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.
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.
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.
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.
