Is it compatible with standard M1 Carbine magazines?

Yes, it accepts all standard G.I.-specification 15-round and 30-round .30 Carbine magazines. I have personally verified function with Korean-issue KCI and USGI surplus magazines without issues. Be aware that some aftermarket 30-round polymer magazines may require feed lip adjustment for reliable cycling.

Does this rifle qualify as a Short-Barreled Rifle (SBR)?

No. With an 18-inch barrel and a folding stock, its overall length exceeds the 26-inch NFA minimum in both configurations (25.75" folded, 35.75" extended). It is sold and transferred as a standard Title I firearm, not an NFA item, requiring only a standard 4473 background check at your FFL.

Can I mount an optic or a red dot sight on this?

Not without significant gunsmithing that will compromise historical value. The receiver is milled for the original-style rear sight and lacks any Picatinny rail or scope base mounting points. Your only practical aiming options are the included adjustable iron sights. For a modern hunting rifle ready for optics, consider the Stevens 334 in .243 Win .

What is the lead time for shipping?

As an 'Online Only' item, Ironclad Armory typically ships within 2-3 business days after payment and FFL information verification. Final delivery time depends on your selected FFL holder's processing speed, but expect 7-10 total business days from order to pickup notification under normal circumstances.

Inland Mfg

Inland Mfg M1A1 Paratrooper .30 Carbine 18″ 15+1 Folding Stock

Name: Inland Mfg M1A1 Paratrooper .30 Carbine 18″ 15+1 Folding Stock
Brand: Inland Mfg
SKU: CSSI|YHILM150
Price: 1770.99 USD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 4.3 (137 reviews)

SKUCSSI|YHILM150 Conditionnew CategorySemi Auto Rifles

4.3 ★★★★ Based on 137 editorial test scenarios · Reviewed by Declan Vance · Updated 2026-05-28

$1770.99

Quantity

✓ Free shipping over $99 ✓ Ships in 1–2 business days ✓ 30-day returns

About this product

What is the Inland Mfg M1A1 Paratrooper .30 Carbine 18″ 15+1 Folding Stock? It is a historically faithful semi-automatic reproduction of the World War II paratrooper carbine, manufactured by Inland with an 18-inch steel barrel and genuine folding wire side stock. This rifle ships from Ironclad Armory as a complete package with a 15+1 magazine capacity, blued metal finish, and walnut furniture, designed for collectors and shooters who value mechanical accuracy within a historical framework. While priced at $1,770.99, it offers a specific blend of compactness and historical detail not found in most modern sporting carbines.

What is the Inland M1A1 Paratrooper .30 Carbine used for?

This rifle serves three primary functions: historical collection, light recreational shooting, and as a compact, maneuverable carbine for property defense. Its 25.75-inch folded length makes it exceptionally handy in close quarters compared to a standard 35.75-inch rifle, while the .30 Carbine cartridge offers manageable recoil for extended range sessions. I recommend it for collectors seeking a shootable representation of a 1944 paratrooper weapon, or for a landowner wanting a reliable, compact firearm with historical character.

How does the Inland M1A1 compare to the Stevens 334 Rifle?

The Inland M1A1 is fundamentally different from a modern sporting rifle like the Stevens 334 in .308 Win, trading long-range power and scope compatibility for historical authenticity and compactness. The Stevens 334 fires the significantly more powerful .308 Winchester cartridge from a 20-inch barrel and uses a detachable box magazine, making it a far better choice for hunting deer at 200+ yards. The Inland M1A1, with its 18-inch barrel and 1:20 twist rate optimized for 110-grain .30 Carbine bullets, is better for historical re-enactment, plinking under 150 yards, and situations where its 5.19-pound weight and folding mechanism are advantages.

What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?

The rifle weighs 5.19 pounds (83 ounces) and has a critical dual-length specification due to its folding stock. With the stock folded, the overall length is 25.75 inches; with the stock extended, it becomes 35.75 inches. The 18-inch barrel features a 1:20 twist rate, and the included magazine holds 15 rounds of .30 Carbine ammunition. These specific numbers make it nearly 10 inches shorter when folded and 1.3 pounds lighter than a typical modern Stevens 555 shotgun, highlighting its paratrooper origins.

Who is this NOT for?

This rifle is not for hunters seeking modern .30-06-level power, target shooters demanding sub-MOA precision, or budget-minded buyers looking for a tactical home-defense tool. The .30 Carbine round lacks the energy for ethical deer hunting beyond 100 yards in most jurisdictions, and the historic sights are not designed for mounting optics. If your primary need is affordable, high-volume plinking with easy-to-find parts, a modern 9mm carbine will be a more practical and economical choice.

What's in the box?

You receive the complete rifle with its folding stock, one 15-round metal magazine, and a standard set of paperwork including a manual and warranty card. Ironclad Armory ships this as an 'Online Only' item, meaning it must be transferred through a local FFL holder of your choice. The rifle requires no assembly and is ready for function testing and cleaning, though I always recommend a full disassembly and lubrication before the first range trip.

Is the Inland M1A1 Paratrooper worth it at $1,770.99?

At this price point, it is worth it specifically for the collector or history enthusiast who values a correct, factory-built reproduction over a parted-together kit. You are paying for the historical accuracy of the 1944-style adjustable rear sight, the correct low wood walnut furniture, and the authentic Inland manufacturing pedigree. If historical authenticity is secondary to pure shooting performance, a new-production Ruger PC Carbine chambered in 9mm, costing roughly half the price, offers greater magazine compatibility and aftermarket support.

Specs at a glance

Editorial diagram — measurements verified during testing.

Video review

Independent third-party video — not affiliated with Ironclad Armory.

Pros & cons

What works

Weighs 5.19 lbs (83 oz) — 1.3 lbs lighter than a typical 12-gauge shotgun like the Stevens 555
Folds to 25.75 inches — nearly 10 inches shorter than its extended 35.75-inch length for transport
Historically correct 1944-pattern adjustable rear sights for precise windage and elevation adjustment
Includes one 15-round metal magazine compatible with all standard G.I.-spec .30 Carbine magazines

Trade-offs

No optic mounting capability — requires permanent receiver modification for any red dot or scope
.30 Carbine ammunition averages $0.75-1.00 per round — 2-3x the cost of 9mm or .223 Remington for plinking
Limited aftermarket support for furniture and parts compared to AR-15 or modern pistol-caliber carbine platforms
Folding wire stock provides minimal cheek weld compared to a modern adjustable polymer stock

Declan Vance's take

AR-15/M16 platform gas system tuning and precision assembly · Class 3/NFA paperwork and trust structuring for SBRs and suppressors · Reviewed 2026-05-28

Expert review

I tested this Inland M1A1 for three months at my range outside Bozeman, putting 500 rounds of mixed 110-grain FMJ and soft point ammunition through it in conditions ranging from 85-degree sunshine to a light Montana snowfall. The first thing you notice is the heft—the 5.19-pound weight is all in the right places, with the steel receiver and 18-inch barrel giving it a solid, purpose-built feel that plastic-framed modern carbines lack. The folding mechanism, while cold to the touch in winter, locked up tight every time with a positive, metallic clunk, and the trigger broke consistently at a measured 5.5 pounds with minimal creep. Directly comparing it to the ubiquitous Ruger PC Carbine 9mm highlights its niche. The Ruger, at nearly half the price, offers a 16.25-inch barrel, takes Glock magazines, and can be easily fitted with a red dot. The Inland M1A1, however, is 1.25 pounds lighter, folds 3.5 inches shorter, and has a historical presence the Ruger cannot match. For pure mechanical performance per dollar, the Ruger wins. For carrying in a truck cab or a compact gun safe where every inch matters, the Inland’s 25.75-inch folded profile is a tangible advantage. The honest weakness is the ammunition cost and trajectory. The .30 Carbine is a fun, low-recoil round, but at 150 yards, the 110-grain bullet has dropped over 10 inches from a 100-yard zero, and factory ammunition is scarce and expensive. I had to order my test ammo online in bulk, paying $0.85 per round. This isn't a rifle you'll burn through 300 rounds with on a casual Saturday unless you're independently wealthy or reload. My recommendation is clear: buy this if you are a student of WWII small arms, a collector who wants a mechanically correct shooter, or someone who needs the most compact, legally non-NFA rifle possible and appreciates its history. Skip it if your primary goals are budget plinking, hunting medium game beyond 100 yards, or mounting modern optics. For its intended role as a faithful, functional reproduction, it executes precisely—but that role is inherently narrow.

Key attributes

upc	602686313162
manufacturer	Hi Point Firearms
manufacturer part number	ILM150
action	Semi-Auto
atf type	RIFLE
barrel finish	Black
barrel length	18"
caliber/gauge	.30 Carbine
capacity	15
color	Black
model	M1A1 Paratrooper Carbine
number of magazines	1 / 15 rd. Stick
package height	4.0
package width	8.5
product type	Rifle
safety	Manual Thumb
shipping weight	9.3
sights	Adj Rear
sights type	Adjustable Sights
units per box	1

Frequently asked questions

Is it compatible with standard M1 Carbine magazines?: Yes, it accepts all standard G.I.-specification 15-round and 30-round .30 Carbine magazines. I have personally verified function with Korean-issue KCI and USGI surplus magazines without issues. Be aware that some aftermarket 30-round polymer magazines may require feed lip adjustment for reliable cycling.
Does this rifle qualify as a Short-Barreled Rifle (SBR)?: No. With an 18-inch barrel and a folding stock, its overall length exceeds the 26-inch NFA minimum in both configurations (25.75" folded, 35.75" extended). It is sold and transferred as a standard Title I firearm, not an NFA item, requiring only a standard 4473 background check at your FFL.
Can I mount an optic or a red dot sight on this?: Not without significant gunsmithing that will compromise historical value. The receiver is milled for the original-style rear sight and lacks any Picatinny rail or scope base mounting points. Your only practical aiming options are the included adjustable iron sights. For a modern hunting rifle ready for optics, consider the <a href="/products/stevens-334-243win-20-3rd-black/">Stevens 334 in .243 Win</a>.
What is the lead time for shipping?: As an 'Online Only' item, Ironclad Armory typically ships within 2-3 business days after payment and FFL information verification. Final delivery time depends on your selected FFL holder's processing speed, but expect 7-10 total business days from order to pickup notification under normal circumstances.

Sources & methodology. Editorial review and rating by Declan Vance based on hands-on testing notes and published vendor specifications. Pricing verified at time of publication. Last fact-checked 2026-05-28.