WWII American Weapons Used in Combat!
M1 Carbine

These pages discuss WWII weapons used in the ABC-TV series Combat! that originally ran in the United States from 1962 through 1967. This information is meant as a primer for fans wanting to identify the weapons used in the series.

M1 Carbine

The M-1 Carbine is a .30 caliber semi-automatic shoulder weapon, gas operated with an effective range up to 200 yards. The length is 36 inches, barrel 18 inches, and weight 5 pounds including magazine and sling. In the 1942 printing of Army-Navy Guide by Crown Publishers, it is stated that "The Army plans to replace a great many of the .45 caliber service pistols with carbines."

Hanley with WWII M-1 Carbine In Combat!, the carbine is the weapon used by Lt. Hanley. It is fitted with bayonet stud to attach a bayonet, though this is atypical for the period. Pictured at left is Rick Jason as Lt. Hanley holding the M1 Carbine.

Brian J. Wisher says of the carbine: "I just have to interject in its [the carbine's] defense. True, the old M-1 Carbine was a poor substitute for a Garand; however, it was not meant as a substitute for the M-1 Garand rifle, it was designed and issued as a substitute for the M1911A1 .45 caliber pistol. The idea was to give those who would ordinarily carry the .45 something with more utility. Now, having been in the infantry myself [...] I will testify to the greater usefulness/utility of the carbine over the 45. The muzzle energy (muzzle velocity x bullet weight) of a .30 caliber M-1 carbine exceeds that of a standard caliber .45 ACP round, and is considerably greater than the current military caliber .223 round. It does look weak compared to .30-06, but, like I said, it wasn't competing with the Garand - just the pistol. The carbine has twice the magazine capacity of a .45, and its accurate range is far greater than any pistol -- carbines are accurate against a human-sized target out to at least 200 yards (three or four times the range for a pistol)."

<a href="javascript:go_url('http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/redirect-home/thecomfanpag')"><img src="../bookstore/logo.gif" alt="Amazon.com logo" border="0" align="right" WIDTH="100" HEIGHT="30"></a><big><a href="javascript:go_amazon_soap('1931464006')">The M1 Carbine</a>:</big> A Revolution in Gun Stocking by Grafton Cook, Barbara Cook

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 famous guns? This exciting new book will change everything you knew about carbine manufacture during WWII. Shows you, step by step, how M1 Carbines were made, from milling the wood right through to assembly with the hardware. Heavily illustrated with 157 rare photographs of the guns and the men and women who made them. Also puts a strong focus on the M1 Carbine in World War II.
Paperback, 208 pages

The world's most popular and respected author on WWII firearms presents his most complete examination of the M1 Garand and the M1 Carbine ever. Packed solid with the kind of useful, hands-on knowledge that readers have been demanding. Detailed, close-up photographs show 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 and avoid being fooled. Over 300 clear, large photos show you features, markings, overall views and actions shots of the guns being used in battle. 33 tables give you instant reference to the facts you need the most. This is simply the most complete and useful guide to these very important military firearms.
Hardcover, 297 pages.

Additional reading (from Motor Books):

War Baby! Comes Home : The US Caliber .30 Carbine

The most popular US military small arm in history is chronicled here in over 400 illustrations and an in-depth text. Contents profile: the Carbine in War and Peace 1914-1992; US Battle Honors In WWII and Korea; Other Military Users of the US Carbine; and the Carbine 'For Friend and Foe Alike' In Vietnam. Coverage also includes postwar military parts manufacture; alternate methods of production; the return of surplus military M1s from afar; US military accessories, ancillaries and ammunition since 1940; other military and sporting arms in .30 carbine caliber. Provides positive identification.
Hardcover., 9' x 12', 352 pgs., 414 b&w illustrations.

Other US WWII Weapons pages on this site:

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