The M-1 was a reason to go OSC, so you didn’t have to lug it around. My BT M-1 5365601 = Bolo, it was a piece of crap, later my assigned M-1 3335555 = Expert, it was a beauty. Had the m-14 issued to me, but never got to fire it. The M-1 carbine was nice because it was light. I had a wood stock one and one with a folding stock on. They were made for house to house fighting, but they were great for plinking on the range. The M-16 223 was the perfect carry weapon for all ranks. Hate to say this but the M-1 really cut into your shoulders on long marches, so you knew it was there, then again, WW II guys were men of Iron and un-pampered, they were able to handled it.
The BAR was even worse to carry!
Which is why men of smaller stature would trade them for an M1 carbine.