The M1-A1 folding stock carbine was a weapon unique to the paratroops in WW2. Manufactured by the Inland Arms division of General Motors, this weapon utilized a small, specially designed .30 caliber bullet which was considered a compromise between a pistol and a rifle. The side-folding stock of tubular metal has a leather cheek plate on the left side. Early models were made without a bayonet lug. The photo above shows an M1-A1 with stock extended and an unusual adaptation to fit a sling just behind the muzzle. Being as this photo was taken in spring, 1944 before Normandy, it is interesting to note that Captain Sammie N. Homan of F/501, is wearing an M43 field jacket, which were not generally issued until the Market Garden operation. The photo was made at Imber range near Torquay, England on live ammo firing practice. The carbines, which were usually issued to officers and men assigned to crew-served weapons like M.G.s and mortars, were the subject of many complaints. They lacked knockdown power, even at short range, and were frequently discarded in disgust. Photo courtesy Sammie N. Homan