Talk:Carbine

This does not sound like the U.S. Military's M1 Carbine. Does anyone have a better description? --- Jagged

With all due respect to the US Military, this has been the meaning of the word "carbine" since somewhere in the 17th century. But by all means add a second description ...

There were no cartridges in the 17th century.

No, but carbines still used pistol-sized ammo. I suppose I could get snotty and go find an early example of a carbine without a rifled barrel now! But if you really need to define things in terms of your personal experience, I'll let you win this one. Be happy

Yes carbine muskets do exist and I have changed the text to reflect this. However at least during the mid-1700's they did not use pistol sized rounds (pistols used 45-50 caliber, carbines 65 caliber and muskets 65-75 caliber). ---rmhermen

/Talk

The example is incorrect - and the mistake is one I once made myself. The confusion arises from the fact that although the weapons have the same bore diameter, they are of different caliber.

The part about carbines generally being shorter, and (in olden days) intended for use on horseback, is correct.

The M1 Carbine is a distinct weapon from the M1 Rifle. They shoot different ammunition. The cartridge fired from the M1 Carbine has a small straight sided case and light bullets, and is a relatively low powered weapon (for instance, it is not legal for hunting deer in most states). The M1 Rifle fires 30-06 ammunition (much more powerful) and typically uses heavier bullets. Often used for hunting deer and even larger animals such as moose, elk, bear, and occasionally used on large and dangerous game in Africa.

As an interesting sidelight, the M1 Carbine was initially designed by "Carbine" Williams, while he was in prison. He did the work first clandestinely, and later, when he was discovered, with the knowledge of the prison warden. He was pardoned in part so he could continue development of the weapon, which had an unconventional action design. --Anon