Hi, I 've just purchased here in Italy a National Postal Meter M1 carbine serial number 4307213 not in cal .30 but in 357 Mag. since M1 carbines have been made in this caliber thanks?

Answer 1

There actually weren't any M1 Carbines ever manufactured in .357 Magnum caliber by the US Military. The standard M1 Carbine chambered the .30 Carbine cartridge.

Here's a breakdown of the situation:

M1 Carbine Caliber: Designed for the .30 Carbine cartridge.

Your Carbine: You mentioned it has a National Postal Meter marking and is chambered in .357 Magnum.

There are two possibilities:

Conversion: It's possible your M1 Carbine is a converted model. Someone might have modified a genuine M1 Carbine to accept and fire .357 Magnum ammunition. This would be a significant modification and should only be done by a qualified gunsmith.

Not a True M1 Carbine: There's a chance it might not be a genuine M1 Carbine but a lookalike carbine rifle chambered for .357 Magnum. Some manufacturers produce rifles that resemble the M1 Carbine but with different calibers.

Recommendations:

Safety First: Since the carbine wasn't originally made for .357 Magnum, it's crucial to prioritize safety.

Consult a Gunsmith: Have a qualified gunsmith inspect the carbine to determine its origin, caliber conversion (if applicable), and overall safety for use with .357 Mag.

Verify Legality: In Italy, there might be regulations regarding caliber conversions or possession of non-standard firearms. Check with the relevant authorities to ensure your carbine complies with local laws.