[rmh47]

The M1 carbine is not that heavy, and the cartridge it shoots is a relatively low powered one--the .30 carbine. it was mostly used by paratroops and Marines in amphibious landings in WWII.

The M1 rifle (also known as the M1 Garand) is a different matter. It shoots a full power cartridge--the 30-06--and is quite a bit heftier. It uses an eight round en bloc clip.

The M1A is Springfield Armory's designation for their semi-auto version of the M14. It has a detachable box magazine and fires the 7.62x51 NATO cartridge, which is shorter and perhaps 5 to 10% less powerful that the 30-06.

[Heavyrunner]

My bad, I was thinking Garand vs. Carbine. :)