Rifleman Q&A: Augusta Arsenal M1A1 Rework

by
posted on June 25, 2022
Left side M1A1 Carbine paratrooper wire folding stock wood canvas sling

Q. For many years, I have owned an M1A1 carbine that is probably an arsenal rework. The receiver and barrel are Winchester. The stock is properly marked inside the fore-end, on the bottom of the grip and on the buttplate. But, my question concerns the arsenal stamping “AAL” on the left side above the pistol grip. “AA” should stand for Augusta Arsenal, but what does the “L” signify?


A. The “AAL” stamp on the stock of your M1A1 carbine does indicate that the firearm was overhauled at the Augusta Arsenal (Ga.) after World War II. The mixed parts on your carbine are consistent with an overhauled firearm. The “AA” indicates Augusta Arsenal, and the “L” is the initial of the particular ordnance inspector who supervised the rebuild. A number of permutations of this overhaul stamp may be encountered including, but not limited to, “AAN,” “AAM,” “AAF,” “AAG,” “AAA” and others. There are no known sources to identify the particular inspector represented by the last letter of the stamp. My book, Complete Guide to the M1 Garand and M1 Carbine, contains information on the rebuild stamps utilized by the various arsenal facilities, including Augusta Arsenal.
—Bruce N. Canfield


This “Questions & Answers” was featured in the September 2005 issue of American Rifleman. At time of publication, "Questions & Answers" was compiled by Staff, Ballistics Editor William C. Davis, Jr., and Contributing Editors: David Andrews, Hugh C. Birnbaum, Bruce N. Canfield, O. Reid Coffield, Charles Q. Cutshaw, Charles M. Fagg, Angus Laidlaw, Evan P. Marshall, Charles E. Petty, Robert B. Pomeranz, O.D., Jon R. Sundra, Jim Supica, A.W.F. Taylerson, John M. Taylor and John W. Treakle.

Latest

KelTec PR57
KelTec PR57

KelTec’s PR57: Thinking Outside The (Detachable) Box

KelTec has brought the stripper clip back with the thoroughly unconventional PR57—a carry pistol with an uncommon chambering, an unusual action and no box magazine.

The Armed Citizen® June 9, 2025

Read today's "The Armed Citizen" entry for real stories of law-abiding citizens, past and present, who used their firearms to save lives.

More Western States Opening Large Shooting Ranges

A number of states in the western U.S. have opened or are planning to open large, versatile ranges to serve the growing need for publicly accessible shooting spaces.

Preview: Sneaky Pete Distressed Leather Perfect Holster

More than just a fresh look made using handcrafted leather, the Sneaky Pete Distressed Leather Perfect Holster has been redesigned to accommodate extra ammunition in addition to a concealed firearm.

New For 2025: Rost Martin RM1S & RM1C Comped

Two new models joined the Rost Martin handgun lineup in 2025, one with subcompact dimensions and another with a built-in compensator that promises to reduce recoil substantially.

CMP Resumes M1911 Pistol Sales

As of January 2025, the Civilian Marksmanship Program (CMP) had resumed sales of surplus U.S. Army M1911/M1911A1 pistols to qualified U.S. citizens.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.