Small Arms Review
  • Home
  • Articles
    • Guns & Parts
    • Suppressors
    • Optics & Thermals
    • Ammunition
    • Gear
    • News & Opinion
    • Columns
    • Museums & Factory Tours
    • ID Guides
    • Interviews
    • Event Coverage
    • Articles by Issue
      • Volume 1
        • V1N1 (Oct 1997)
        • V1N2 (Nov 1997)
        • V1N3 (Dec 1997)
        • V1N4 (Jan 1998)
        • V1N5 (Feb 1998)
        • V1N6 (Mar 1998)
        • V1N7 (Apr 1998)
        • V1N8 (May 1998)
        • V1N9 (Jun 1998)
        • V1N10 (Jul 1998)
        • V1N11 (Aug 1998)
        • V1N12 (Sep 1998)
      • Volume 2
        • V2N1 (Oct 1998)
        • V2N2 (Nov 1998)
        • V2N3 (Dec 1998)
        • V2N4 (Jan 1999)
        • V2N5 (Feb 1999)
        • V2N6 (Mar 1999)
        • V2N7 (Apr 1999)
        • V2N8 (May 1999)
        • V2N9 (Jun 1999)
        • V2N10 (Jul 1999)
        • V2N11 (Aug 1999)
        • V2N12 (Sep 1999)
      • Volume 3
        • V3N1 (Oct 1999)
        • V3N2 (Nov 1999)
        • V3N3 (Dec 1999)
        • V3N4 (Jan 2000)
        • V3N5 (Feb 2000)
        • V3N6 (Mar 2000)
        • V3N7 (Apr 2000)
        • V3N8 (May 2000)
        • V3N9 (Jun 2000)
        • V3N10 (Jul 2000)
        • V3N11 (Aug 2000)
        • V3N12 (Sep 2000)
      • Volume 4
        • V4N1 (Oct 2000)
        • V4N2 (Nov 2000)
        • V4N3 (Dec 2000)
        • V4N4 (Jan 2001)
        • V4N5 (Feb 2001)
        • V4N6 (Mar 2001)
        • V4N7 (Apr 2001)
        • V4N8 (May 2001)
        • V4N9 (Jun 2001)
        • V4N10 (Jul 2001)
        • V4N11 (Aug 2001)
        • V4N12 (Sep 2001)
      • Volume 5
        • V5N1 (Oct 2001)
        • V5N2 (Nov 2001)
        • V5N3 (Dec 2001)
        • V5N4 (Jan 2002)
        • V5N5 (Feb 2002)
        • V5N6 (Mar 2002)
        • V5N7 (Apr 2002)
        • V5N8 (May 2002)
        • V5N9 (Jun 2002)
        • V5N10 (Jul 2002)
        • V5N11 (Aug 2002)
        • V5N12 (Sep 2002)
      • Volume 6
        • V6N1 (Oct 2002)
        • V6N2 (Nov 2002)
        • V6N3 (Dec 2002)
        • V6N4 (Jan 2003)
        • V6N5 (Feb 2003)
        • V6N6 (Mar 2003)
        • V6N7 (Apr 2003)
        • V6N8 (May 2003)
        • V6N9 (Jun 2003)
        • V6N10 (Jul 2003)
        • V6N11 (Aug 2003)
        • V6N12 (Sep 2003)
      • Volume 7
        • V7N1 (Oct 2003)
        • V7N2 (Nov 2003)
        • V7N3 (Dec 2003)
        • V7N4 (Jan 2004)
        • V7N5 (Feb 2004)
        • V7N6 (Mar 2004)
        • V7N7 (Apr 2004)
        • V7N8 (May 2004)
        • V7N9 (Jun 2004)
        • V7N10 (Jul 2004)
        • V7N11 (Aug 2004)
        • V7N12 (Sep 2004)
      • Volume 8
        • V8N1 (Oct 2004)
        • V8N2 (Nov 2004)
        • V8N3 (Dec 2004)
        • V8N4 (Jan 2005)
        • V8N5 (Feb 2005)
        • V8N6 (Mar 2005)
        • V8N7 (Apr 2005)
        • V8N8 (May 2005)
        • V8N9 (Jun 2005)
        • V8N10 (Jul 2005)
        • V8N11 (Aug 2005)
        • V8N12 (Sep 2005)
      • Volume 9
        • V9N1 (Oct 2005)
        • V9N2 (Nov 2005)
        • V9N3 (Dec 2005)
        • V9N4 (Jan 2006)
        • V9N5 (Feb 2006)
        • V9N6 (Mar 2006)
        • V9N7 (Apr 2006)
        • V9N8 (May 2006)
        • V9N9 (Jun 2006)
        • V9N10 (Jul 2006)
        • V9N11 (Aug 2006)
        • V9N12 (Sep 2006)
      • Volume 10
        • V10N1 (Oct 2006)
        • V10N2 (Nov 2006)
        • V10N3 (Dec 2006)
        • V10N4 (Jan 2007)
        • V10N5 (Feb 2007)
        • V10N6 (Mar 2007)
        • V10N7 (Apr 2007)
        • V10N8 (May 2007)
        • V10N9 (Jun 2007)
        • V10N10 (Jul 2007)
        • V10N11 (Aug 2007)
        • V10N12 (Sep 2007)
      • Volume 11
        • V11N1 (Oct 2007)
        • V11N2 (Nov 2007)
        • V11N3 (Dec 2007)
        • V11N4 (Jan 2008)
        • V11N5 (Feb 2008)
        • V11N6 (Mar 2008)
        • V11N7 (Apr 2008)
        • V11N8 (May 2008)
        • V11N9 (Jun 2008)
        • V11N10 (Jul 2008)
        • V11N11 (Aug 2008)
        • V11N12 (Sep 2008)
      • Volume 12
        • V12N1 (Oct 2008)
        • V12N2 (Nov 2008)
        • V12N3 (Dec 2008)
        • V12N4 (Jan 2009)
        • V12N5 (Feb 2009)
        • V12N6 (Mar 2009)
        • V12N7 (Apr 2009)
        • V12N8 (May 2009)
        • V12N9 (Jun 2009)
        • V12N10 (Jul 2009)
        • V12N11 (Aug 2009)
        • V12N12 (Sep 2009)
      • Volume 13
        • V13N1 (Oct 2009)
        • V13N2 (Nov 2009)
        • V13N3 (Dec 2009)
        • V13N4 (Jan 2010)
        • V13N5 (Feb 2010)
        • V13N6 (Mar 2010)
        • V13N7 (Apr 2010)
        • V13N8 (May 2010)
        • V13N9 (Jun 2010)
        • V13N10 (Jul 2010)
        • V13N11 (Aug 2010)
        • V13N12 (Sep 2010)
      • Volume 14
        • V14N1 (Oct 2010)
        • V14N2 (Nov 2010)
        • V14N3 (Dec 2010)
          • Ammunition
        • V14N4 (Jan 2011)
        • V14N5 (Feb 2011)
        • V14N6 (Mar 2011)
        • V14N7 (Apr 2011)
        • V14N8 (May 2011)
        • V14N9 (Jun 2011)
        • V14N10 (Jul 2011)
        • V14N11 (Aug 2011)
        • V14N12 (Sep 2011)
      • Volume 15
        • V15N1 (Oct 2011)
        • V15N2 (Nov 2011)
        • V15N4 (Jan 2012)
        • V15N5 (Feb 2012)
      • Volume 16
        • V16N1 (1st Quarter 2012)
        • V16N2 (2nd Quarter 2012)
        • V16N3 (3rd Quarter 2012)
        • V16N4 (4th Quarter 2012)
      • Volume 17
        • V17N1 (1st Quarter 2013)
        • V17N2 (2nd Quarter 2013)
        • V17N3 (3rd Quarter 2013)
        • V17N4 (4th Quarter 2013)
      • Volume 18
        • V18N1 (Jan Feb 2014)
        • V18N2 (Mar Apr 2014)
        • V18N3 (May Jun 2014)
        • V18N4 (Jul Aug 2014)
        • V18N5 (Sep Oct 2014)
        • V18N6 (Nov Dec 2014)
      • Volume 19
        • V19N1 (Jan 2015)
        • V19N2 (Feb Mar 2015)
        • V19N3 (Apr 2015)
        • V19N4 (May 2015)
        • V19N5 (Jun 2015)
        • V19N6 (Jul 2015)
        • V19N7 (Aug Sep 2015)
        • V19N8 (Oct 2015)
        • V19N9 (Nov 2015)
        • V19N10 (Dec 2015)
      • Volume 20
        • V20N1 (Jan 2016)
        • V20N2 (Feb Mar 2016)
        • V20N3 (Apr 2016)
        • V20N4 (May 2016)
        • V20N5 (Jun 2016)
        • V20N6 (Jul 2016)
        • V20N7 (Aug Sep 2016)
        • V20N8 (Oct 2016)
        • V20N9 (Nov 2016)
        • V20N10 (Dec 2016)
      • Volume 21
        • V21N1 (Jan 2017)
        • V21N2 (Feb Mar 2017)
        • V21N3 (Apr 2017)
        • V21N4 (May 2017)
        • V21N5 (Jun 2017)
        • V21N6 (Jul 2017)
        • V21N7 (Aug Sep 2017)
        • V21N8 (Oct 2017)
        • V21N9 (Nov 2017)
        • V21N10 (Dec 2017)
      • Volume 22
        • V22N1 (Jan 2018)
        • V22N2 (Feb 2018)
        • V22N3 (March 2018)
        • V22N4 (Apr 2018)
        • V22N5 (May 2018)
        • V22N6 (Jun Jul 2018)
        • V22N7 (Aug Sep 2018)
        • V22N8 (Oct 2018)
        • V22N9 (Nov 2018)
        • V22N10 (Dec 2018)
      • Volume 23
        • V23N1 (Jan 2019)
        • V23N2 (Feb 2019)
        • V23N3 (Mar 2019)
        • V23N4 (Apr 2019)
        • V23N5 (May 2019)
        • V23N6 (Jun Jul 2019)
        • V23N7 (Aug Sep 2019)
        • V23N8 (Oct 2019)
        • V23N9 (Nov 2019)
        • V23N10 (Dec 2019)
      • Volume 24
        • V24N1 (Jan 2020)
        • V24N2 (Feb 2020)
        • V24N3 (Mar 2020)
        • V24N4 (Apr 2020)
        • V24N5 (May 2020)
        • V24N6 (Jun Jul 2020)
        • V24N7 (Aug Sep 2020)
        • V24N8 (Oct 2020)
        • V24N9 (Nov 2020)
        • V24N10 (Dec 2020)
  • The Archive
    • Search The Archive
  • Store
    • Books
    • Back Issues
    • Merchandise
  • Podcast
  • Newsletter
  • Events
  • FrankenGun Challenge
  • About
    • About Small Arms Review
    • About Chipotle Publishing
    • Contact Us
    • Other Publications
      • Small Arms Defense Journal
  • Home
  • Articles
    • Guns & Parts
    • Suppressors
    • Optics & Thermals
    • Ammunition
    • Gear
    • News & Opinion
    • Columns
    • Museums & Factory Tours
    • ID Guides
    • Interviews
    • Event Coverage
    • Articles by Issue
      • Volume 1
        • V1N1 (Oct 1997)
        • V1N2 (Nov 1997)
        • V1N3 (Dec 1997)
        • V1N4 (Jan 1998)
        • V1N5 (Feb 1998)
        • V1N6 (Mar 1998)
        • V1N7 (Apr 1998)
        • V1N8 (May 1998)
        • V1N9 (Jun 1998)
        • V1N10 (Jul 1998)
        • V1N11 (Aug 1998)
        • V1N12 (Sep 1998)
      • Volume 2
        • V2N1 (Oct 1998)
        • V2N2 (Nov 1998)
        • V2N3 (Dec 1998)
        • V2N4 (Jan 1999)
        • V2N5 (Feb 1999)
        • V2N6 (Mar 1999)
        • V2N7 (Apr 1999)
        • V2N8 (May 1999)
        • V2N9 (Jun 1999)
        • V2N10 (Jul 1999)
        • V2N11 (Aug 1999)
        • V2N12 (Sep 1999)
      • Volume 3
        • V3N1 (Oct 1999)
        • V3N2 (Nov 1999)
        • V3N3 (Dec 1999)
        • V3N4 (Jan 2000)
        • V3N5 (Feb 2000)
        • V3N6 (Mar 2000)
        • V3N7 (Apr 2000)
        • V3N8 (May 2000)
        • V3N9 (Jun 2000)
        • V3N10 (Jul 2000)
        • V3N11 (Aug 2000)
        • V3N12 (Sep 2000)
      • Volume 4
        • V4N1 (Oct 2000)
        • V4N2 (Nov 2000)
        • V4N3 (Dec 2000)
        • V4N4 (Jan 2001)
        • V4N5 (Feb 2001)
        • V4N6 (Mar 2001)
        • V4N7 (Apr 2001)
        • V4N8 (May 2001)
        • V4N9 (Jun 2001)
        • V4N10 (Jul 2001)
        • V4N11 (Aug 2001)
        • V4N12 (Sep 2001)
      • Volume 5
        • V5N1 (Oct 2001)
        • V5N2 (Nov 2001)
        • V5N3 (Dec 2001)
        • V5N4 (Jan 2002)
        • V5N5 (Feb 2002)
        • V5N6 (Mar 2002)
        • V5N7 (Apr 2002)
        • V5N8 (May 2002)
        • V5N9 (Jun 2002)
        • V5N10 (Jul 2002)
        • V5N11 (Aug 2002)
        • V5N12 (Sep 2002)
      • Volume 6
        • V6N1 (Oct 2002)
        • V6N2 (Nov 2002)
        • V6N3 (Dec 2002)
        • V6N4 (Jan 2003)
        • V6N5 (Feb 2003)
        • V6N6 (Mar 2003)
        • V6N7 (Apr 2003)
        • V6N8 (May 2003)
        • V6N9 (Jun 2003)
        • V6N10 (Jul 2003)
        • V6N11 (Aug 2003)
        • V6N12 (Sep 2003)
      • Volume 7
        • V7N1 (Oct 2003)
        • V7N2 (Nov 2003)
        • V7N3 (Dec 2003)
        • V7N4 (Jan 2004)
        • V7N5 (Feb 2004)
        • V7N6 (Mar 2004)
        • V7N7 (Apr 2004)
        • V7N8 (May 2004)
        • V7N9 (Jun 2004)
        • V7N10 (Jul 2004)
        • V7N11 (Aug 2004)
        • V7N12 (Sep 2004)
      • Volume 8
        • V8N1 (Oct 2004)
        • V8N2 (Nov 2004)
        • V8N3 (Dec 2004)
        • V8N4 (Jan 2005)
        • V8N5 (Feb 2005)
        • V8N6 (Mar 2005)
        • V8N7 (Apr 2005)
        • V8N8 (May 2005)
        • V8N9 (Jun 2005)
        • V8N10 (Jul 2005)
        • V8N11 (Aug 2005)
        • V8N12 (Sep 2005)
      • Volume 9
        • V9N1 (Oct 2005)
        • V9N2 (Nov 2005)
        • V9N3 (Dec 2005)
        • V9N4 (Jan 2006)
        • V9N5 (Feb 2006)
        • V9N6 (Mar 2006)
        • V9N7 (Apr 2006)
        • V9N8 (May 2006)
        • V9N9 (Jun 2006)
        • V9N10 (Jul 2006)
        • V9N11 (Aug 2006)
        • V9N12 (Sep 2006)
      • Volume 10
        • V10N1 (Oct 2006)
        • V10N2 (Nov 2006)
        • V10N3 (Dec 2006)
        • V10N4 (Jan 2007)
        • V10N5 (Feb 2007)
        • V10N6 (Mar 2007)
        • V10N7 (Apr 2007)
        • V10N8 (May 2007)
        • V10N9 (Jun 2007)
        • V10N10 (Jul 2007)
        • V10N11 (Aug 2007)
        • V10N12 (Sep 2007)
      • Volume 11
        • V11N1 (Oct 2007)
        • V11N2 (Nov 2007)
        • V11N3 (Dec 2007)
        • V11N4 (Jan 2008)
        • V11N5 (Feb 2008)
        • V11N6 (Mar 2008)
        • V11N7 (Apr 2008)
        • V11N8 (May 2008)
        • V11N9 (Jun 2008)
        • V11N10 (Jul 2008)
        • V11N11 (Aug 2008)
        • V11N12 (Sep 2008)
      • Volume 12
        • V12N1 (Oct 2008)
        • V12N2 (Nov 2008)
        • V12N3 (Dec 2008)
        • V12N4 (Jan 2009)
        • V12N5 (Feb 2009)
        • V12N6 (Mar 2009)
        • V12N7 (Apr 2009)
        • V12N8 (May 2009)
        • V12N9 (Jun 2009)
        • V12N10 (Jul 2009)
        • V12N11 (Aug 2009)
        • V12N12 (Sep 2009)
      • Volume 13
        • V13N1 (Oct 2009)
        • V13N2 (Nov 2009)
        • V13N3 (Dec 2009)
        • V13N4 (Jan 2010)
        • V13N5 (Feb 2010)
        • V13N6 (Mar 2010)
        • V13N7 (Apr 2010)
        • V13N8 (May 2010)
        • V13N9 (Jun 2010)
        • V13N10 (Jul 2010)
        • V13N11 (Aug 2010)
        • V13N12 (Sep 2010)
      • Volume 14
        • V14N1 (Oct 2010)
        • V14N2 (Nov 2010)
        • V14N3 (Dec 2010)
          • Ammunition
        • V14N4 (Jan 2011)
        • V14N5 (Feb 2011)
        • V14N6 (Mar 2011)
        • V14N7 (Apr 2011)
        • V14N8 (May 2011)
        • V14N9 (Jun 2011)
        • V14N10 (Jul 2011)
        • V14N11 (Aug 2011)
        • V14N12 (Sep 2011)
      • Volume 15
        • V15N1 (Oct 2011)
        • V15N2 (Nov 2011)
        • V15N4 (Jan 2012)
        • V15N5 (Feb 2012)
      • Volume 16
        • V16N1 (1st Quarter 2012)
        • V16N2 (2nd Quarter 2012)
        • V16N3 (3rd Quarter 2012)
        • V16N4 (4th Quarter 2012)
      • Volume 17
        • V17N1 (1st Quarter 2013)
        • V17N2 (2nd Quarter 2013)
        • V17N3 (3rd Quarter 2013)
        • V17N4 (4th Quarter 2013)
      • Volume 18
        • V18N1 (Jan Feb 2014)
        • V18N2 (Mar Apr 2014)
        • V18N3 (May Jun 2014)
        • V18N4 (Jul Aug 2014)
        • V18N5 (Sep Oct 2014)
        • V18N6 (Nov Dec 2014)
      • Volume 19
        • V19N1 (Jan 2015)
        • V19N2 (Feb Mar 2015)
        • V19N3 (Apr 2015)
        • V19N4 (May 2015)
        • V19N5 (Jun 2015)
        • V19N6 (Jul 2015)
        • V19N7 (Aug Sep 2015)
        • V19N8 (Oct 2015)
        • V19N9 (Nov 2015)
        • V19N10 (Dec 2015)
      • Volume 20
        • V20N1 (Jan 2016)
        • V20N2 (Feb Mar 2016)
        • V20N3 (Apr 2016)
        • V20N4 (May 2016)
        • V20N5 (Jun 2016)
        • V20N6 (Jul 2016)
        • V20N7 (Aug Sep 2016)
        • V20N8 (Oct 2016)
        • V20N9 (Nov 2016)
        • V20N10 (Dec 2016)
      • Volume 21
        • V21N1 (Jan 2017)
        • V21N2 (Feb Mar 2017)
        • V21N3 (Apr 2017)
        • V21N4 (May 2017)
        • V21N5 (Jun 2017)
        • V21N6 (Jul 2017)
        • V21N7 (Aug Sep 2017)
        • V21N8 (Oct 2017)
        • V21N9 (Nov 2017)
        • V21N10 (Dec 2017)
      • Volume 22
        • V22N1 (Jan 2018)
        • V22N2 (Feb 2018)
        • V22N3 (March 2018)
        • V22N4 (Apr 2018)
        • V22N5 (May 2018)
        • V22N6 (Jun Jul 2018)
        • V22N7 (Aug Sep 2018)
        • V22N8 (Oct 2018)
        • V22N9 (Nov 2018)
        • V22N10 (Dec 2018)
      • Volume 23
        • V23N1 (Jan 2019)
        • V23N2 (Feb 2019)
        • V23N3 (Mar 2019)
        • V23N4 (Apr 2019)
        • V23N5 (May 2019)
        • V23N6 (Jun Jul 2019)
        • V23N7 (Aug Sep 2019)
        • V23N8 (Oct 2019)
        • V23N9 (Nov 2019)
        • V23N10 (Dec 2019)
      • Volume 24
        • V24N1 (Jan 2020)
        • V24N2 (Feb 2020)
        • V24N3 (Mar 2020)
        • V24N4 (Apr 2020)
        • V24N5 (May 2020)
        • V24N6 (Jun Jul 2020)
        • V24N7 (Aug Sep 2020)
        • V24N8 (Oct 2020)
        • V24N9 (Nov 2020)
        • V24N10 (Dec 2020)
  • The Archive
    • Search The Archive
  • Store
    • Books
    • Back Issues
    • Merchandise
  • Podcast
  • Newsletter
  • Events
  • FrankenGun Challenge
  • About
    • About Small Arms Review
    • About Chipotle Publishing
    • Contact Us
    • Other Publications
      • Small Arms Defense Journal
No Result
View All Result
Small Arms Review
No Result
View All Result
Home Articles

The U.S. M2 Carbine

SAR Staff by SAR Staff
October 12, 2022
in Articles, Articles by Issue, Guns & Parts, Search by Issue, V18N4 (Jul Aug 2014), Volume 18
The U.S. M2 Carbine

Shooting from the underarm position using the strike of the rounds to adjust his aim point, a light squeeze and nearly immediate release of the trigger results in a short, rapid fire burst. Ejection of the resulting stream of empty casings is up and to the right. (Robert Bruce)

Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

By Robert Bruce

Uniformed and equipped as a U.S. Army infantryman in the Korean War, ace gunsmith and military weapons aficionado Tom Ring with his WW2 era Inland manufactured M1 Carbine that has been legally converted and registered in M2 configuration. In addition to purpose-built M2s at Inland and Winchester, the Army made this modification to vast numbers of its M1 carbines in late WW2 and during the Korean War. The carbine is properly equipped with the M1 type muzzle brake and 30- round magazine. The distinctive “pile cap” with upturned brim and ear flaps our gunner is wearing is an icon of the Korean War GI. (Robert Bruce)
Inserting a 30-round magazine into the feed well. Hydraulic stamped ribs on the sides provide additional strength and rigidity to an otherwise flimsy body. Seen on the right side of the trigger housing group, the large tab push-through magazine catch is the proper M2 type, specially equipped with an extra ìLì shaped extension on the left side to help hold the heavier 30-rounder in position in firing and rough handling. The safety lever is in the SAFE position; protruding into the trigger guard and the forward position of the operating slide shows the bolt is closed. The carbine can be loaded with the bolt open or closed. (Robert Bruce)
Dramatically silhouetted against an electric blue sky, a torrent of empty cartridges fly from the receiver as the gunner engages targets in 775 rpm full auto fire from a kneeling position. Despite its excessive cyclic rate, the M2 Carbine is remarkably comfortable to shoot due to the relatively lower recoil impulse of its glorified pistol cartridge. And with a bit of practice the muzzle rise can be tamed by an experienced gunner as seen here. (Robert Bruce)

“The rifle is to be the self-loading type, capable of being fired either semiautomatically; that is, one shot for each pull of the trigger; or it should be possible by operation of the selector to fire the weapon automatically…” Military Characteristics for Light Weight Semiautomatic Rifle as Possible Replacement for Cal. .45 Pistol and Submachine Gun, October 1st, 1940

Initial specs for what was to become the U.S. M1 Carbine called for many optimistic design and performance characteristics. With America’s entry into World War II just over a year later, evaluations were accelerated on various designs submitted by America’s most prominent arms firms.

Winchester’s entry – credited in no small part to the colorful character David “Carbine” Williams – was officially adopted one year to the day from when the Ordnance Corps’ requirements letter was published.

Bowing to urgency (and poor initial results in full auto tests) as America‘s entry into World War II became inevitable, the Williams-Winchester “Carbine, Caliber .30, M1” was semiautomatic only.

This one-squeeze-one-shot action didn’t hurt the “Baby Garand’s” immediate acceptance and enthusiastic employment by GIs throughout the war. What its pistol caliber cartridge lacked in stopping power was made up for by light weight, handy compact configuration and the ability to put multiple rounds on target with aimed fire at close to moderate range.

Some think the Army should have left well enough alone at this point under the time-honored principle of ‘if it ain’t broke don’t fix it.’ But clamor from GIs on battlefronts in Europe and the Pacific for rapid fire capability intensified and Ordnance responded.

Functioning of the M2 Carbine on full auto setting is clearly shown in this chart. Although short bursts are most effective, as long as the trigger his held and there is ammunition in the magazine, the weapon will fire automatically. This detailed technical description is provided from the January 1952 edition of U.S. Army Field Manual FM 23-7.

T17 Modification Kit

While several others – notably Winchester and Springfield Armory – began working on a solution to the full auto problem, it was two engineers at Inland whose design soon proved most practical. Fredrick Sampson and Paul Hamish collaborated on a remarkably simple and clever set of parts that could be inexpensively manufactured and then added to existing carbines with minimal difficulty and some readily modified original parts.

When their set was installed, an off-the shelf M1 Carbine became the T4 for Ordnance testing purposes in the latter part of 1944. Performance was quickly found acceptable and the parts were eventually designated “Kit, Carbine, T17.”

Several hundred of Inland’s selective fire carbines with the T4 modification were provided to both the Army and Marine Corps for extensive testing and tactical evaluation. Results were uniformly positive and the T4 became the “U.S. Carbine, Caliber .30, M2” on October 26, 1944. Inland and Winchester quickly got production contracts and it is reported that quantities were delivered in time to take part in the April, 1945 invasion of Okinawa.

“In the spring of 1944 the Army achieved its original goal – a carbine that could be set for full automatic as well as semiautomatic fire… By April 1945, with the collapse of all German resistance in sight, Inland had reached a production rate of more than 100,000 per month. Meanwhile M1 carbines not yet issued to troops were modified for selective automatic fire.” U.S. Army in World War II, The Ordnance Department: Procurement and Supply

Gunner’s eye view as he pulls back on the operating slide with a loaded mag securely locked in place. The double stack of cartridges on top will feed alternately as the bolt moves back and forth in the cycle of operation. Pulling back slightly on the op slide releases it and allows the bolt to run forward under spring tension to chamber and lock the first round. The selector lever, seen on the left of the receiver in its prominent clearance cut in the stock, is fully rearward in the semiautomatic position. (Robert Bruce)
With the bolt forward on a chambered round, the gunner thumbs the fire selector forward to the FULL AUTO position. The round top bolt is also of the correct M2 type, beefed up to better handle punishment from the little rifleís nearly 13 round-per-second cyclic rate. (Robert Bruce)

30-Round Magazines

Concurrent with the development of the full auto conversion kits was the need to increase magazine capacity from standard fifteen rounds. What quickly emerged was a longer box with a slightly curved profile, doubling the original supply.

But the added weight of the extra ammo put a strain on the small retention “nibs” that lock the mag into the receiver. This became quite evident in prolonged full auto fire and rough handling in tactical scenarios. The problem was solved by addition of an extra nib to the left side of the 30-round box that was held in place by an “L” shaped extension on a modified magazine catch. The simple and sturdy arrangement allowed use of both existing 15 rounder and the newly-standard 30s.

Also, the new mags gave the carbine a much-appreciated “last round bolt hold open” capability; reminding the gunner that it‘s time to reload. This was a snap to implement by the T18 modification; simply changing the raised portion of the magazine’s cartridge follower from a ramp to a flat stop.

GIs nicknamed this new high capacity feed device the “banana clip,” much to the exasperation of seasoned NCOs who have ever since strived to enforce the proper designation of “magazine.”

With target in sight and ready to fire, the gunner uses his trigger finger to rotate the safety tab away from the trigger guard and into the FIRE position. (Robert Bruce)
Fort Belvoir, Virginia, June 1957. M2 Carbines are designated M3 when they’re the basic building block for the Army’s first night vision “Sniperscope, Infrared.” This heavy and ungainly contraption for night operations uses a top-mounted infrared spotlight to illuminate the target and a television type cathode ray scope to ìseeî and shoot. Backpack-mounted lead-acid batteries provide power for a limited duration. The tank in the background is also equipped for infrared target acquisition. (U.S. Army photo, National Archives)

From WW2 to Korea and Vietnam

Relatively few full auto carbines made it into combat in the closing months of WW2 so we pick up the story a scant five years later. U.S. and United Nations allied forces, defending democratic South Korea from the communist North and its Red Chinese and Soviet enablers, were involved in vicious fighting over harsh terrain and in brutal climate extremes.

While combat action reports gave most U.S. infantry weapons high marks for effectiveness, the carbine was not similarly favored.

“The Marine criticism is even more harsh than that of the Army. From top to bottom, 1st Marine Division takes the dim view of this weapon; their experience with it during the Chosin Reservoir operation was the final blow to confidence. They want it either eliminated or made into a dependable weapon.” Operations Research Office R-13, October 1951

What seemed to have gone terribly wrong in Korea with the otherwise serviceable carbine is the inevitable result of some physical factors stacked against it. Particularly when compared with the much-loved and almost unstoppable M1 Garand.

“Since being made full automatic it is hyper-sensitive. In hot weather, even small amounts of dust and moisture together will cause it to misfire. In cold weather, it is more sensitive to frost than any other weapon, and more difficult to lubricate in such a way that it will remain operative.” Operations Research Office R-13, October 1951

By the time the U.S. got heavily involved in Southeast Asia the carbine had been replaced in first-line service by the M14 and later M16 rifles. It did, however, find much favor with America’s native allies who tended to be smaller in stature and not well suited to employ the big, heavy and hard-recoiling M14.

In addition to the sturdier round top bolt assembly and the specially notched operating slide, most of the M2’s selective fire capability comes from clever modifications and additions by Inland engineers Frederick Sampson and Paul Hamish to the original M1 Carbineís trigger housing group. Most noteworthy are the selector (2) and the disconnector lever assembly (3). The modified magazine catch (15) is also important; featuring an ìLî shaped extension that helps hold the heavier 30-round magazines in place. (Authorís collection)

Technical Specifications

(Department of the Army Field Manual FM 23-7, Jan 1952)

The Carbines, Caliber .30, M1, M1A1, M2, and M3 are magazine fed, air cooled, gas operated shoulder weapons. The M1 and M1A1 may be fired semiautomatically; the M2 and M3 may be fired automatically and semiautomatically. The power needed to load and cock the carbine for each succeeding cartridge comes from the expanding gases of the previous cartridge. When fired semiautomatically, the carbine fires one cartridge each time you squeeze the trigger. When the selector of the M2 and M3 carbine is forward on the automatic setting the carbine will fire a number of shots when you squeeze the trigger. The standard magazine holds a maximum of 30 cartridges; the older magazine held a maximum of 15 cartridges. Notes: The M2 and M3 carbines are externally almost identical to the M1 version with the notable exception of a small lever-type selector on the left side of the receiver. The M1A1 carbine, modified to equip airborne troops, is characterized by its side-folding wire stock. Accessories common to all include a canvas web sling, M4 knife type bayonet, M3 cone type flash hider, M1 recoil check (muzzle brake), M8 grenade launcher, and blank firing adapter.

All M2 gunners need to understand the basic mechanism of their weapon and the Army’s recommended level of disassembly by operators for routine maintenance, known as “Field Stripping.” This handy chart shows major components and assemblies – all identified by their official nomenclature ñ in both assembled and field stripped mode. Note parts 8 through 14 are all essential add-on elements for automatic fire in the M2 version. (Authorís collection)

Live Fire

Our live fire session was arranged by modern military weapon enthusiast and ace gunsmith Tom Ring, who thoughtfully provided his Inland-made M1 Carbine with conversion kit.

Tom’s a good sport (and a Marine-for-life), agreeing to don a selection of proper uniform and gear items typical of the Korean War GI as he put the fast-firing little rifle through its paces.

As seen in the accompanying photos, his carbine performed quite well in several hundred rounds in mostly full auto. His comfortable familiarity with the weapon also showed that experience, proper shooting positions and grip go a long way toward taming the six-pound, dozen rounds-per-second mini machine weapon.

Our verdict is that the M2 carbine is well suited for dealing with short range emergency threats. Good enough.

Technical Specifications.

Technical Specifications

(Department of the Army Field Manual FM 23-7, Jan 1952)

The Carbines, Caliber .30, M1, M1A1, M2, and M3 are magazine fed, air cooled, gas operated shoulder weapons. The M1 and M1A1 may be fired semiautomatically; the M2 and M3 may be fired automatically and semiautomatically. The power needed to load and cock the carbine for each succeeding cartridge comes from the expanding gases of the previous cartridge. When fired semiautomatically, the carbine fires one cartridge each time you squeeze the trigger. When the selector of the M2 and M3 carbine is forward on the automatic setting the carbine will fire a number of shots when you squeeze the trigger. The standard magazine holds a maximum of 30 cartridges; the older magazine held a maximum of 15 cartridges. Notes: The M2 and M3 carbines are externally almost identical to the M1 version with the notable exception of a small lever-type selector on the left side of the receiver. The M1A1 carbine, modified to equip airborne troops, is characterized by its side-folding wire stock. Accessories common to all include a canvas web sling, M4 knife type bayonet, M3 cone type flash hider, M1 recoil check (muzzle brake), M8 grenade launcher, and blank firing adapter.

Common accessories for the M2 Carbine, fitted with the post WW2 Bayonet Lug assembly T2, include (top to bottom): M4 bayonet knife and its M8A1 scabbard; M8 grenade launcher (seen with special high pressure grenade blank); M3 flash hider with orange tip M27 tracer cartridge; and ìCheck, Recoil, M1î muzzle brake. (Robert Bruce)

In-Depth Resources

Essential references for this feature and for all who seek in-depth information on evolution of the M1 Carbine are all the product of one extraordinary scholar and enthusiast of all things carbine: Larry L. Ruth. Three in particular are:

M1 Carbine: Design, Development and Production, 1979, Gun Room Press

M1 Carbine Owner’s Guide, 1999, Scott A. Duff Publications

And his two volume magnum opus WAR BABY! The U.S. Caliber .30 Carbine, 1992 and 1993, Collector Grade Publications

Additionally, there is an excellent 14 minute U.S. military training film from later WW2 that’s instantly available on YouTube at (www.youtube.com/watch?v=GqJ5YCszIH0 or search “M2 Carbine.” Interestingly, it ends with a comparison of the M2 with the Japanese Type 100 submachine gun, finding the 8mm enemy sub woefully inadequate.

Important Note

All carbines with the M2 designation stamped on the forward end of the receiver (and “2” overstamped) are classified and restricted as full auto even if there are no M2 parts installed.

This article first appeared in Small Arms Review V18N4 (August 2014)
Tags: 2014AUGUST 2014Robert BruceThe U.S. M2 CarbineV18N4
Previous Post

Interview with Tommy Thacker

Next Post

SITREP: V18N4

Next Post
SITREP: V19N1

SITREP: V18N4

TRENDING STORIES

  • U.S. NAVY MK18 MOD O CUSTOM CLOSE QUARTER COMBAT WEAPON FOR THE SEAFARING SERVICE

    U.S. NAVY MK18 MOD O CUSTOM CLOSE QUARTER COMBAT WEAPON FOR THE SEAFARING SERVICE

    0 shares
    Share 0 Tweet 0
  • Recreational Use Of 40MM Grenade Launchers

    0 shares
    Share 0 Tweet 0
  • Customizing the Already Custom SIG P320 Spectre Comp

    0 shares
    Share 0 Tweet 0
  • Col. Rex Applegate: The Knife Designs of a Close-Combat Legend

    0 shares
    Share 0 Tweet 0
  • Evolution of the U.S. Grenade Launcher From World War II to Today’s Conflicts

    0 shares
    Share 0 Tweet 0
  • Trending
  • Comments
  • Latest
U.S. NAVY MK18 MOD O CUSTOM CLOSE QUARTER COMBAT WEAPON FOR THE SEAFARING SERVICE

U.S. NAVY MK18 MOD O CUSTOM CLOSE QUARTER COMBAT WEAPON FOR THE SEAFARING SERVICE

Recreational Use Of 40MM Grenade Launchers

Recreational Use Of 40MM Grenade Launchers

SIG Spectre Comp with AXG Grip Module

Customizing the Already Custom SIG P320 Spectre Comp

Col. Rex Applegate: The Knife Designs of a Close-Combat Legend

Col. Rex Applegate: The Knife Designs of a Close-Combat Legend

New Review: V19N1

New Review: V23N3

SAR|Special

SAR|Special

The Grand Power Q100

The Grand Power Q100

A Fading Star: The star S135 Submachine Gun, That is

A Fading Star: The star S135 Submachine Gun, That is

The Iron Door: Soviet Russian Weapons Designers Stop the Germans in Their Tracks

The Iron Door: Soviet Russian Weapons Designers Stop the Germans in Their Tracks

The American FN FAL Rifle: In Search of the Perfect Lightweight Rifle

The American FN FAL Rifle: In Search of the Perfect Lightweight Rifle

Ahead of Its Time: British Fosbery Pump-Action Shotgun with “Stoner” Bolt

Ahead of Its Time: British Fosbery Pump-Action Shotgun with “Stoner” Bolt

The Big Bang! : Great American Fun at the 2018 Big Sandy Machine Gun Shoot in Wikieup, AZ

The Big Bang! : Great American Fun at the 2018 Big Sandy Machine Gun Shoot in Wikieup, AZ

QUICK LINKS

  • About Chipotle Publishing
  • About Small Arms Review
  • Advertise with Us
  • Write for Us

CONTACT DETAILS

  • Phone: +1 (702) 565-0746
  • E-mail: office@smallarmsreview.com
  • Web: www.chipotlepublishing.com
  • Chipotle Publishing, LLC 631 N. Stephanie St., No. 282, Henderson, NV 89014
Small Arms Review

FOLLOW US

  • Privacy Policy
  • Disclaimer

© 2022 Chipotle Publishing | All Rights Reserved

No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • Articles
    • Guns & Parts
    • Suppressors
    • Optics & Thermals
    • Ammunition
    • Gear
    • News & Opinion
    • Columns
    • Museums & Factory Tours
    • ID Guides
    • Interviews
    • Event Coverage
    • Articles by Issue
      • Volume 1
      • Volume 2
      • Volume 3
      • Volume 4
      • Volume 5
      • Volume 6
      • Volume 7
      • Volume 8
      • Volume 9
      • Volume 10
      • Volume 11
      • Volume 12
      • Volume 13
      • Volume 14
      • Volume 15
      • Volume 16
      • Volume 17
      • Volume 18
      • Volume 19
      • Volume 20
      • Volume 21
      • Volume 22
      • Volume 23
      • Volume 24
  • The Archive
    • Search The Archive
  • Store
    • Books
    • Back Issues
    • Merchandise
  • Podcast
  • Newsletter
  • Events
  • FrankenGun Challenge
  • About
    • About Small Arms Review
    • About Chipotle Publishing
    • Contact Us
    • Other Publications
      • Small Arms Defense Journal

© 2022 Chipotle Publishing | All Rights Reserved

Welcome Back!

Login to your account below

Forgotten Password?

Retrieve your password

Please enter your username or email address to reset your password.

Log In

Add New Playlist

This website uses cookies. By continuing to use this website you are giving consent to cookies being used. Visit our Privacy and Cookie Policy.

Subscribe To Our Weekly Newsletter

Are you in the know?
Stay up to date with the latest articles.

Facebook-f Linkedin Instagram

Redirecting to External Website

You are leaving the Small Arms Review website and will be redirected to an external link in a 5 Seconds.
VISIT NOW!