universal m1 garand serial number history

Serial numbers for their stainless model started with the prefix S and SS. From 1983-1984 Universal manufactured a stainless steel carbine. Serial numbers recorded so far have been 00204 - 000430. During 1980 Universal produced a commemorative carbine. Vulcan serial numbers recorded so far have been 1014 - 2453. The highest Universal serial number observed so far has been 488,363.Ī separate set of serial numbers was used for the Vulcan model carbines produced 1963-1965. These continued into the 99,000 series with the hybrid starting at s/n 100,000. Serial numbers were below s/n 100,000 are the carbines with most parts interchangeable with their GI counterparts. The hybrids were Universal's primary production carbine thereafter. However, the hybrid design changes were significant enough that the hybrids should no longer be considered, or compared to, an M1 Carbine. This design change produced a hybrid carbine similar in appearance to the Cal.30 U.S. Carbines produced up to this point had been mostly compatible with the parts from their GI carbine counterparts. Most people are aware of a major design change to their carbines that was implemented by Universal in 1967. The highest number used while at Bullseye that has been so far is 1627. The lowest serial number for Universal observed so far has been 2054. Serial numbers used by Universal ran numerically and started where they had left off while part of Bullseye Firearms 1961-1962.

In an effort to reconstruct what was done when I have been collecting and organizing information from many different sources over the past ten years. No documents or information has been located that provides dates of manufacture for the carbines made by Universal Firearms. These receivers have the markings of Iver Johnson. In 19 Universal also manufactured receivers for Iver Johnson Arms in Jacksonville, AR. Total production during this time exceeded 480,000 carbines. Universal Firearms manufactured carbines in Hialeah, FL from 1962-1984.

This post will be an overview leading into a 2nd post on the Universal Firearms carbines having a serial number with an X prefix.

Universal m1 garand serial number history