M1A1 Carbine (Paratrooper)
Inland Division of General Motors · Carbine · Out Of Production · 1942
Also known as: Carbine, Caliber .30, M1A1, Paratrooper Carbine
Overview
The M1A1 Carbine was a paratrooper variant of the standard M1 Carbine, fitted with a folding metal wire stock and a walnut pistol grip to make it more compact for airborne troops. Chambered in the light .30 Carbine cartridge, it was produced exclusively by the Inland Division of General Motors during World War II, which delivered roughly 140,000 examples between 1942 and 1944. Its compact dimensions and low recoil made it popular far beyond its intended airborne role.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 2495 g (88.0 oz) |
| Overall Length | 908 mm (35.75") |
| Folded Length | 654 mm (25.75") |
| Barrel Length | 458 mm (18.03") |
| Action Type | Gas Operated Short Stroke |
| Firing Mechanism | Hammer Fired |
| Trigger Type | Single Stage |
| Magazine Capacity | 15 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Detachable Box |
| Muzzle Velocity | 610 m/s (2001 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 1311 J (967 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 270 m (295 yd) |
| Maximum Range | 1800 m (1968 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Rifling Twist | 508 mm (20.00") |
| Number of Grooves | 4 |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Wood |
| Finish | Parkerized |
Calibers
- .30 Carbine · primary — also known as .30 M1 Carbine, 7.62x33mm
Features
- Firing modes: Semi Automatic
- Feed systems: Detachable Box Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Cross Bolt Safety
- Features: Side Folding Wire Stock, Walnut Pistol Grip, Gas Piston Operation, Rotating Bolt
Base model
Service history
Operators
- United States Army · adopted 1942 · as Carbine, Caliber .30, M1A1
Conflicts
- World War II (1939-1945)
- Korean War (1950-1953)
Production
Estimated total produced: 140,591 · Production years: 1942-1944
Produced solely by the Inland Division of General Motors; figure is the wartime M1A1 delivery total
Origin
Country of origin: United States
Designer: Frederick L. Humeston
Discontinued: 1945
Notes
Folding-stock paratrooper model of the M1 Carbine; semi-automatic only (unlike the later select-fire M2). Inland was the sole wartime producer of the M1A1.
Background
Issued to American paratroopers who jumped into Normandy and other WWII theaters, the M1A1's folding wire stock let it be slung tight against a jumper's body during a parachute descent, then snapped open the instant boots hit the ground.