The M1 carbine is a .30-caliber, semiautomatic rifle that first appeared in 1942 as a standard firearm for the US military during World War II. It was later used by US forces in the Korean and Vietnam Wars and continues to see worldwide use to this day. Produced in several variants by many manufacturers, it was and is still widely used not only by military forces, but by paramilitary and police units worldwide. Its design, construction, and variants--including the M1A1, M2, and M3--are shown in superb period photography and clear, up-close color images. Accessories such as magazines, ammunition, belts, pouches, and cleaning kits are featured throughout the book, as well as rarely seen World War II-related uniform and equipment items.

Ever wonder what the real story is behind the M1 Carbine? Would you like to know who really did most of the work making these fabulous guns? This exciting book will introduce you to companies you have probably never heard of - like the S.E. Overton Company in Michigan. You will meet their peope, see them at work, and come away with a whole new appreciation for the M1 Carbines they made.

In 1938 the US Chief of Infantry requested that the Ordnance Department develop a carbine to be used by service and support troops, artillerymen, machine-gun crews, tankers, mortar crews and other troops not needing the power of the M1 Garand rifle. The development of this new weapon was given an added impetus by Germany's successful use of airborne and glider troops early on in World War II. This caused a fear amongst US officers that troops normally considered 'behind the lines' personnel might have to fight elite German troops and would therefore require a more effective weapon than their standard pistols. The resulting M1 Carbine was a not a shortened version of the standard service rifle but instead a brand-new design chambering a new cartridge. Eventually numerous manufacturers would combine to produce over six million M1 Carbines before the end of the war. This book charts the complete story of the weapon, from its design, to its operational history and its impact upon warfare.

"Expanded and updated coverage of both the M1 Garand and the M1 carbine ... detailed, close-up photographs show you the specific features that separate valuable rarities from fakes and rebuilds ... covers all the manufacturers, with easy-to-understand explanations of all the components, parts, variations and markings. Learn which parts are proper for which guns ... a full historical breakdown tells you which guns were used by which troops and how they performed"--Back cover

"The book provides a history of the M1 Carbine's development, manufacture and use during World War II, as well as through the Korean War and the war in Vietnam"--Publisher's website.

The M16 was first introduced in 1958 and was revolutionary for its time as it was made of lightweight materials including special aluminum and plastics. It was first adopted by US Special Forces and airborne troops in 1962 before it was issued to Army and Marine units serving in Vietnam. Its use spread throughout the following decades and a number of variants including submachine and carbine versions were also fielded. As a result it is now amongst the three most used combat cartridges in the world while over 10 million M16s and variants have been produced making it one of the most successful American handheld weapons in history .But despite its undeniable success the M16 is not without its detractors. Indeed, the “black rifle”, as it is known, is one of the most controversial rifles ever introduced with a long history of design defects, ruggedness issues, cleaning difficulties and reliability problems leading to endless technical refinements. This volume provides a technical history of the M16 and the struggle to perfect it together with an assessment of its impact on the battlefield drawing on over a decade's combat experience with the rifle.

The United States Carbine, Caliber .30, M1 is a lightweight, semi-automatic longarm that became a standard firearm for the U.S. military during World War II. It was widely used by U.S. and foreign military, police forces, and has also been a popular civilian firearm.The first M1 carbines were delivered in mid-1942, with priority given to troops in Europe. The M1 was highly praised for its small size, light weight and firepower, especially by troops who were unable to use a full size rifle as their primary weapon. The .30 Carbine cartridge was adequate in both muzzle energy and muzzle velocity. The .30 Carbine had a round-nose 110 gr bullet, in contrast to the spitzer bullet designs found in most full power rifle cartridges of the WWII era. A total of over 6.5 million M1 carbines and variants were manufactured, making it the most popular small arm for the American military during World War II.Created in 1942, this field manual reveals a great deal about the M1's design and capabilities. Intended as a manual for those charged with operation, it details many strategies for attaining outstanding marksmanship. Originally labeled restricted, this manual was declassified long ago and is here reprinted in book form. Care has been taken to preserve the integrity of the text.