M1 Carbine and M1A are not the same. The M1A is the civilian version of the M14, both chambered in .308. I think the only difference is that the M1A doesn't have selective fire. The M1 Carbine is chambered for the puny .30 Carbine. It's a neat little rifle. I've got one, as well as an M1A. I certainly wouldn't vote for the carbine as the best military weapon of all time.