Lucky 13 in their 'Weapons' book series, Osprey has chosen the M1 Carbine. Those who know something about weapons know that the difference between a carbine and a standard infantry rifle is the size, weight and caliber of the weapon. The carbine was deemed to be a better choice for paratroopers and behind the lines troops such as those in admin or artillery or the MPs or other sorts of jobs where their positions might be over-run and they would need a weapon. In fact, when the initial proposal was placed in 1940, it was anticipated that this gun would replace the pistol with these troops.

The carbine was much preferred by the Marines when operating in the dense foliage of the Pacific. This was a place where a shorter weapon had advantages and the longer range of a standard rifle was not really needed. Thanks to it being semi-automatic and later fully automatic, it was also useful to those who did not have a sub-machinegun. So useful was this gun that in some nations, it is still being issued.

When the initial design specifications were provided, eight manufacturers submitted proposals. Two were rejected for being too complex or too heave. None of them met all the requirements (which to this non-gun enthusiast seemed to be very involved). Winchester was not one of the initial manufacturers who sent in guns for this as they were fully involved in producing the M1 Garand.

They were asked to submit prototypes and within literally weeks they provided a gun that far exceeded the others and was chosen. Of course, many of the guns were made by other manufacturers, some that one does not normally associate with weapons like Underwood Typewriters or Rock-ola who made juke boxes. Each company produced the guns differently with some producing nearly all the parts in house while others farmed out just about everything besides final assembly. One company did such a poor job that none were accepted and the few thousand they produced are now the most sought after by collectors.

Author Leroy Thompson tells us the story of the M1 Carbine from its inception to today's use. This includes all of the different variations and improvements made to the gun over its production life and even those improvements made when the guns were overhauled. Included are stories of the gun used in battle as well as the author's opinions on it and how it is to be handled. In fact, about half of the book us how it was used by the US and other nations. This is all accompanied by period and modern photos of the different variations and of those who carried the gun into combat.

It all makes for another fine book and if you are interested in weapons, then this book would make a fine addition to your library.

December 2011

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