ARTV Preview: History of the M1 Carbine; Springfield XD-M Elite; Smith & Wesson Model 1917

by
posted on July 8, 2020
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
In this week's episode of American Rifleman TV, we take an in-depth look at the most produced U.S. military arm of World War II, the M1 Carbine, as well as modern new-production models. Tested this week is one of the latest options in the Springfield XD line—the XD-M Elite in 9 mm Luger. During World War I, the Smith & Wesson Second Model Hand Ejector became the U.S. Model 1917 revolver chambered in .45 ACP, and we cover the history of this unique military revolver in "I Have This Old Gun."

The development of what would become the M1 Carbine is one of the most fascinating stories in the history of firearm design, and it certainly is made more colorful by the legends surrounding one of the gun's designers: David Marshall Williams, also known as "Carbine" Williams.

Springfield Armory continues to build out its popular lineup of XD handguns, and one of the latest pistols to hit the scene in 2020 is the company's XD-M Elite offering. We took this pistol to the range to see what made it a standout option in the company's lineup and where the "Elite" comes into play.

When the United States entered World War I, its official sidearm was the Model 1911. However, there weren't enough 1911s to equip the expeditionary force heading to France, and they needed more guns made quickly. So, the War Department headed to Smith & Wesson, and the U.S. Model 1917 revolver was born.

To watch complete segments of past episodes of American Rifleman TV, go to americanrifleman.org/artv. For all-new episodes of ARTV, tune in Wednesday nights to Outdoor Channel 8:30 p.m. and 11:30 p.m. EST.

Latest

Beretta AX800 01
Beretta AX800 01

Beretta AX800 Suprema: The Future Of Hunting Shotguns?

With its new AX800 Suprema, Beretta went back to the drawing board and developed an entirely new shotgun designed specifically for waterfowl hunting.

Preview: Daisy Woodland Trail Model 1999

The Daisy that Ralphie would want if he were still pining for a gravity-fed, lever-action BB gun in 2025, the feature-packed new Woodland Trail Model 1999 provides a modern update to the venerable platform while remaining highly affordable.

MidwayUSA Completes Corporate Office Building

Construction is complete on MidwayUSA’s new Roosevelt Corporate Offices Building, in Columbia, Mo., marking another major milestone in the company’s development of its 500-Year Campus.

The Best Of Both Worlds: EAA’s Girsan Witness2311 CMX

In expanding its presence in the realm of race-gun-inspired competition with the Witness2311 CMX, EAA Corp. and its Turkish manufacturing partner, Girsan, have produced one of their most significant collaborations to date.

The Armed Citizen® Dec. 1, 2025

Read today's "The Armed Citizen" entry for real stories of law-abiding citizens, past and present, who used their firearms to save lives.

Rifleman Q&A: Crates Of Cartridge Curiosities

"I have in my possession two interesting wooden boxes containing two sealed ammunition cans each. I initially assumed the cartridges to be corrosive-primed and marked them as such with a paint pen, but lately I am not so sure."

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.