Originally Posted by derby_dude
I wasn't thinking self-defense in the four-legged animal kingdom but self-defense in the two-legged kingdom. Having used a full size M-16 and a full size M-1 carbine and I like the M-1 better because it was always with you. The M-16 was a bigger rifle and heavier and one had a tendency to lay the M-16 against a tree or leave it in the vehicle rather than having it with you when you needed it. One could just lay the M-1 carbine across one's back and the little rifle would just stay there until needed.

Rear area troops need a self-defense weapon that frees the hands and yet is always available. The full size M-16 did not fit that need well at all. Civilians have the same needs as rear area troops, hands free and their self-defense weapon always available, the M1 carbine fits that role better than any AR type rifle.
I agree.