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

a Marine takes aim with the M27 rifle
a Marine takes aim with the M27 rifle

“Every Marine A Rifleman”

Founded 250 years ago, in November of 1775, the United States Marine Corps has become one of the most elite fighting forces on Earth and has made use of a unique pantheon of arms befitting its status.

The Armed Citizen® Nov. 10, 2025

Read today's "The Armed Citizen" entry for real stories of law-abiding citizens, past and present, who used their firearms to save lives.

Gunsite To Celebrate NRA’s 154th Birthday

To celebrate the National Rifle Association’s 154th birthday on Nov. 17, 2025, the Yavapai Amateur Radio Club (YARC) of Prescott, Ariz., will continue its tradition of a special radio callout while operating from Gunsite Academy’s 3,000-acre campus north of the city.

Gun Industry Holding The Line As Raw Material Prices Skyrocket

Inflation is passed along and used as an excuse by many industries to increase profit margins. Gun and ammunition firms, on the other hand, have been bucking that trend for decades.

Preview: Air Venturi RovAir 4500 Portable Compressor

Pre-charged pneumatic guns require a continual supply of high-volume air to maintain their capability on the range and in the field, which is where Air Venturi steps in with its RovAir portable compressor.

Beretta Celebrates Marine 250th With A300 Ultima Patrol Raider

In honor of the U.S. Marine Corps' 250th anniversary, Beretta has released a special A300 Ultima Patrol Raider shotgun, complete with World War II Marine Raider camouflage and the ability to mount a bayonet.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.