Post WWII Commercially Manufactured M1 Carbines (U.S.A.)
ERMA'S FIREARMS MANUFACTURING CO.
Steelville, Missouri
circa 1962-1965
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If you own or plan on shooting one of these carbines, it is safety imperative you read the last section on page 2 regarding Known Issues with the receivers used by Erma's Firearms Manufacturing.
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Often confused with ERMA Werke of Dachau, Bavaria, these carbines were manufactured by Erma's Firearms Manufacturing Co., Inc. of Steelville, MO. Missouri corporate records show Erma's Firearms Manufacturing Co. incorporated July 10, 1959 as a firearms manufacturer. The stock holders and founders were Harold D. Tucker, Raymond K. McConnell, and Arthur E. Pursley. Tucker was the majority stock holder.
Harold D. Tucker was born June 27, 1928, the son of Tom and Ora Tucker. He married Erma J. McClain. Tucker named the company after his wife. Tucker passed away May 7, 2010. Both are buried together in Saint Trinity Cemetery, Lemay, St. Louis County Missouri.
 Erma's Manufacturing was named after the wife of majority stock holder, Harold D. Tucker Sr. |
The earliest advertisement located, so far, appears in Shotgun News in April 1962, as a small "Wanted" advertisement.
 Shotgun News April 15, 1962 |
| By June 1962 Erma's Manufacturing was offering complete M1 Carbines for sale. |
 Shotgun News August 15, 1962 |
| By September 1, 1962 Erma's Manufacturing was also offering a sporterized carbine for sale. |
 Shotgun News September 1, 1962 |
Receivers & Markings
The majority of receivers throughout production were manufactured by means of investment casting. Later advertisements indicated they used 4130 steel. It is not known if their foundry for the casting was located in house or contracted out to another company. The casting mold used by Erma's is unique to Erma's and wasn't used on any other carbines. The receiver has several distinctive features that make it readily identifiable as having been one of the receivers machined and sold by Erma's Manufacturing.
Through at least serial number 3482 the manufacturer name was abbreviated to E.F.M. and located above the serial number on top of the receiver behind the rear sight. The receiver ring was normally left blank, the first carbine below being an exception.
The purpose of this number is unknown
Erma's manufactured a few receivers made from forged steel. It's not known how many were made but only two have been observed so far. The receiver ring was unmarked and lacked the step at the front for the rear of the handguard.
Example of the typical Erma's receiver manufactured through at least serial number 3482.
From at least serial number 4662 through at least serial number 5511 the manufacturer name was spelled out and located on the left side of the receiver. The receiver ring was left blank, with the customary "U.S. Carbine Cal. 30 M1" absent.
From at least serial number 5913 through the end of production the manufacturer name was spelled out on the left side of the receiver with Erma's Mfg Co. above .30 Cal. M1. The receiver ring was left blank, with the customary "U.S. Carbine Cal. 30 M1" absent. Photographs of an example of this variation are still being sought.
A few Erma's Manufacturing receivers with no markings have been found. some of these have serial numbers, some do not. The font style and size used on the Erma's receivers for a serial numbers a unique and specific to their carbines only. absent a serial number, a comparison of all sides of the receiver to the pics above may help ID it as an Erma's receiver. also be sure to examine the parts section below for two other parts that were marked by Erma's. Assistance with unmarked receivers is available by contacting me. Keep in mind, serial numbers were not a legal requirement in the early 1960's.
Receiver Finish
The outside of most Erma's receivers and parts have been polished to a shiny blue that's highly reflective. Internal surfaces were not polished to this type of finish.
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