what classifies a carbine to be a carbine?

Question

i know it is a short barreled light weight rifle but what specific length and weight is it

Answer 1

In total truth there is no set standard, each weapons manufacture reinvent the term as they see the need arise.
Attached is a link that this insert came from, there is much more on the subject if you click in the link.

***Insert***
The modern usage of the term carbine covers much the same scope as it always had, namely lighter weapons (generally rifles) with barrels of less than about 18 inches (460 mm). These weapons can be considered carbines, while rifles with barrels of 20 inches (510 mm) or more are generally not considered carbines unless specifically named so, and depending on the weapon's power. Modern carbines are chambered in calibers from pistol calibers to full power rifle cartridges, usually up to, but not including, the high velocity magnum rifle cartridges. In the more powerful cartridges, the short barrel of a carbine has significant disadvantages in velocity,

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carbine
Hope this was of some help.

D58

Answer 2

Carbines were built as military weapons. Technical details are the same for both rifles and carbines apart from barrel and overall length.
differences of weight varies from make and model.
example,
Bushmaster XM 15 E2S Dissipator Carbine is a .223 Rem Calibre and weighes 7lbs 6oz, with a 16 inch barrel. at an overall length of 34 1/2 inches

A similar rifle is the Bushmaster XM 15 E2S Target Rifle. Also a .223 calibre weighing 8lbs 10 ounces, with a 20 inch barrel and overall length of 8 lbs 10oz.

The only differences I can see in the weight would be the extra inches of the barrel for the rifle. Those 2 are simliar in every way except for the shorter barrel on the carbine.

Answer 3

Old Fuzz is correct. Generally speaking a carbine is a short version of a rifle. Barrel length determines whether a shoulder-weapon is a carbine or a rifle. At under 20" inches to 16" inches it is legally considered a carbine. Less than 16" with a shoulder stock usually makes it illegal in the USA (exceptions too few to mention); 20" to 26+" classify the shoulder weapon as a 'rifle.'

H

Answer 4

There's no set rule. Military firearms have traditionally been issued in two or more barrel lengths with all else, for all intents and purposes, being the same.
With the concept now well-entrenched, there are also carbines, many firing pistol-class cartridges, that are called carbines despite there being no equivalent longer-barrelled rifle complement.

Answer 5

Generally, it's just barrel length. A barrel 20 inches or under is considered a carbine.

Answer 6

smaller than its big brother m1 garand m1 carbine theres no set rule its just a smaller design of a larger gun I wont try to list all of them but thats a true caobine

I guess they didnt want to say down sized some knock offs call threr self a carbine but they are not really