[ithacaartist]

Thanks for the clarification Doug! After a little more reading of various definitions thrown out in discussion, I'm glad to let go of my original take. Generally, it would be a shorter version of the full sized service rifle, issued to troops that would make this feature desirable. Back in the day, mostly cavalry or mounted personnel. Barrel length commonly between 16" and 20", whether proprietary, reduced caliber, reduced charge, or not, a round with less recoil than full sized rifle. The definition seems a bit fuzzy nowadays because of all the variations/exceptions. My Thompson semi is called one (.45 ACP, 16" bbl) and I've seen heavy revolvers chambered to fire .30 carbine rounds. Someone also mentioned that the major difference between the M16 and M4 is basically only the barrel length! What I take away from this is that the salient features that make a gun a carbine are a handy length and a relatively gentler round, but we mustn't forget the exceptions.