Audie Murphy, America’s most decorated soldier during World War II, carried an M1 carbine and used it with great effect against overwhelming enemy forces. The firearm—chambered in .30 Carbine—was nimble, lightweight and the longarm produced in the greatest volume by the United States during that war.
Unfortunately, military-surplus examples, which were once readily available on the commercial market at reasonable prices, are now scarce enough that collectors eagerly buy those in good condition. Two years ago, NRA Publications Editorial Director Mark Keefe noted in a story for American Rifleman that, “Original carbines, especially in high condition, are rare, and they are a collecting field unto themselves. Even beat up guns go upward of $700 these days. How ridiculous are the prices? In 2008, an Inland M1A1 ‘paratrooper’ carbine with ironclad D-Day provenance sold at auction for $20,125.” A standard model with no field-use documentation sold for $3,525 in Rock Island Auction’s August 2022 sale.
There is hope for any enthusiast eager to experience and own the same lightweight carbine. Auto-Ordnance has two factory-fresh models in its lineup today, each with the same nimble handling, original feel and timeless look.
The company’s standard M1 carbine is available with 10- or 15-round magazines—the former being California-compliant—and is chambered in .30 Carbine. Overall length is 35.75", it tips the scales at 5.4 lbs., has a walnut stock and black-oxide finish on the steel receiver and barrel that measures 18". Its MSRP is $1,271.
If you’re looking for something closer to what many members of the 82nd and 101st Airborne carried shortly after midnight on June 6, 1944, Auto Ordnance also offers a paratrooper model based on the M1A1 carbine. Its folding stock drops overall length from 35.75" to 25.75" with combat speed. It weighs 5 lbs., 6 ozs., and the MSRP is $1,395.
Each are made at the company’s state-of-the-art plant in Worcester, Mass., and held to tight CNC tolerances unheard of during World War II.
