Are carbine always pistol calibers?

I'm curious if anyone has had a chance to shoot the new H&K .45 ACP carbine. If so, what are your impressions? Regards, Dennis
 
I have heard that the carbine was a shortened version of a full sized military weapon adapted for the cavalry. Same cartridge and all for commonality of ammunition between infantry and cavalry.
 
Hi, guys,

Bryce Canyon is correct. The original military meaning of a carbine is a short rifle firing the same ammunition as the standard rifle. Carbines were issued to Cavalry and Artillery units. The trapdoor and Krag carbines are examples. The WWII U.S. carbine used its own light cartridge, but it was not intended for a specific branch of the service.

The civilian definition of carbine usually also meant a short rifle, as in the Winchester carbines. Today, its meaning is whatever an advertiser says it is if the term will help sell guns.

Jim
 
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