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| M1 carbine | |
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| M1A1 carbine | |
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| M2 carbine | |
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The M1 carbine was originally intended for self defense usage of personnel that had a non primary combat role. It was meant to replace the Colt 1911 in the US armed forces. Despite its weak caliber (7,62x33) it proved itself to be fairly accurate with a range of 200-300 meters. The low weight, easy handling and reliability made the weapon popular amongst paratroopers and the Marine Corps. As a result the weapon was mass produced. The early versions were semi automatic and did not have a bayonet lug. The M1A1 had a foldable stock and a pistol grip. The M2 carbine had a full auto feature and was put into use in 1944 and over 500,000 units were produced until the end of the war. The M2 had a slightly improved sight and was equipped with the new 30 rounds magazine, even though few of these magazines were used in World War Two. The weapon was widely used in Korea and also saw usage in the Indochina and Vietnam wars. The French used the weapon fondly, mainly the M1 carbine and the M1A1 carbine with either 15 or 20rds magazines. Caliber: .30 (7,62x33) Range: 200-300 meters Magazine: 15, 20 or 30 rounds
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French troops with American camouflage jackets (Duck hunter) with a
varied arsenal. The soldier in the middle has an M1 carbine. |
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French paratroopers with M1A1
carbines and lizard camouflage uniforms. The lizard camouflage
inspired the later Tiger stripe camouflage. |
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