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M1 Carbine (Mine has the plastic grips)
M1 CarbineThe M1 Carbine (more formally the United States Carbine, Caliber .30, M1) was a lightweight semi-automatic rifle and carbine that was a standard firearm in the US military during World War II and the Korean War. In a select-fire version, it was known as the M2 and M3 Carbines. It has also been a popular civilian firearm as well.
It could provide soldiers with a firearm lighter than carbine versions of a full power rifle, being but lighter and handier than the full-sized M1 Garand rifle. However, it was more powerful and easier to use in many situations than the M1911A1 pistols, and with much longer range and more accuracy than a submachine gun. The M1 Carbine was particularly intended for soldiers who needed a lightweight rifle - such as paratroopers or engineers, or in shorter-range engagments like cities.
My M1 Carbine Marking (Mine was made in S. Korean)
M1 Garand with Scabbard
The M1 Garand (more formally the United States Rifle, .30 Caliber, M1) was the first semi-automatic rifle to be put in active military service. It officially replaced the Springfield 1903 rifle as the standard service rifle in 1936, until officially replaced by the M14 that was developed from it in 1957. It would be heavily used in WWII, Korea, and to a limited extent in Vietnam. It was primarily used by the U.S., but also some other countries. It continues to be used as a civilian firearm, and by some drill teams.
Perhaps the distinct edge it gave the Allied forces over their enemy in battle is why General George S. Patton called it "the greatest implement of battle ever devised." The rifle remains popular with civilian weapons collectors and enthusiasts all over the world.
