US M1A1 Carbine Para
History, technical sheet and photo
US M1A1 Carbine Para history
To cope with the German strategy of “Blitzkrieg“, the American armed forces decide to equip their troops with a light gun operating in semi-automatic mode.
Several engineers have worked on this weapon, including David M. “Carbine” Williams. Winchester was responsible for manufacturing the M1 Carbine.
Its main asset lies in its weight (2.50 kilograms), allowing officers or radio operators to have a light and handy weapon. But its small size greatly reduces the lethal value of the balls.
The semi-automatic mode is also one of the highlights of the M1 Carbine, which was used during the Korean War and part of that of Vietnam.
The M1A1 Carbine Para version, developed on the plans of the M1 Carbine, was designed to equip the airborne troops, and is thus equipped with a collapsible butt.
US M1A1 Carbine Para specification
Creator/User: United States of America
Denomination: M1A1 Carbine
Fire mode: semi-automatic
Caliber: .30 Carbine (7,62 mm)
Feed system: 15/30-round magazine
Effective firing range: 270 m
Maximal range: 2,010 m
Rate of fire: 30 rounds/min
Weight: 2,50 kg
Length with butt: 905 mm
Length with folded butt: 648 mm
