Ever wonder what the real story is behind the M1 Carbine? Would you like to know who really did most of the work making these fabulous guns? This exciting book will introduce you to companies you have probably never heard of - like the S.E. Overton Company in Michigan. You will meet their peope, see them at work, and come away with a whole new appreciation for the M1 Carbines they made.

"The book provides a history of the M1 Carbine's development, manufacture and use during World War II, as well as through the Korean War and the war in Vietnam"--Publisher's website.

In 1938 the US Chief of Infantry requested that the Ordnance Department develop a carbine to be used by service and support troops, artillerymen, machine-gun crews, tankers, mortar crews and other troops not needing the power of the M1 Garand rifle. The development of this new weapon was given an added impetus by Germany's successful use of airborne and glider troops early on in World War II. This caused a fear amongst US officers that troops normally considered 'behind the lines' personnel might have to fight elite German troops and would therefore require a more effective weapon than their standard pistols. The resulting M1 Carbine was a not a shortened version of the standard service rifle but instead a brand-new design chambering a new cartridge. Eventually numerous manufacturers would combine to produce over six million M1 Carbines before the end of the war. This book charts the complete story of the weapon, from its design, to its operational history and its impact upon warfare.

The M1 carbine is a .30-caliber, semiautomatic rifle that first appeared in 1942 as a standard firearm for the US military during World War II. It was later used by US forces in the Korean and Vietnam Wars and continues to see worldwide use to this day. Produced in several variants by many manufacturers, it was and is still widely used not only by military forces, but by paramilitary and police units worldwide. Its design, construction, and variants--including the M1A1, M2, and M3--are shown in superb period photography and clear, up-close color images. Accessories such as magazines, ammunition, belts, pouches, and cleaning kits are featured throughout the book, as well as rarely seen World War II-related uniform and equipment items.

This 1942 illustrated field manual is organized as follows: Chapter 1. Mechanical Training Section I. General Section II. Disassembly and Assembly Section III. Care and Cleaning Section IV. Functioning Section V. Operation Section VI. Immediate Action and Stoppages Section VII. Spare Parts and Accessories Section VIII. Ammunition Section IX. Individual Safety Precautions Chapter 2. Marksmanship—Known-Distance Targets Section I. General Section II. Preparatory Marksmanship Training Section III. Qualification Courses Section IV. Range Practice Section V. Equipment—Known-Distance Targets and Ranges Chapter 3. Marksmanship—Moving Ground Targets Section I. General Section II. Moving Personnel Section III. Moving Vehicles Section IV. Moving Targets and Ranges and Range Precautions Chapter 4. Marksmanship—Air Targets Section I. Air Targets for Carbine Section II. Technique of Fire Section III. Marksmanship Training Section IV. Miniature Range Practice Section V. Ranges, Targets, and Equipment Chapter 5. Firing at Field Targets Chapter 6. Advice to Instructors Section I. General Section II. Mechanical Training Section III. Marksmanship—Known-Distance Targets Section IV. Marksmanship—Air Targets Section V. Field Target Firing