If you’ve ever shouldered a World War II-era paratrooper carbine and wished you could own one without the hassle of a 80-year-old relic, the Inland Mfg M1A1 Paratrooper .30 Carbine 18″ 15+1 Folding Stock is exactly what you’re looking for. This semi-auto reproduction is built from late-1944 specs, chambered in .30 Carbine, and features that iconic folding wire stock with a low wood walnut forearm and pistol grip. It ships with a 15-round magazine, and the blued steel finish looks just as good as the originals. Inland Manufacturing nailed the details here, making it a solid shooter and a great conversation piece at the range.
| Manufacturer | Inland Manufacturing |
|---|---|
| Model | M1A1 Paratrooper Carbine |
| Material | Steel barrel, walnut stock, wire folding stock |
| Compatibility | .30 Carbine ammunition, standard M1 Carbine magazines |
| Finish | Black/blued steel |
| Weight | 5.8 lbs (per manufacturer specs) |
| Condition | New |
Key Features
- Authentic Folding Wire Stock: This isn’t some cheap aftermarket add-on. The side-folding stock locks up tight and lets you stow the rifle in a compact pack or vehicle. It keeps the classic paratrooper profile while being rock-solid when deployed.
- Adjustable Rear Sight (1944-Style): Inland used the late-production L-type adjustable rear sight, which gives you windage and elevation adjustments. That means you can actually dial in your point of impact at 100 yards, not just guess with a fixed notch.
- 18″ Steel Barrel: The 18-inch barrel balances handling and velocity for .30 Carbine loads. It’s long enough to get decent muzzle energy but short enough to swing fast in tight spots—perfect for plinking or home-defense scenarios.
- Walnut Forearm and Pistol Grip: The low wood walnut furniture gives you a warm, secure grip and keeps the historical look. The pistol grip is especially handy for one-handed carry or shooting from unconventional positions.
- 15+1 Capacity: Comes with a 15-round magazine that’s reliable and easy to load. You can also use standard M1 Carbine 30-rounders if you want more ammo on tap.
Who It’s For
This carbine is built for recreational shooters who appreciate military history but want a shooter that runs on modern ammo without the headaches of a 70-year-old gun. It’s also a great pick for first-time buyers who want a lightweight, low-recoil semi-auto that’s easy to handle and fun at the range. If you collect WWII firearms or just want a cool, functional piece of history, this fits the bill.
Pros & Cons
- Pros: Authentic WWII paratrooper look and feel; lightweight at under 6 lbs; reliable semi-auto action; uses common .30 Carbine ammo; folding stock makes storage a breeze; adjustable rear sight for accuracy.
- Cons: The folding stock isn’t as comfortable for extended prone shooting as a full-length fixed stock. Also, .30 Carbine ammo can be pricier than 9mm or .223, so factor that into your range budget.
Comparison
| Feature | Inland Mfg M1A1 Paratrooper | Auto-Ordnance M1 Carbine | Iver Johnson M1 Carbine |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stock Type | Folding wire stock (paratrooper) | Fixed walnut stock | Fixed wood stock |
| Barrel Length | 18″ | 18″ | 18″ |
| Weight | 5.8 lbs | 5.5 lbs | 5.4 lbs |
| Rear Sight | Adjustable L-type | Fixed flip | Fixed flip |
| Historical Accuracy | High (late-1944 spec) | Moderate | Moderate |
| Price | $1,770.34 | $1,200–$1,400 | $1,100–$1,300 |
According to Inland Manufacturing specs, the M1A1 Paratrooper is one of the most faithful reproductions on the market, using original tooling and blueprints. The Auto-Ordnance and Iver Johnson models are solid shooters but lack the folding stock and adjustable rear sight. If you want the real paratrooper experience, the Inland is the one.
FAQ
What magazines does the Inland M1A1 Paratrooper use?
It ships with one 15-round magazine, and it accepts standard M1 Carbine magazines, including 30-round aftermarket options. Stick with quality brands like KCI or Triple K for best reliability.
Is this carbine California-compliant?
No, it has a folding stock and a 15-round magazine, which do not meet California’s current assault weapon laws. Check your local regulations before ordering.
Can I mount a scope or red dot on this carbine?
The receiver is not drilled for optics, but you can use a side-mount scope base that attaches to the left side of the receiver. Some aftermarket options are available from companies like Ultimak.
What is the effective range of the .30 Carbine?
With the adjustable rear sight, you can accurately engage targets out to 150–200 yards. The .30 Carbine round is flat-shooting enough for plinking and defensive use at those distances.
Does the folding stock lock in both open and closed positions?
Yes, the wire stock locks securely when deployed and when folded. There’s a spring-loaded latch that releases easily but stays put during use.
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Last updated: April 2026
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