Florida Shooters Network

I admit that I am a long gun moron... so please forgive me if this question is elementary.

I must admit that I wasn't even sure which sub-forum I should ask this question becuase I don't really understand this nomenclature or where it should be categorized.

My understanding is that "carbine" originally described an infantry rifle that had been shortened and issued to the cavalry. The "carbine" was the same caliber, but had a shorter barrel and perhaps a bayonet.

The use of "carbine" in modern weapons seems to be associated with rifles that use handgun ammo such as 9mm or 45acp.

I am not pretending to be stupid here. I googled "carbine" and read the definitions... and I'm still confused.

SO... What are the criterion to constitute the "carbine" title?

are you drinking and posting tonight

Rentprop1 wrote:are you drinking and posting tonight

I feel like I'm being lured into a trap..

speed_racer wrote:I feel like I'm being lured into a trap..

honestly speed... this is a serious question.

Rent's trying to make me feel stupid for asking a dumb question... but he's really afraid to answer the question because he realizes that this is a good question and he can't risk giving a poor answer with 11,000+ posts

Enoch wrote:

speed_racer wrote:I feel like I'm being lured into a trap..

honestly speed... this is a serious question.

Rent's trying to make me feel stupid for asking a dumb question... but he's really afraid to answer the question because he realizes that this is a good question and he can't risk giving a poor answer with 11,000+ posts

I'm not afraid to admit, I haven't read 100 gun books, and I'm not the all knowing, so I can't give you an answer either.

Enoch wrote:
Rent's trying to make me feel stupid for asking a dumb question...

I was not

just think " shorter " and try an association

such as : if a regular mans junk is regular sized, your is probably carbine sized .....










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p.s. ....this is what happens when the In-laws are in town, you avoid them by drinking heavily and posting on gun forums, sometimes you get a little rowdy

Here's what Ive gathered..

A carbine is one of two things...

1. A version of an existing gun with a shortened barrel. think m16/m4
2. A rifle/gun that looks like a rifle that shoots a pistol caliber

speed_racer wrote:Here's what Ive gathered..

A carbine is one of two things...

1. A version of an existing gun with a shortened barrel. think m16/m4
2. A rifle/gun that looks like a rifle that shoots a pistol caliber

That's about the limit of my understanding/misunderstanding and the reason I posted the question. Seems like a pretty non-specific category/definition.

So I'm hoping that someone, with less than 11,000 posts , can help me understand the rifle that "carbine" describes.

Rentprop1 wrote:

Enoch wrote:
Rent's trying to make me feel stupid for asking a dumb question...

I was not

just think " shorter " and try an association

such as : if a regular mans junk is regular sized, your is probably carbine sized .....

p.s. ....this is what happens when the In-laws are in town, you avoid them by drinking heavily and posting on gun forums, sometimes you get a little rowdy

Now I know why I was so unaware and unknowledgeable of the carbine. It pays to ask those that have one. Thank you oh "short rifle master"

Only thing I can come with is "shortened version of the real deal" but what the heck do I know - posting buzzed... /disclaimer

Vinnie357 wrote:Only thing I can come with is "shortened version of the real deal" but what the heck do I know - posting buzzed... /disclaimer

Its 11:50 , how many sober replies can we expect?! :)

Any sober replies at this point requires revocation of man card...just saying...

Seriously though... at what length is a rifle distinguished as a carbine? Is there a standard? Does it differ from model and manufacturer? Does caliber matter?

Enoch wrote: Thank you oh "short rifle master"

it may be short, but it's fat like a coke can and some chicks dig that too

Rentprop1 wrote:

Enoch wrote: Thank you oh "short rifle master"

it may be short, but it's fat like a coke can and some chicks dig that too

Dont mistake coke can for tuna can ;)

speed_racer wrote:Here's what Ive gathered..

A carbine is one of two things...

1. A version of an existing gun with a shortened barrel. think m16/m4
2. A rifle/gun that looks like a rifle that shoots a pistol caliber

Youre correct in the above definitions. Number 2 however, is a more recent addition and in my opinion a bit of a stretch. Then again, there are also exceptions...M1 carbine being a VERY good example!

If the shoe fits why is a Tanker Garand not called a Carbine?

"The "Tanker Garand" is a "misnomer." During WWII two separate prototypes were developed for paratroop use. The first was the M1E5. The M1E5 had a short barrel and a folding metal stock. It was developed and tested in the Summer of 1944, but then abandoned because of the loud report and large muzzle flash from the short barrel.

In the fall of 1944 the Pacific Warfare Board ordered a test quantity of 150 M1 Rifles to be shortened and tested for jungle and paratroop use. These conversions were rather crudely done in the Pacific Theatre of Operations, either in Australia or the Phillippines. A request was made that Springfield Armory manufacture these shortened M1s, and two were sent by air to the USA for testing.

When the Springfield Armory staff saw the improvised short Garands, they recognized that they were the same as the M1E5 but with a normal wood stock. Thereupon they assembled their own version, designated T26. After testing the same conclusions were drawn as before; the barrel was just too short to be practical. Thus only one T26 was ever made in the USA."

Enoch wrote:
My understanding is that "carbine" originally described an infantry rifle that had been shortened and issued to the cavalry. The "carbine" was the same caliber, but had a shorter barrel and perhaps a bayonet.

The use of "carbine" in modern weapons seems to be associated with rifles that use handgun ammo such as 9mm or 45acp.

By your investigations, shorter barrel = carbine.

"carbine" pistol cal rifles are shorter barreled weapons, no need for the longer tube with significantly less powder to burn.