Carbine facts for kids

A carbine is a lighter, shorter type of rifle. The smaller size and lighter weight of carbines makes them easier to handle. They are often issued to high-mobility troops such as special-ops soldiers and paratroopers. Also they can be used by mounted or other non-infantry personnel who do not need full-sized rifles.

The U.S. M4 carbine is a classic example. Continuous-fire versions may also be described as submachine guns

Images for kids

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  A Security Forces Airman of the Ohio Air National Guard fires an M4 carbine (a shorter and lighter variant of the M16A2 rifle) during target practice, 2017

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  Harquebusier, carbine-armed cavalry, 17th century

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  Carbine model 1793, used by the French Army during the French Revolutionary Wars

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  M1 Garand and M1 Carbine

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  FN FAL rifle – (left) full size, (right) carbine/paratrooper variant with a folding stock and shortened barrel

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  Bullet drop of the M16A2 rifle (yellow) vs M4 carbine (red)

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  Two M4 carbines stowed ahead of the flight instrument panel of a US Army OH-58D reconnaissance helicopter, over Iraq in 2004

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  Marlin 1894C .357 Magnum carbine

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  Ruger PC Carbine in 9×19mm Parabellum

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  Just Right Carbines (JC Carbine) in 9×19mm Parabellum with 3-9 X 42mm scope and red dot sight

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  Mauser C96 "Red 9" variant with attached shoulder-stock

See also

In Spanish: Carabina para niños