Originally a carbine was a lighter, shortened version of a long gun that was developed for use by the cavalry.

Now a carbine is a lighter, shortened version of a long gun that are typically issued to high-mobility troops, or non-infantry personnel whose roles do not require full-sized rifles.

carbine rifles:

• M1 Carbine

 

Footnotes / Sources:

“Glossary ⇒.” Sporting Arms and Ammunition Manufacturers’ Institute. Ed. SAAMI’s Technical Committee. Web. 15-18 Jan. 2011.

 

Question:

• Do you know of a carbine that is not on the list?