Auto-Ordnance M1 Carbine Paratrooper .30 Cal 18″ 15rd
About this product
The Auto-Ordnance M1 Carbine Paratrooper is a modern reproduction of the classic "paratrooper" variant carbine, configured as a semi-automatic rifle chambered in .30 Carbine with an 18-inch barrel and a 15-round magazine. This version features a folding walnut stock for compact transport and a parkerized steel finish for durability. It is manufactured by Auto-Ordnance, a company with direct historical ties to the original design, using contemporary CNC machining and heat-treating processes that were not available during WWII production runs.
What is the Auto-Ordnance M1 Carbine Paratrooper used for?
This rifle serves as a lightweight, historically significant carbine for recreational shooting, collection, and compact-field carrying. It is not a modern combat or home-defense platform, but excels at providing a tangible connection to a pivotal firearm used in multiple 20th-century conflicts. The folding stock reduces its overall length to approximately 23 inches for transport, making it more packable than a standard M1 Carbine for range trips.
How does the Auto-Ordnance M1 Carbine Paratrooper compare to the Stevens 334 Rifle?
The Auto-Ordnance is a semi-automatic, intermediate-caliber carbine for historical recreation, while the Stevens 334 Rifle in .308 Win is a modern bolt-action hunting rifle for precision and long-range power. The Stevens 334 is decisively better for harvesting deer or elk past 200 yards due to its more powerful chambering and inherent bolt-action accuracy, whereas the Paratrooper excels at faster-paced plinking and historical reenactment due to its semi-auto function and iconic ergonomics.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
With its steel receiver and 18-inch barrel, the carbine weighs approximately 6 pounds. Unfolded, it measures 35.75 inches in overall length, but when the stock is folded against the receiver, the length drops to an easily transported 23 inches. The 15-round stick magazine adds roughly 0.5 pounds when fully loaded with .30 Carbine ammunition.
Who is this NOT for?
This rifle is not for a shooter seeking a modern, modular defensive carbine, a long-range precision platform, or a low-cost plinker. The .30 Carbine cartridge is ballistically limited compared to modern 5.56 NATO, aftermarket support is niche, and ammunition can cost over 70 cents per round—significantly more than steel-cased 7.62x39mm. It is also a poor choice for someone unfamiliar with the specific maintenance requirements of the M1 Carbine's short-stroke piston system.
What's in the box?
The rifle ships with one 15-round steel magazine, as required by the product listing. Unlike some modern sporting rifles, it does not include a case, cleaning kit, or sling. You will need to source .30 Carbine ammunition, which is typically sold in 50-round boxes, and appropriate eye and ear protection before your first range session.
Is the Auto-Ordnance M1 Carbine Paratrooper worth it at $1395.99?
At this price point, its value is tied directly to your interest in historical firearms, not cost-per-round performance. For a collector or enthusiast wanting a shootable reproduction of a folding-stock M1 Carbine, the build quality and correct configuration justify the cost compared to finding an original in similar condition. For a general-purpose recreational shooter, a modern rifle like the Stevens 334 in .243 Win offers more versatility and cheaper ammunition for nearly half the price.
Specs at a glance
Video review
Pros & cons
What works
- Folding walnut stock reduces length to 23 inches for transport
- Steel receiver and 18-inch barrel provide durable 6-pound platform
- Period-correct flip rear sight and blade front for authentic use
- Modern parkerizing offers better corrosion resistance than original finishes
Trade-offs
- .30 Carbine ammunition averages $0.70/rd - 3x cost of steel-case 7.62x39mm
- Limited aftermarket vs. modern platforms - few optic-ready mounts
- Folding mechanism adds slight wobble vs. fixed-stock carbines
- No included case or sling - adds $50+ for proper transport
Expert review
Key attributes
| upc | 602686313094 |
| manufacturer | Kahr Arms |
| manufacturer part number | AOM150 |
| action | Semi-Auto |
| atf type | RIFLE |
| barrel finish | Black Parkerized |
| barrel length | 18" |
| caliber/gauge | .30 Carbine |
| capacity | 15 |
| color | Black |
| length | 36 |
| model | M1 Carbine |
| number of magazines | 1 / 15 rd. Stick |
| package height | 4.0 |
| package width | 8.5 |
| product type | Rifle |
| safety | Crossbolt |
| shipping weight | 12.0 |
| sights | Blade Front/Flip Style Rear |
| state restriction (il) | NO SALE TO ILLINOIS PICA |
| state restriction (or) | NO SALE TO OREGON |
| state restriction (ri) | NO DIRECT SHIP TO RHODE ISLAND |
| state restriction (wa) | NO DIRECT SHIP TO WASHINGTON |
| units per box | 1 |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with original USGI M1 Carbine parts?
- Generally yes for many components, but with critical exceptions. The receiver and barrel are manufactured to modern specifications, so while most USGI stocks, handguards, and magazines will fit, some may require minor fitting. Always test-fit during assembly and consult a qualified armorer if in doubt.
- Does this model have a bayonet lug?
- No, this specific Paratrooper reproduction model does not include a bayonet lug on its 18-inch barrel. This differentiates it from some "standard" M1 Carbine reproductions and most original military-issue models, which were equipped for the M4 bayonet.
- How long does shipping take to an FFL?
- Processing time at Ironclad Armory is typically 2-3 business days after order verification. Once shipped via our contract carrier, ground transit to most FFLs in the continental US takes an additional 3-7 business days. You will receive tracking information once your order ships.
- Does this work with aftermarket M1 Carbine muzzle devices?
- Yes, the 18-inch barrel is threaded ½"-28 TPI at the muzzle, which is a common thread pattern. This allows for the installation of commercially available muzzle brakes or compensators designed for the .30 Carbine, though you should verify the device's caliber rating before purchase and installation.