https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...P2030321-1.jpg
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Looks like the earliest of carbines, 20 round mag and different front sight. Woodwork is different than production too.
First time seeing a 20 round carbine magazine for me! Being a straight walled magazine, I wonder if they had trouble feeding all 20, making the 15 round standard we see today. Then it progressed to 30 which is an angled magazine which fed better. I would love to have one of those 20 round magazines
Have a look at the books on the carbine development - the original Winchester light rifle did have a 20 round magazine, but it was reduced to 15 as the round count was considered adequete and it did not stick out as far. Remember it was to supplant the .45 as many can't shoot the pistol very well but a little carbine is easy. Then you have three mags like the pistol, three mags. Total ammo would be 45rds which was considered lots for the job. They never counted on it going wildfire, then as you say came up with 30s after user field reports demanded auto and higher mag capacity. But that was to eliminate a SMG as well...more isssues.Quote:
Originally Posted by jond41403
Looks like the carbine pictured doesn't have protective front sight ears either.