M1 carbine
The M1 carbine (formally the United States Carbine, Caliber .30, M1) is a lightweight semi-automatic carbine that was issued to the U.S. military during World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War. The M1 carbine was produced in several variants and was widely used by paramilitary and police forces around the world after World War II.
| Carbine, Caliber .30, M1 | |
|---|---|
M1 carbine | |
| Type | Semi-automatic carbine (M1) Selective-fire carbine (M2/M3) |
| Place of origin | United States |
| Service history | |
| In service |
|
| Used by | See Users |
| Wars |
|
| Production history | |
| Designer |
|
| Designed | 1941 |
| Manufacturer | |
| Unit cost | About $45 (WWII) (equivalent to $760 in 2022) |
| Produced |
|
| No. built | 6,121,309 (WWII) |
| Variants | See Variants |
| Specifications | |
| Mass | 5.2 lb (2.4 kg) empty 5.8 lb (2.6 kg) loaded w/sling |
| Length | 35.6 in (900 mm) |
| Barrel length | 17.75 in (451 mm) |
| Cartridge | .30 Carbine |
| Action | Gas-operated (short-stroke piston), rotating bolt |
| Rate of fire |
|
| Muzzle velocity | 1,990 ft/s (607 m/s) |
| Effective firing range | 219–328 yd (200–300 m) |
| Feed system | 15- or 30-round detachable box magazine |
| Sights |
|
The M2 carbine is the selective-fire version of the M1 carbine, capable of firing in both semi-automatic and full-automatic. The M3 carbine was an M2 carbine with an active infrared scope system.
Despite having a similar name and physical outward appearance, the M1 carbine is not a carbine version of the M1 Garand rifle. On July 1, 1925, the U.S. Army began using the current naming convention where the "M" is the designation for "Model" and the number represents the sequential development of equipment and weapons. Therefore, the "M1 carbine" was the first carbine developed under this system. The "M2 carbine" was the second carbine developed under the system, etc.