U.S. M1A3 carbine?

[cluttonfred]

I stumbled across this on Wikipedia. I own an M1 Carbine and have long coveted an M1A1 paratrooper model with a folding stock, but I have never even heard of the M1A3. Were they actually produced? Issued? Does anyone have a pic to share? Cheers, Matthew

Carbine, Cal .30, M1A3
Pantograph stock, 15-round magazine
Type standardized to replace the M1A1 but may not have been issued.
Pantograph stock was more rigid than the M1A1's folding stock and folded flush under the fore end.

 

[russcal]

Hiya, Matthew!

Although it was type classified as standard as a replacement for the M1A1, none were actually procured because it was felt there were enough M1A1's in the system for all perceived needs.

As for pictures, the excellent Collectors Grade books "War Baby!" and "War Baby II!" show the various experimental and production versions. The only thing online I've found is "Standard Ordnance Catalog, Vol. III", available at Scribd. The catalog page has both the M1 and the M1A3.

Hope this helps!

Russ

 

[cluttonfred]

Woo hoo! Thanks very much russcal. There it is!