Plainfield M1 Carbine
Plainfield Machine Company · Carbine · Discontinued · 1961
Also known as: Plainfield PM 30, Plainfield Machine M1 Carbine, PM30
Overview
The Plainfield M1 Carbine (model PM 30) is a commercial, civilian semi-automatic copy of the U.S. .30 M1 Carbine produced by the Plainfield Machine Company of New Jersey from 1961 until 1978. Built largely on the GI pattern - gas-operated short-stroke action, 18-inch barrel, 15-round detachable magazines interchangeable with military carbines - the PM 30 gave postwar civilian shooters an affordable, reliable carbine when surplus originals were tightly controlled. Plainfield offered both the standard wood-stock PM 30 and the PM30P paratrooper model with a folding wire stock. Production ended in 1977-1978 when Plainfield was absorbed by Iver Johnson.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 2500 g (88.2 oz) |
| Overall Length | 905 mm (35.63") |
| 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 | 607 m/s (1991 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 1311 J (967 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 200 m (219 yd) |
| Maximum Range | 1829 m (2000 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 | Blued |
Calibers
- .30 Carbine · primary — also known as 7.62x33mm, .30 M1 Carbine, 7.62mm Carbine
Features
- Firing modes: Semi Automatic
- Feed systems: Detachable Box Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Cross Bolt Push Button Safety
- Features: Short Stroke Gas Piston, Rotating Bolt, Detachable Box Magazine, Accepts Gi Pattern Magazines, Adjustable Rear Sight, Blade Front Sight, Sling Swivels
Variants
- Plainfield PM30P Paratrooper — Folding Stock
Base model
Service history
Operators
- Civilian Sport and Collector Market · adopted 1961 · as PM 30
Production
Production years: 1961-1978
Commercial civilian production; exact totals not published. Line absorbed by Iver Johnson circa 1977-1978.
Origin
Country of origin: United States
Designer: Fred Humeston, William C. Roemer (original Winchester team)
Discontinued: 1978
Notes
Plainfield carbines came under ATF scrutiny over how closely the PM 30 mirrored the military M1 Carbine, contributing to the end of production around 1978. Quality is generally regarded as good for a commercial carbine of the era, and parts largely interchange with GI carbines. Iver Johnson acquired the line and continued M1-style carbine production afterward.
Background
Plainfield Machine kept the M1 Carbine in civilian hands through the 1960s and 70s - until the ATF decided its PM 30 looked a little too much like the GI original and helped push the company toward a buyout by Iver Johnson.