Winchester M1A1 Paratrooper Carbine - .30 Caliber

The M1 carbine is a lightweight, easy to use, .30 caliber semi-automatic carbine that became a standard firearm for the U.S. military during World War II, and continued to be used throughout the Korean War and well into the Vietnam War. The M1 carbine was produced in several variants and was widely used by not only the U.S. military, but by military, paramilitary and police forces around the world. It has also been a popular civilian firearm.

Despite its name and similar appearance, the M1 carbine is not a shorter version of the M1 Garand rifle. It is a completely different firearm and it fires a different type of ammunition. It was simply called a carbine because it is smaller and lighter than the Garand.

On July 1, 1925, the U.S. Army began using the current naming system where the "M" is the designation for Model and the "number" represents the sequential development of equipment and weapons.[4] Therefore, the "M1 rifle" was the first rifle developed under this system. The "M1 carbine" was the first carbine developed under this system. The "M2 carbine" was the second carbine developed under the system, etc.

Carbines originally issued with the M1A1 folding stock were made by Inland, a division of General Motors and originally came with the early "L" nonadjustable sight and barrel band without bayonet lug. Inland production of M1A1 carbines was interspersed with Inland production of M1 carbines with the standard stock. Stocks have often swapped out as carbines were refurbished at arsenals. An original Inland carbine with an original M1A1 stock is rare today.

Comes with two magazines and a sling

 
Weight

5.2 lb (2.4 kg) empty
5.8 lb (2.6 kg) loaded w/ sling

Length
35.6 in (900 mm)

Barrel length
18 in (460 mm)

Caliber
.30 Carbine

Action
Gas-operated (short-stroke piston), rotating bolt

Rate of fire
Semi-automatic (M1/A1)

Muzzle velocity
1,990 ft/s (607 m/s)

Effective firing range
300 yd (270 m)

Feed system
15- or 30-round detachable box magazine

Sights
Rear sight: aperture; L-type flip or adjustable, front sight: wing-protected post