A carbine is a shortened version of a standard rifle, designed to be more compact and lightweight while firing the same ammunition as its full-length counterpart.
The defining characteristics of a carbine include:
- Shorter barrel length (typically 16-20 inches versus 20-24 inches for standard rifles)
- Reduced overall length and weight for improved maneuverability
- Same caliber ammunition as the full-sized rifle it's derived from
- Often features a collapsible or folding stock for further size reduction
Carbines were originally developed for cavalry troops who needed firearms they could handle while on horseback. In modern use, they're popular with military and law enforcement personnel who operate in confined spaces or vehicles, as well as civilian shooters who value the handling advantages of a more compact firearm.
Notable examples include the M4 Carbine (shortened version of the M16 rifle), the AK-102/104/105 series (compact versions of the AK platform), and various civilian hunting and sporting carbines. While they sacrifice some velocity and effective range compared to full-length rifles due to shorter barrels, carbines offer significant advantages in weight, handling, and portability.