Inland Manufacturing announced the company was now offering T30 rifles: reproduction-style carbines based on the T3 from World War II. The new guns will come with a conical flash hider and 2.5x scope.
The original T3 carbines were the first production sniper systems fielded by the US armed forces that used an infrared sighting system. T3 guns were M1 carbines that were made specifically for the infrared system, and original guns were made by both Winchester and Inland. The first T3 guns were fielded during World War II during the Battle of Okinawa.
Compared to modern optics, the infrared system used at that time was very crude, cumbersome and heavy. With the included infrared spotlight, the guns had an effective range of only about 75-100 yards. Eventually, the guns and optics were improved, increasing the effective range.
The new T30 guns are not exact reproductions of the T3, nor do they come equipped with infrared optics. Instead the guns are equipped with a reproduction M82 rifle scope made by Hi-Lux. The scope has a 2.5x magnification and a 7/8” tube. The scope is attached with Redfield style rings.
According to Inland Manufacturing, the original guns shot 3-6 MOA while the new guns are hitting 1-2 MOA. I suppose there is something to be said for modern manufacturing.
These rifles are chambered for the .30 Carbine cartridge and ship with a single 15-round magazine. Stocks are made of walnut and with the M82 scope, the guns weigh about 6 pounds. With no scope, the rifles weigh about 5.3 pounds each, unloaded.
Inland will sell these guns without the scopes as well. Should you opt for one of these rifles with the intent of adding your own scope, the T30 will take 1” and 30mm Redfield rings.
Inland will sell the scopeless-version of the carbine for $1,279 while the model with the scope will carry a higher price at $1,695.
If you want one of the authentic T3 rifles, they can still be had on the secondary market. After the Korean War, many of the guns were surplused. Later versions of the carbine were called the M3, so be sure to search for that as well.