Carbine, Cal. .30, M1/M2/M3
The
M1 Carbine was developed to provide better protection to service
troops than standard issue pistols, when caught under surprise
attack during envelopment movements by enemy forces. The Carbine
filled a need for a weapon heavier than a pistol, but lighter than
a rifle for issue to company-grade officers and NCOs. The Carbine
proved to be such an effective light weight weapon that it was also
carried for protection by heavy and light weapons teams. All models
used a .30 cal. Carbine cartridge in 15-round and 30-round magazines.
- M1 could be fired only as a semi-automatic.
- M1A1 was also a semi-automatic, but featured a folding
metal buttstock, an excellent light weight weapon for use by paratroops.
- M2 was selectible for either semi- or fully-automatic
fire.
- M3 had a specially modified grooved receiver for mounting
an infrared 4X "Snooper Scope" sniperscope.
Sources and Resources
http://www.fas.org/man/dod-101/sys/land/m1-car.htm
Maintained by Robert Sherman
Originally created by John Pike
Updated Saturday, August 07, 1999 6:35:42 AM