Think about it: the M-1, M-2, and M-3 carbines were based on the old WWII design. The XM177(E1 or E2) was actually next in the carbine lineage. While it was not a widely issued weapon it nonetheless had a nomenclature and was a carbine after all. I propose that what we all commonly know as the M4 nowadays should actually be called the M5. The XM177 should have been the original M4.
XM177e2 was specifically listed as being a submachine gun by the Military per every technical document; not a carbine.
No. Plus M5 sounds lame.
Besides they were going to call the next gun the M8.
Ahem…
Like I said…
Yep, now that you mention that it was indeed considered a “submachine gun”. I recall reading that in The Black Rifle.
Oh well, so much for a Sunday mental exercise.