I disagree about being a very close range weapon. With a 1911, one could be expected to hit a mansized target maybe to 50 yards on a good day, with the m1 carbine, 200 yards isn' t a difficult shot. The .30 carbine cartridge isn' t very hard hitting at longer ranges, but its at least better than a sharp stick.

Its a much better weapon than the pistol for rear eschelon troops- if for some reason they come into contact with enemies, they have a much longer effective range, and a much higher magazine capacity.