NZART ID: 209, Arm Type: Carbine, Date of Draft: 23 November 2011, Compiled by: Phil Cregeen
Pattern: US Carbine, Cal. .30, M 1., Introduced in to NZ Service WW II, Withdrawn ????
Maker: 9 Main contractors and many sub contractors, see below
Calibre: .30, Bore: 4 groove RH twist. Barrel length: 18 in.
OA Length: 35.58 in. Type of Action: Gas operated semi auto, Weight: 5.5 Lb. Magazine: 15 or 30 rounds,
Sights: flip over 150/300 early models or ramp aperture graduated 100 to 300 with windage adjustment on later models.
Bayonet M4 with M8A1 scabbard
.JPG)
This M1 carbine was manufactured by Inland Division of General Motors in May 1944 and is complete with 15 round magazine, bayonet lug, sling and oil bottle. This late model has a rear sight adjustable for both elevation and windage. Makers name and date of manufacture is marked on the barrel behind the fore sight and maker and Serial No on the receiver behind the rear sight.
The M1 carbine was developed as a more effective personal weapon for rear echelon troops to replace the M1911 .45 cal Pistol. The Pistol had an effective range of 25 yds which gave troops little chance when confronted with an enemy armed with a rifle or SMG, however a light carbine with a range of 300yds would give them a fighting chance. Experienced gained in the field lead to it being used by front line troops where a light handy weapon was required.
In August 1940 Winchester was asked to develop a suitable cartridge and this was achieved in six months. Development of the carbine was put out to competition and after several rounds of testing the winning entry was one designed by David Marshall Williams working for Winchester. A late comer to the competition Winchester produced their first prototype in just 13 days. The Winchester carbine was approved for production in October 1941, and contracts awarded to Inland Division of General Motors and Winchester for 336,698 and 350,000 carbines respectively
.
On Americas entry into the war the requirement for carbines increased drastically and contracts were awarded to a further 5 contractors: Rock-Ola, Quality Hardware & Machine Co., Irwin Pederson Arms Co., Underwood-Elliot-Fisher Co., Rochester Defense Corp. By the early 1943 the number of main contractors had been increased to 10 with many sub contractors.
As experience was gained in the field, improvements were made which included an adjustable rear sight, bayonet lug for M 4 Bayonet and improved safety catch. Also a folding stock for paratroopers (M1A1) and in 1944 a selective fire version (M 2) with 30 round magazine was produced.
By the end of the war total production, 1942-45, was 6,117,827
Inland Division of General Motors 2,642,097
Winchester Repeating Arms Co. 818,059
Underwood-Elliott-Fisher Co. 545,616
Saginaw Steering gear Division, GMC 517,212
National Postal Meter Co. 413,017
Quality Hardware & Machine Co. 359,666
International Business Machines Corp 346,500
Standard Product Co. 247,160
Rock-Ola Co 228,500
Between March 1944 and September 1945 22,506 M 1s, 2,104 M1A1s and 753 M2 were supplied to Britain under the Lend Lease agreement.
After the war most carbines were refurbished and over five million supplied to foreign governments in aid programmes.
New Zealand Service
New Zealand soldiers have been reported to have been armed with the M1 in various conflicts including in the Solomon Islands in WW II, Korea, Borneo and Vietnam. One member recalls seeing M1 Carbines in the armoury at Waiouru in the late 1970s. If any readers have first-hand experience of using the M1 in the NZ military or photos of NZ soldiers armed with this carbine we would be pleased to hear from you.
Acknowledgements: Photos Phil Cregeen
References: Carbine Handbook by P Wahl.
War Baby Comes Home-The US Caliber 30 Carbine by LL Ruth.
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