POTD: The Ranger’s Carbine – Captain Jay Banks’ Custom M1
Sam.S 02.21.25
Welcome to today’s Photo of the Day! Among the many M1 Carbines that served in WWII, this Inland-manufactured example found an extraordinary second life in the hands of Texas Ranger Captain E.J. “Jay” Banks. Upgraded post-war with a distinctive Mannlicher-style stock featuring floral carving and gold inlay, the rifle bears a plaque reading “CUSTOM MADE/FOR/E.J.BANKS/TEXAS RANGERS.” Banks confirmed this carbine’s role in one of his most notable cases – the 1957 shootout with outlaws Gene Paul Norris and Bill Humphrey. After a high-speed chase reaching 100 mph, the criminals crashed their car and fled on foot, exchanging fire with law enforcement. Jay Banks stated he fired 26 rounds from this carbine during the encounter, which ended with both suspects down by a stream. The carbine retains its WWII origins beneath a high-gloss re-blue, featuring protective-winged front sight and adjustable rear peep sight. This marriage of military history and law enforcement legacy represents a unique piece of Texas Ranger history.
“Manufacturer: Inland
Model: M1 CarbineType: RifleGauge: 30 CarbineBarrel: 18 inch roundFinish: blueGrip:Stock: walnut”
Lot 130: “Jay Banks’ Presentation Upgraded Inland M1 Carbine – Documented Presentation Upgraded World War II Inland M1 Semi-Automatic Carbine Owned by Captain E.J. Banks of the Texas Rangers as Used in the Famous Killings of the Notorious Criminals Gene Paul Norris and “Bill” Humphrey. (n.d.-c). Rock Island Auction Company. photograph. Retrieved February 16, 2025, from https://www.rockislandauction.com/detail/4090/130/jay-banks-presentation-upgraded-inland-m1-carbine.
