In fairness to the M-1 carbine, it was not designed for the infantry. It was designed to be carried by soldiers that were not likely to be in direct contact, such as the artillery and anti-aircraft units.
My great uncle loved the carbine for standing sentry because it was so light, but when it came to combat in the jungle he wanted a shotgun or 1903 Springfield, as both went bang when you pulled the trigger.
Speaking of jungles, the British cut down the SMLE to something they called the "jungle carbine" or No. 5 rifle. Despite their expertise, they never managed to repeal the laws of physics, and that darned thing kicks like a mule! The 'recoil concentrator' on the butt doesn't help either. I have one, but I shoot it very seldom, I'm not a masochist.
I shot an m-1 carbine 2 weeks ago. It was designed as a replacement for a pistol as a side arm for support personnel, officers and paratroopers. It has an extremely high rate of fire and very little recoil.
Actually, at one time the M-1 Carbine was thought to be a potential replacement for the more-expensive-to-build 1911A1. Ha! I’ve built many of both up from parts here and there and let me tell you, NEITHER are cheap now.