M1 Carbine

The M1 carbine is a success story that probably even surprised it reluctant designer. With the advent of WW2, the US military decided that a small carbine was needed to replace the sidearm issued to second-line troops and officers. Although several companies submitted designs, Winchester, who was involved with M1 Garand production at the time, did not initially submit a prototype. After the first round of tests, Winchester was encouraged to submit a design that they had been working on and as they say, the rest is history. The Winchester M1 carbine weighed in at 5.5 lbs and was chambered for the new .30 caliber carbine cartridge. Its' light weight made it an immediate success and it's use soon spread to front-line troops. Even carbines captured by the Germans were re-issued to their troops as the Selbstlade Karabine 455a. The first production contract was issued to Inland Manufacturing Division of General Motors and short after to Winchester. Together they and 8 other manufacturers produced over 6,200,000 carbines. Production ended as it began in August of 1945 with Inland and Winchester making the final units.

Full View of M1 Carbine

Inland made carbine, (Sept. 1944)

Rear View of M1 w/h Bayonet and Ammo Pouch

Early M1s' were not design to use a bayonet. This was changed and the M4 bayonet was soon standard issue.

Closeup of Receiver