Just a general question:  I know between this site and the CMP forum, there have been quite a few folks who have conducted research at the Nation Archives.  During this and other research, has anyone ever run across unit records where M1's, carbines, 1911's, etc., were issued by name and serial number?  

Ever?  Could have but such minutia was at the lowest level of the supply chain and was typically discarded as those list changed so often; and was of zero interest or use to any organization beyond the one that created it.  Not even sure how such lowly generated info would make it up the chain to reach the level of interest to be archived. That said, I never say never.

Yes there are a few examples of lists, or references to such lists.

Also, its been reported that the USMC issued rifles (1903 or Garand) as personal equipment (stayed it stayed with you and was listed as your issued rifle) until some time later in the war. (see http://usmcweaponry.com/wwii-korean-era/).  So the rifle you had, was the rifle you knew.  In particular it meant you had the zero 'dope' which you developed for it on during training.

 

Example of a record of Garands and carbines issued to specific soldiers in the company here

http://www.uscarbinecal30.com/Forum/carbines-issued-to-cannon-company_topic2586.html

 

A ship's inventory here:

Further discussion here:http://www.uscarbinecal30.com/Forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=6556&PID=55237&title=uss-hornet-armory-log-book#55237

 

Carbines gone missing:

http://www.uscarbinecal30.com/Forum/unofficial-lost-carbines_topic4492.html

 

 

An example of documented weapon to airman by Sn and type…now to track down that m-1