Some points of clarification and correction: David Marshall Williams Sr, also known as "Carbine Williams" was initially charged with the first degree murder of Cumberland Co., NC Deputy Sheriff Alfred Jackson Pate. Williams plead guilty to a reduced charge of second degree murder and was duly and lawfully convicted of that crime. His sentence was commuted and he did not serve the full sentence he was given. As with any military weapon, it must be properly cleaned and maintained Williams was a gunsmith and holds or held a US patent for a gas blow back short piston stroke rotating bolt extractor for a semi-automatic rifle. Williams DID NOT design or invent the .30 caliber M1 carbine. The M1 carbine was designed by gunsmiths at Winchester Arms and a short stroke piston extractor system, similar in design to that of Williams is part of the rifle's operating mechanism. A movie titled "Carbine Williams" was made in 1952. It is a fictionalized portrayal of Williams life and supposed role in the design of the M1 carbine. Jimmy Stewart (not Gary Cooper) played the role of Williams. Williams was a consultant for this film. Williams was , in fact, employed by Winchester and some of his designs were used in long guns sold by Winchester. I own a Winchester Model 50, 20 gauge shotgun with a rotating bolt extractor, after the Williams design. I have replaced the bolt in this shotgun twice. I also own a M1 Carbine manufactured by the Saginaw Steering Gear Company, then an operating division of General Motors. I have fired more than 700 rounds with this rifle and never experienced a single jam or malfunction of any kind. As with any military weapon, it must be properly cleaned and maintained. Please use the search feature to search the Pate List Serve Archives. Search on the keyword - carbine. Google the terms "M1 Carbine" and "Carbine Williams" Also search the "filmography" of Jimmy Stewart. Joel -- PATE DNA PROJECT http://www.familytreedna.com/public/pate-dna-project Sharing Our Past, Our Present and Our Future PATE LIST SERVE [email protected] A free E-Mail Forum for PATE Researchers