The M1 carbine was the standard weapon in the U.S. (and also became common with U.K. forces) during World War II. The guns itself is a semi-automatic carbine rifle of 0.30 calibre.

The weapon design was finalised and completed by 1941 following a request for a more lightweight rifle a few years earlier. The gun continued to be improved and was further enhanced by reducing the weight from 4.3kg to 3.4kg (over a 20% reduction).

The bullet penetration was considered decent for the type of weapon and the fact it used a 0.30 calibre bullet, with experts claiming it was capable of penetrating the body armour and helmets of the enemies at the time.