectibles. Mechanically it is identical to other M1 Carbines: a gas-operated, short-stroke piston semi-automatic 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: 228,500 · Production years: 1943-1944
Chicago, Illinois jukebox manufacturer converted to carbine production
Origin
Country of origin: United States
Designer: Frederick Humeston / William Roemer (Winchester)
Discontinued: 1944
Notes
Rock-Ola, famous for jukeboxes, is one of the most collectible WWII carbine makers. Receivers marked 'ROCK-OLA'.
Background
Rock-Ola, best known for its jukeboxes, became one of the most celebrated wartime carbine makers; collectors prize the rare 'ROCK-OLA' receiver marking.