06-20-2019, 02:33 AM
stanc Wrote:It is a good story, but the statement that the M1 carbine was designed for "use by 'secondary' troops, including vehicle crews, medical personnel, rear echelon soldiers and other support personnel not normally found on the front lines" is inaccurate. Actually, the M1 carbine was also intended for issue to front line infantrymen for whom the heavy M1 Garand would have been a hindrance to their primary duties.
The Ordinance Department's original 1938 request to manufacturers was for a light carbine to replace both the pistol and revolver. Both are PDW weapons that are normally issued to support personnel , artillery personnel, mortarmen, and officers. The Ordinance Department had done a study of the performance of the 1911A1 during WWI, and found that the ".45 pistol's ineffectiveness was well proved by the amazingly small number of casualties inflicted upon enemy troops during WWI."
It wasn't until the spring of 1942 that the Ordinance Department requested the submission of designs for a folding stock to be used principally by paratroopers because of their need for compact weapons. The first folding stock M1A1 carbines were issued to airborne units in June of 1942.
So, the story's statement about the M1 carbine's original intended use is true, but it was also quickly adopted by troops who's needs were better suited by the light carbine rather than the Garand.
As far as comparing the 30 carbine round against the 9mm, 30 carbine is at least 500 fps faster at the muzzle than the 9mm. Sorry, but I'll take the 30 carbine over the 9mm.
I collect WWII small arms, and I currently own two early war Inland carbines. One of which is a legit M1A1 paratrooper.