M1 . 30 in self-loading carbine, 1942 (c); General Motors Incorporated, Inland Division. Developed as a carbine for issue to second-line troops and officers, the M1 rapidly gained popularity due to its light weight (5. 5 pounds) and 15 round magazine. Over five million were produced during World War Two and many British soldiers carried them on jungle patrols. The low-velocity bullet and short range of the carbine were no disadvantage in the close-quarter fighting in Burma.