NRA Gun of the Week: Inland M1A1 Paratrooper Carbine

by
posted on December 19, 2015
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **

During World War II, the Dayton, Ohio-based Inland Manufacturing Division of General Motors became one of the largest firearm manufacturers in the U.S., and will be best remembered for its M1 Carbine, producing more than 2.5 million rifles—along with most of the tooling used by other companies producing this rifle—for the war effort. Eventually Inland returned to automotive manufacturing and left GM altogether in 1999, but in 2013 the company was revived under the name of Inland Mfg., and is located close to the original company’s Ohio headquarters. Its products are distributed by MKS Supply.

All of Inland’s carbines are 100-percent American-made with 100-percent American parts, and are faithful copies of the original Inland Manufacturing carbines, right down to part construction and stampings.

The M1A1 Paratrooper is modeled after a late production 1944 M1A1 Paratrooper model with a folding "low wood" walnut stock, type two barrel band, and includes the same adjustable sights that were actually introduced in 1944. It has a 15-round magazine capacity, but a 10-round mag is offered to comply with certain states’ laws.

Watch as American Rifleman’s Kelly Young takes our latest NRA Gun of the Week downrange and highlights many of the carbine’s authentic features.

Specifications 
Manufacturer: 
Inland Manufacturing, LLC.
Distributor: MKS Supply
Model: M1A1 Paratrooper Carbine
Action: gas-operated, semi-automatic rifle
Caliber: .30 Carbine
Finish: Parkerized
Stock: folding wire with leather-wrapped cheekpiece; walnut pistol grip and handguard
Front Sight: fixed
Rear Sight: adjustable aperture
Trigger: 7-lbs., 5-oz. pull
Barrel Length: 18"
Overall Length: 36"
Weight: 5 lbs., 7.5 ozs.
Magazine: 15-round-capacity, detachable box
Twist: four-groove, 1:20" RH
Accessories: owner’s manual, shoulder sling, oiler
MSRP: $1,200

Latest

The Armed Citizen Podcast Hamlin F
The Armed Citizen Podcast Hamlin F

NRA CEO/EVP Doug Hamlin Talks Politics, the NRA, and the Future of Our Freedom

In this interview with The Armed Citizen Podcast at the 155th NRA Annual Meetings & Exhibits in Houston, Texas, NRA Executive Vice President and CEO Doug Hamlin talks about what is going on with the NRA, the many battles for our freedom around this nation the NRA is involved in, and what’s to come.

Best of the Best: American Rifleman's 2026 Golden Bullseye Award Winners

From firearms to accessories to optics to ammo and suppressors, we’ve determined these to be the stand-out products from the last year, providing firearm enthusiasts with innovation, value, utility and performance.

Review: Diamondback 9 mm SDR

Folks might be a bit surprised that Diamondback would choose 9 mm as the second caliber for its SDR revolver, but a closer look reveals why 9 mm is a solid caliber option for the platform.

Port Authority Doubles Down on Constitution-Free Zone with High-Profile Arrest

There exists a zone within the New York City metropolitan area where law-abiding gun owners are not just imperiled but specifically targeted for exercising their rights. It is an outrage that has continued for far too long.

Wilson Combat Acquires Guncrafter Industries

Wilson Combat has acquired the Guncrafter Industries brand and assets, uniting two of America’s foremost custom firearm manufacturers.

Bill Bachenberg Unanimously Reelected NRA President; Doug Hamlin Unanimously Reelected as NRA Executive Vice President & CEO In Houston

Today, the Board of Directors of the National Rifle Association of America (NRA), unanimously reelected Bill Bachenberg of Pennsylvania as President of the NRA, and Doug Hamlin as NRA Executive Vice President & CEO.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.