Page "Carbine" Paragraph 16

The majority of enemy contacts were at ranges of less than 300 meters ( 325 yards ), and the enemy was exposed to fire for only short periods of time as they moved from cover to cover.

Most rounds fired were not aimed at an enemy combatant, but instead fired in the enemy's direction to keep them from moving and firing back ( see suppressive fire ).

These situations did not require a heavy rifle, firing full-power rifle bullets with long-range accuracy.

A less-powerful weapon would still produce casualties at the shorter ranges encountered in actual combat, and the reduced recoil would allow more shots to be fired in the short amount of time an enemy was visible.

The lower-powered round would also weigh less, allowing a soldier to carry more ammunition.

With no need of a long barrel to fire full-power ammunition, a shorter barrel could be used.

A shorter barrel made the weapon weigh less and was easier to handle in tight spaces, and was easier to shoulder quickly to fire a shot at an unexpected target.

Full-automatic fire was also considered a desirable feature, allowing the soldier to fire short bursts of three to five rounds, increasing the probability of a hit on a moving target.