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The Story of American
Carbines
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Ruger Carbine pictured: Courtesy
of Tim Smith of
Collectibles, etc.
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In spite of the fact that the carbine was smaller
and less powerful than other firearms, it still managed to remain in
the history of American firearms as one of the most popular guns
ever used. Many of the actual carbines were similar to rifles,
differing in size and velocity. In the 1800s carbines were mostly
used by the cavalry and fired the same ammunition as rifles from the
same period. If infantrymen commonly used longer and highly
effective firearms, the cavalry preferred the shorter and certainly
lighter carbine. They needed firearms that could be easily handled
in diverse combats and military applications, such as jungle
warfare. The disadvantages of carbines were the lack of long-range
accuracy and also the shorter range of efficiency. However, for the
kind of military operations that the cavalry took part in, the
carbine was more than efficient, given the fact that these firearms
could also be used from vehicles.
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The musket was an important and highly
useful firearm but it was not suitable for the cavalry units. What they
needed was a firearm that was light to carry and easy to handle. The
carbine soon appeared and served to every demand of the cavalry,
regardless of it being less accurate and not so powerful. The shortened
barrel caused the low velocity of the ammunition but this problem was
partially resolved with the introduction of the smokeless powder, which
burned faster and increased the velocity. In a short period of time,
carbines started to be manufactured apart from infantry rifles and that
opened a new universe for the carbines. The Spencer carbine became one
of the most famous firearms, being especially used in the American Civil
War. It had a forward-looking spring powered magazine and a stock with
seven rounds. At the close of the 19th century, bolt-action rifles
started to be produced in carbine models, increasing the popularity of
American firearms. When the Winchester lever-action carbine was
introduced, using revolver cartridges, the carbine was regarded with
even more favor, especially by cowboys and famous adventurers.

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Before the start of the First World War, carbines started to be
extensively used instead of long rifles, especially the United
States M1 Carbine, a traditional American firearm in its true sense.
It was short, light and had an 18 inch barrel. The cartridges were
made especially for the model, being smaller and less powerful. The
end of the war brought more recognition for the carbine, being
regarded as short and convenient to use. Soldiers liked them because
they could be fired from ground vehicles and also aircraft
helicopters, not to mention when they were engaged in close-range
armed combat. The Second World War saw extensive use of the carbine,
the military operations being completely different from the First
World War. Historians agreed that World War II was a ‘mobile’ war,
soldiers preferring to attack in places where visibility was
limited. The United States also introduced the M2 Carbine, an
improved version of the M1, firing a cartridge of 7.62 x 33 mm.
After the War, carbines were even adopted by the infantry as well,
the carbine entering the modern American firearms history.
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At the start of the 1990s, the United
States military forces introduced the M4 carbine, part of the M16
carbine series. Just as other carbines, it is lighter and shorter, with
reduced range of accuracy and lower fire power. Carbines have also been
employed by the United States Special Operations Command and also by
other military forces, including the one from Springfield Armory. Latest
generation carbine series are also used by civilians, offering them the
possibility of self-defense and having at the same time a low wounding
power. There are many modern carbines, being just as light and
comfortable to handle, using innovative ammunition also compatible with
higher power rifles.
Throughout time, the carbine has gone through many changes just as
other American firearms have done. There are various types and classes
of carbines, some used on a usual basis, others for less common use. The
pistol caliber carbine belongs to a special series of carbines,
introduced just after the discovery of metallic cartridges. It shares
common characteristics with the revolver, firing the same cartridges and
being more accurate than other carbine models. Also, it has a higher
velocity. The pistol caliber carbine was especially preferred amongst
cowboys and law officers of the Old West. The light automatic rifle was
the perfect combination between the Winchester lever-action rifle and
the Colt Revolver. Today’s forward-looking carbines are mainly
represented by the Ruger Police Carbine and by many other models as
well. There is an increased demand for such carbines, having improved
accuracy and velocity. Other advantages are the higher wounding
potential, plus the wide variety of accessories provided. Carbines
belonging to the modern era can be equipped with night scopes and even
laser optical instruments.
As for carbines that have made the history of American firearms even
more known to the world, the Spencer repeating rifle is probably one of
the best examples that can be provided. It was a lever-action repeating
carbine, using a tube-shaped magazine and was considered as the lighter
version of the already prestigious musket. The Spencer repeating rifle
was widely used during the American Civil War, bearing the name of its
inventor, Christopher Spencer. The American inventor was born in 1833
and he learned the secrets of the trade while working for Colt’s
Company. In 1860, he produced the carbine we know today as Spencer
repeating rifle. It was specially adapted for the 56-56 rim-fire
cartridge and it used black powder for the ignition mechanism. The
magazine held 7 rounds, just like in other carbines and soon other
versions appeared. These were adapted for other cartridges including the
56-52, 56-50 and 56-46. The weapon was presented to Abraham Lincoln who
required a personal demonstration and then went to production. An
incredible number of 10000 rifles and carbines were ordered by the US
Army and Spencer became an important trademark of the American firearm
history. When Spencer’s Repeating Rifle Company went bankrupt due to
financial difficulties, the whole business was purchased by Oliver
Winchester.
The M1 carbine was the standard firearm used in the Second World War and
also at the start of the Korean War. Several versions were produced, all
of them being semi-automatic, light and easy to carry. US military
forces used them extensively and so did other foreign military forces.
Advanced models were chambered for the 30-06 Springfield cartridge but
soon a wide variety of cartridges were implemented for different
versions. They were used by various troops, including paratroopers and
Marine Corps. Even more modern versions were developed under the name of
Winchester, with improved designs and other innovative features
introduced. It was a far better defense weapon than the pistol or even
the submachine gun, used both in combat and also for personal
protection. Infantry officers preferred to use them, being both compact
and light. The introduction of the 30 carbine cartridge contributed a
lot to the popularity of the M1 carbine, the gun started to be also used
by airborne troops and soldiers fighting in the Pacific. The M2 carbine
came out on the market as an improved version of the M1, with a
selective-fire switch and an option for automatic fire. The M2 carbine
was also dispatched to American troops in Vietnam.
The history of the carbine is just as complex and full of significant
facts just as the history of other American firearms. They all represent
examples of how determined and levelheaded Americans truly are!
Useful Link for Carbine Collectors:
Carbines
for Collectors - The scope of this web site has changed over the
years to not only to cover the carbines, but to cover the Small Arms
that were used by many European and Asian countries from the period 1878
to the present.
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Semi-Autos: |
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Colt Mustang:
.380 caliber, baby 1911 - DOM 1992, real mop. |
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1908 Colts: 24kt
gold plated, fully engraved with mother of pearl. |
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1911 Colt:
For nine
decades the Colt Government Model 1911 has been without challenge
the most ... |
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Colt Officer's Model:
Slightly smaller than a Government Model, with the barrel length
reduced from 5" to 3.5". |
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Browning .25 Caliber
Automatic Pistol: The 1968 Gun Control Act stopped the
importation of these guns. |
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Colt 1903 Pocket
Hammerless .32: Produced from 1903 to 1945. |
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Colt 1908
Hammerless .25 (Vest Pocket) Model N was made in 1916. |
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Revolvers: |
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Colt .32 Detective Special:
Made in 1950, this gun is chambered in the .32 New Police cartridge
(.32 S&W Long). |
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1965 Colt Python:
Pythons produced from 1955 to 1969 have no letter in
the serial number and are the most desirable to collectors. |
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Peacemaker:
The Colt
Single Action Army - this is a first generation gun. |
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1962 Colt Python:
Pythons produced from 1955 to 1969 have no letter in
the serial number and are the most desirable to collectors. |
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Detective Special: One of the most well known and most
copied guns in the world. |
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Colt Cobra: It was an
earlier version of this gun Jack Ruby used to kill Lee Harvey
Oswald. |
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Ruger .22 Single Six: Commonly referred to as a "Flat
Gate". |
| Holsters: |
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Gun Holsters and
Various Methods of Carry: The holster is a very important
part of "concealed carry". |
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Holster Gallery:
Pictures of holsters that I have found to be of good quality as well
as design, functional, easy to use and a good value. |
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Long Gun
Leather: Gun cases that are good for transporting long guns. |
| Rifles: |
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Colt Sauer Rifle:
Bolt Action, 30.06 caliber, 24" bbl., magazine capacity 3 or 4 rounds. |
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Winchester .30-30:
Lever Action, 30.30 caliber, saddle gun. |
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Savage Model 24J:
This Savage Model 24J O/U Combination Gun is a .22 Magnum Rifle and
.410 Gauge Shotgun combined. |
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Shotguns: |
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Ithaca 4E
Flues Single-Barrel Trap (1914 - 1922) |
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Ithaca 4E
NID (New Improved Design) 1922 - 1944 |
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Browning A-5:
Auto 16
gauge short bbl, stamped U.S. Property. |
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Remington Model 90-T:
A Single-Shot 12 Gauge Trap gun with a 34" bbl, Full Fixed Choke,
low vent rib and adjustable comb stock. |
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Remington Pump: Pump action 12
gauge with stamped patent dates... |
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Abercrombie & Fitch: 12 Gauge, Single Shot, 32" bbl.,
full fixed choke, made by Renato Gamba for Abercrombie & Fitch about
1978. |
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Knives: |
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OldPocketKnives.net:
A website where you can buy old pocket knives. |
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