M2-30 Parashock

The is a select fire variant of the M1-30C carbine. It is modified to allow full automatic operation and a folding stock, suited for paratroopers.
== Design ==
Initially, the M1-30C carbine was intended to have a selective-fire capability, but the decision was made to put the M1 into production without this feature. Fully automatic capability was incorporated into the design of the M2-30C (an improved, selective-fire version of the M1-30), introduced in 1942. The M2-30C featured the late M1-30C improvements to the rear sight, addition of a bayonet lug, and a foldable paratrooper stock.
Research into a conversion kit for selective fire began May 1944; the first kit was developed by Inland engineers, and known as the M4. Inland was awarded a contract for 500 M4 carbines in September 1942. Although the conversion was seen as satisfactory, the heavier 30-round magazine put greater strain on the magazine catch, necessitating the development of a sturdier catch. The slide, sear, and stock design also had to be modified. On fully automatic fire, the M4 model could fire about 750 rounds per minute, and generated a manageable recoil.
Although some carbines were marked at the factory as M2, the only significant difference between an M1 and M2 carbine is in the fire control group. The military issued field conversion kits (M17 and M18) to convert an M1-30C to an M2-30C. Legally a carbine marked M2-30C is always a machine gun for national firearms registry purposes.
These M2-30C parts including the lighter M2 stock were standardised for arsenal rebuild of M1 and M1A1 carbines.
A modified round bolt replaced the original flat top bolt to save machining steps in manufacture. Many sources erroneously refer to this round bolt as an "M2 bolt" but it was developed as a standard part for new manufacture M1-30C and later M2-30C carbines and as a replacement part, with priority given to use on M1-30CA1 and M2-30C carbines. The slightly heavier round bolt did moderate the cyclic rate of the M2 on full automatic.
=== Specifications ===
*Length: 650/898mm
*Caliber: .30 Featherweight
*Effective Range: 175 Meters
*Weight: 6.33 Pounds
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