The .30 M-1 Carbine was used by the U.S. Military in WWII, Korea and Vietnam. The carbine was also supplied to allied forces around the world. These fun guns remain popular and effective for civilians today.

The M1 carbine became a US Army weapon on October 22, 1941. Of the 6,110,730 carbines of all types built during WW2, Inland Manufacturing made 2,625,000 or 43% of the total.  Combined with the 517,212 that its sister GM Division Saginaw Steering Gear manufactured, General Motors produced 51% of all of the carbines made.

Inland was the only manufacturer of the M1A1 folding stock paratroop version, and was one of two companies that made the M2 version with selective fire.  It also was one of two companies that made the M3(T3) carbine with infrared night sight and was the only supplier that made all four types of carbines.

Classic Fun: M1 1945 Carbine from Inland With Creedmoor Ammo and KCI USA Mags
T3 infrared carbine US Army Photo

 

Fun Fact:

Some 240,000 M1 Carbines were declared surplus in 1963 and sold to NRA members for a $20 each. Today, there is now a warehouse in South Korea, filled with M-1 Carbines waiting to come home. Mr. President, we might not be able to build a wall right now, but can we please bring these American carbines back?

You may have missed out on $20 carbines, but the new Inland Manufacturing is making carbines again, in Dayton, Ohio, just two miles from the original WW2 facility.

Classic Fun: M1 1945 Carbine from Inland With Creedmoor Ammo and KCI USA Mags
M1 1945 Carbine Photo by Inland Manufacturing

The M1 1945 carbines feature many of the same characteristics of the original Inland Carbines and are manufactured in the USA! Click here for information about M1 1944 model.

The M1 carbine is modeled after the last production model that Inland manufactured in 1945 and features a type 3 bayonet lug / barrel band, adjustable rear sights, push button safety, round bolt, “low wood” walnut stock, and a 15–round magazine. A 30 rd mag catch was used to allow high–capacity magazines.

Caliber: .30 carbine

Magazine capacity: 15

Barrel length: 18”

Total length: 35.75”

Barrel groove: 4

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Twist rate: 1 x 20”

Weight: 5lb 3oz

MSRP: $1139.00 Click to “BUY NOW” at the INLAND DEPOT

The .30 Carbine round remains a good choice for hunting and home defense.  It gained a reputation for under performance in Korea and Vietnam which has been attributed to ammunition produced with lower velocities than the WW2 rounds.
The .30 Carbine is twice as powerful as the WW2 .45ACP caliber submachine guns. The M1 is half the weight of a Thompson submachine gun and provides better range, accuracy and penetration.  Lighter than the .45 ACP, soldiers armed with the Carbine can carry more ammunition.
Creedmoor Sports, the leader in precision rifle equipment and gear, is proud to introduce a new caliber to its rifle ammunition line with the availability of its Creedmoor .30 Carbine 110 Gr Rifle Ammunition.
Made right here in the United States of America in Anniston, Alabama, Creedmoor’s .30 Carbine Rifle Ammunition combines Starline Brass with Hornady 110 gr FMJ bullets. It is available in 50 count boxes for $37.50. Buy five or more for $35.62 each.
Classic Fun: M1 1945 Carbine from Inland With Creedmoor Ammo and KCI USA Mags
Creedmoor .30 Carbine ammo
Creedmoor .30 Carbine 110 Gr Rifle Ammunition Specifications:

Yards
FPS
Energy ft/lbs.
Muzzle
2,000
977
100
1,601
626
Mix or match any 10 boxes of Creedmoor Ammunition and receive free ground shipping in addition to Creedmoor’s low factory-direct pricing. Free ground shipping is valid on Creedmoor Ammunition only for the contiguous states only.
Classic Fun: M1 1945 Carbine from Inland With Creedmoor Ammo and KCI USA Mags
Creedmoor.30 Carbine

During WW2, Korea, and Vietnam, the US Government contracted for millions of M1 Carbine 15 and 30 round magazines. Some were marked and some were unmarked. Millions of other magazines were made for allied police and militaries as well as the civilian carbines.

Chances are, if you have old magazines around, they have probably seen better days. Since most semi-auto malfunctions are caused by magazines, you should invest in quality. KCI USA is making new high quality 15 and 30 round magazines for the M-1 carbines. You can get them HERE.
Classic Fun: M1 1945 Carbine from Inland With Creedmoor Ammo and KCI USA Mags
KCI USA 30 round M-1 Carbine magazine
 
The M-1 carbine is a classic and a fun way to learn some history. With new guns, magazines and ammunition, the M-1 is better than ever and ready for ant mission you assign it.
Featured photo courtesy of the US Army.