Carbine

A carbine is technically a rifle having a shorter barrel than a standard one. For example, the U.S. Military’s M4 is considered a carbine because it is built with a 14.5-inch barrel instead of a 16-inch barrel. In the early days of firearms, cavalry troops used carbines adapted from infantry rifles and muskets to help them maneuver and fire while riding. Later, the U.S. Military adopted rifles like the M1 carbine with an 18-inch barrel for tankers and other vehicle-borne troops to help them maneuver in tight spaces. The standard-issue M1 Garand had a 24-inch barrel.