The author, Craig Riesch, has compiled twenty-two years of surveys and research into this volume containing 38 charts, 212 photographs, and fourteen drawings. This book provides a history of the M1 Carbine's development, manufacture and use during World War II, as well as through the Korean War and the war in Vietnam.

The M1 Carbine is analyzed and described by its ten separate manufacturers and various models, with all changes, modifications, and new parts noted by serial number range of use. And since the U.S. Army Ordnance Department required that virtually every part of the M1 Carbine be marked with a manufacturer's or subcontractor's code, Riesch has unraveled the manufacturer's and subcontractor's codes---again by serial number range --- and eliminated many "spurious codes" and myths. Every major and most minor parts are now conclusively identified by manufacturer and serial number range, making it possible for the collector, shooter, and historian to examine an M1 Carbine to determine its authenticity with a high degree of confidence.

Using the charts and photos in the book, the collector can identify the manufacturer and period of use for the receiver group, barrel group, trigger housing group, and stock group and their component parts. Butt plates by the various manufacturers are shown in full-size photographs for easy identification.

All variations of the M1 Carbine are discussed -- M1, M1A1, and M2 -- by manufacturer. The aspects that make up the two types of true M1A1 folding stock paratrooper carbines are described and photographed. Serial number ranges for original manufacture are included. Reproduction folding stocks are shown and points of difference are identified.

The book is divided into six chapters and ten appendices. Each chapter describes a major subgroup of the M1 Carbine: receiver, barrel, trigger assembly, and stock. Chapter six covers the M1 Carbine accessories issued to the soldier, and chapter seven the M3 trench knife and M4 bayonet, and their scabbards. The appendices include serial number sequences for each manufacturer, a description of the types of ammunition for the M1 Carbine, a discussion of "imported" carbines, an exploded view, and an M1 Carbine survey form on which the collector can list all parts of his or her carbine to determine authenticity. Complete instructions for disassembling the carbine are included with photographs.