The Probert Encyclopaedia of Warfare

M1 CARBINE

The M1 Carbine (often erroneously called the Garand, this name applying to the M1 Rifle) was an American light rifle produced in response to a US Ordnance Department specification for a light rifle not to exceed 2.5 kg in weight, and capable of either self-loading or automatic action. The M1 Carbine was a self-loading carbine chambered for the .30 cartridge which it took from a 15- or 30-round magazine and fired to an effective range of 300 metres. The M1 Carbine had a 458 mm long barrel and was fitted with a blade foresight and a flip aperture rearsight. In May 1942 a modified version, the M1A1 Carbine was standardised and this had a side folding stock. In 1944 the M2 Carbine version became standard. This was a selective fire model with a cyclic rate of 750 rounds per minute and was fitted with a leaf slide rearsight. A modified version of the M2 Carbine, with a flash-hider and no sights, intended to take a Sniperscope infra-red sight was also produced under the designation M3 Carbine.
Research M1 Carbine