Why both M1 Garand & M1 30 cal carbine are both called M1s?

nognog

nognog

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I am sure that M1 Garand and M1 Carbine gurus in this forum have the answer to this question.:)

I dont have much knowledge about the M1 Garands & M1 Carbines, that's why when my officemate asked me why both firearms, which are completely different beasts were known to be called M1s. I wish I had the answer to his question, but honestly, I have no idea why both are called M1s.

Can someone explain the logic why M1 Garand & M1 30 caliber Carbine are both called M1s? :confused:
 
One is a US Rifle Caliber .30 M-1; the other is a US Carbine Caliber .30 M-1. There was also a submachinegun M-1. Model one rifle, model one carbine, model one smg. M-1 tank, as well.
 
US military conventions using the M designation started around WW2. Since that's when they started, the first equipment they named was what was currently in service. Many machines/tools were model #1 respectively. For example:

M1 Carbine (short rifle)
M1 Garand (full length rifle)
M1 Thompson (SMG for officers)
M1 Bazooka
M1 Armoured Car/ Light Tank
M1 Helmet
...etc.

There were plenty of M1s then. There days, most equipment isn't numbered the same, so if you say M1 or M16 in the US military, you can tell if someone's talking about a tank or a rifle.
 
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cancer said:
There were plenty of M1s then. There days, most equipment isn't numbered the same, so if you say M1 or M16 in the US military, you can tell if someone's talking about a tank or a rifle.
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M1 Tank?
 
Military nomenclature... it is so simplistic that it confuses people.
Everyone is right, but there's probably a very specific and logical answer... I just can't find it!!!! So I emailed the CMP.. THEY must know!
 
C9er said:
Ya for sure, M1 abrams etc
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Best battle tank in the world. Aussies just bought a mess of 'em (well, 18 I believe), cuz it was cheaper than trying to modernize their... <drum roll> Leopard IIs (same tank Canada uses).

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/M1_Abrams

m1a1%20abrams%2005.jpg
 
When the M1 Carbine was adopted it was proposed to call the ctg .31 Cal which would have saved a lot of confusion.
 
"...same tank Canada uses..." Nope. The CF uses a Leopard I. A much modified Leopard I, a Leopard I nonetheless.
The U.S. uses the 'M' plus a number to indicate a 'model' of a specific piece of kit. Be that a rifle, carbine or tank. A minor modification has an 'A' added. A new piece of kit or a major modification gets a new number. As in M-16, then M-16A, then M-16A2, etc, etc. Add another minor modification then there's another number added. As in M1A1 for the U.S. Carbine .30 cal M1A1, a carbine with a different stock.
 
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I sit corrected.
So the Aussies are upgrading from a NEWER model tank than we have NOW.
Figures.

<rant>
I think we'd need 3 or 4 CPC majority gov't to EVER have a chance at getting the CF up to date with the rest of the world.
The libs aren't interested in that of course, they'd prefer to be totally dependant on the US for defense, while at the same time bashing them on the world stage, every chance they get.
</rant>
 
It's the Ammunition itself, the .30-06 Ball M1 Round.
The Garand used the M1 Round.
The Johnson Rifle used the M2 .30-06 Round, as M2 is stamped on the sight.
 
freddo said:
Best battle tank in the world. Aussies just bought a mess of 'em (well, 18 I believe), cuz it was cheaper than trying to modernize their... <drum roll> Leopard IIs (same tank Canada uses).

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/M1_Abrams

m1a1%20abrams%2005.jpg
Click to expand...

Heh, even worse, we were offered a pile of M1's free after the first gulf war, all we had to do was agree to a service contract (spares ect suppled from the states) and we turned em down.....sigh, luv the thinkers in the liberal defence ministry:rolleyes:
 
Cocked&Locked said:
Heh, even worse, we were offered a pile of M1's free after the first gulf war, all we had to do was agree to a service contract (spares ect suppled from the states) and we turned em down.....sigh, luv the thinkers in the liberal defence ministry:rolleyes:
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You're ####ting me?
Do we even have any of our Leopards deployed??
 
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