but I am right that the paratroopers used the M1A1 right? Even though it added weight it cut the length drastically.
yes the paratroopers did use the M1A1, but i believe the M1A1 was lighter(but don't count on me, i need to look it up tomorow) I'm just saying this because the waire frame stock in my eyes would be lighter than a full wood stock and either way both of them are still lighter than the standard M1 Garand
The folding stock made it infinitely more easy to take along on a combat jump because, well, it could be folded. Then it could be strapped almost anywhere on the body pretty much harmlessly. By the way, the paratroopers really only used the M1A1 in rear-echelon units such as artillery. These men were not expected to fight like regular infantry.