Short & Classic: Auto-Ordnance M1 Carbine SBR

by
posted on July 25, 2026
** 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. **
AO M1 SBR 01
Images courtesy of Auto-Ordnance.

The reduction of the National Firearms Act (NFA) tax on short-barreled rifles (SBR) this January from $200 to $0 made compact rifles more accessible to a larger swath of the public, and manufacturers responded by adding SBR options to many of their popular models. While many of these were the latest and greatest high-tech firearms, a few classics snuck in as well, such as Auto-Ordnance’s M1 Carbine SBR.

Auto-Ordnance’s M1 Carbine SBR reduces the carbine’s traditional 18-inch barrel to 12 inches.

While the Auto-Ordnance name is synonymous with the Thompson submachine gun, which the company makes semi-automatic civilian-legal versions of, the company also makes other iconic firearms, such as the 1911 and M1 carbine. Since 2005, it has made M1 carbines in World War II-correct form, with a crossbolt safety, flat-top bolt and flip-style rear sight, in both standard and A1 paratrooper patterns.   

The M1 Carbine SBR mixes both traditional and modern features.

Auto-Ordnance already offers short barrel versions of its Thompson in SBR and pistol form. Historically, the M1 carbine was shortened by American advisors during the early stages of the Vietnam War. The company's new M1 Carbine SBR shortens the traditional 18-inch barrel to 12 inches. With a fixed wood stock, it has an overall length of 30 inches and weighs in at just under 5 pounds.

In a nod to modernity, the M1 Carbine SBR has its muzzle threaded and M-Lok slots in its fore-end.

The new M1 Carbine SBR makes two concessions to modernity that will give it practical value for self-defense usage. The barrel’s muzzle is threaded 1/2x28 TPI for attaching suppressors or other muzzle devices. The traditionally styled American walnut stock has three integrated M-Lok slots tastefully hidden in the fore-end, to allow for the mounting of lights and other accessories.

The M1 Carbine SBR is offered with both a standard 15-round magazine, or a 10-round magazine for areas with capacity restrictions. Either configuration has an MSRP of $1,870. For more information, see the company’s website.

Latest

Shortage
Shortage

Suppressor Demand Outpaces Production

The demand for suppressors is setting new records. National Firearm Act (NFA) item purchases in September—primarily suppressors—more than doubled compared to the same month in 2025.

Book Review | Five Decades of a Fabulous Firearm: Celebrating the 50th Anniversary of the Beretta 92 Pistol Series

In this wide-ranging book, you’ll find a history of Beretta, discussion of developments leading to the Model 1951/951 Brigadier, its evolution into the Model 92 and the U.S. military’s adoption of the platform (as the M9) in 1985.

Review: Galco Revenger Holster & SB7 Gun Belt

For those who choose to carry a finely finished, K-frame revolver, Galco offers one of its finest concealed-carry setups in the form of its Revenger holster and SB7 gun belt.

Rimfire Power: The Primary Arms CLx 1-6x24 mm Riflescope with ACSS 22LR G2 Reticle

Low-power variable optics have become popular options for today's AR-15s and other modern sporting rifles, and Primary Arms now offers an option tailored for rimfire versions of those same guns.

Gun of the Week: Walther Arms PDP F-Series Pro-X PMM

One of Walther Arms' recent introductions combines the features of several other PDP handguns, meaning the Walther PDP F-Series Pro-X PMM is packed with a number of different design elements.

The Armed Citizen® Oct. 30, 2026

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

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.