Inland M1A1 Paratrooper
The Inland M1A1 Paratrooper is a faithful reproduction of the folding-stock M1 Carbine variant issued to American airborne troops during World War II. Where the standard M1 Carbine used a fixed walnut stock, the M1A1 added a side-folding metal stock that reduced overall length for parachute operations — the most compact combat carbine the U.S. military issued in WWII. Inland’s reproduction uses the correct metal folding stock, period-accurate components, and Parkerized finish built in Dayton, Ohio.
Read our full Inland M1A1 Paratrooper Buying Guide ↓
Why the M1A1 Matters
The M1A1 Paratrooper was developed specifically for the 82nd and 101st Airborne Divisions whose troops needed a weapon that would not be damaged during a parachute jump and could be brought into action quickly after landing. The folding stock reduced the carbine’s overall length from 35.75 inches to under 26 inches folded, allowing it to be slung across the chest or packed in a jump bag. The M1A1 saw action at Normandy, Market Garden, and the Battle of the Bulge. It is the most collectible variant of the M1 Carbine family and the one most immediately recognizable to WWII historians and enthusiasts.
Inland M1A1 Paratrooper Specifications
Caliber: .30 Carbine. Barrel: 18”. Overall length: 35.75” stock extended / approximately 25.4” stock folded. Weight: approximately 5.4 lbs. Capacity: 15+1. Action: semi-automatic, gas-operated rotating bolt. Stock: period-correct side-folding metal stock. Sights: adjustable rear aperture, blade front. Finish: Parkerized. Made in USA, Dayton, Ohio.
M1A1 vs Standard M1 Carbine: Which Inland Should You Choose?
The M1A1 Paratrooper and standard M1 1944/1945 Carbines are mechanically identical — same barrel, action, caliber, and capacity. The difference is the stock. The M1A1’s folding metal stock is the most historically significant variant and the most collectible, but the fixed walnut stock of the standard M1 is more comfortable for extended range sessions. For collectors and history enthusiasts who want the airborne configuration, the M1A1 is the correct choice. For buyers who will shoot the carbine regularly and prefer a traditional stock feel, the M1 1944 or 1945 is the better fit.
Suppressed M1A1: A Natural Pairing
The M1A1 Paratrooper paired with the Inland Model 1910 suppressor creates one of the most compelling historical suppressed rifle builds possible. The .30 Carbine cartridge at subsonic velocities through the period-style Maxim-design suppressor, on a folding-stock airborne carbine — it is a package with no equivalent from any other manufacturer. The Model 1910’s offset bore is specifically designed to clear the M1 Carbine’s iron sights without modification.
Related Pages
See the Inland M1 1944 and 1945 Carbines for fixed-stock configurations, the Model 1910 suppressor for a compatible can, and the full Inland Manufacturing lineup. Visit our M1 Carbine page for general platform information.