Most of my uncles were also combat men.
So too were several of my neighbors in the little town where I grew up.
A few of my teachers were combat veterans as well.
The classic M1 Garand: G.I. training with the M1 rifle during 1952. Image: NARA
The Second World War had a massive impact on the United States, and consequently on Americas culture.
It is also important to note that 20thcentury military firearms were not hot collectibles at that point.
All you had to do was ask.
The inventor: John Garand poses with his rifle at Springfield Armory. Image: NARA
Today, it isnt so easy.
So lets dive into the story of the M1 Garand.
He moved to the United States in 1909 and became a naturalized citizen in 1920.
President Roosevelt examines the M1 rifle at Aberdeen Proving Ground during November 1940. Image: Author’s collection
He began working for Springfield Armory as an engineer in 1919 and remained there until he retired in 1953.
Garand designed the M1 rifle and then ceded all rights to the weapon to the U.S. government during 1936.
Talk about being a team player!
Loading the M1: Using the M1’s 8-round en-bloc clip. Image: NARA
What About the Carbine?
The M1 Rifle is chambered in .30-06.
It is a big firearm at 43.5 long.
U.S. Ordnance drawing of the M1 rifle’s 8-round clip. Image: NARA
The M1 Carbine is much smaller, just 35.6 long.
The two rifles are not related the M1 Carbine is not a shortened version of the M1 Rifle.
The M1 Rifle was adopted as the standard U.S. service rifle in 1936.
The Garand rifle seen in early 1942. Note the M1917 “Kelly” helmet and the M2 halftrack in the background. Image: NARA
The M1 Carbine was born during World War II and standardized in 1942.
However, when discussing the M1 anything, it can make the conversation confusing.
The Carbines original purpose was to replace the pistol and the submachine gun in U.S. service.
The gas trap Garand: the early M1 rifle photographed in November 1938. Image: NARA
Why the M1?
Both were bolt-action rifles, chambered in .30-06.
American infantry firepower was in fine shape.
The M1 in wartime training, equipped with the M1905 bayonet. Image: NARA
Even so, U.S. At Springfield Armory, John Garand was tasked with developing a semi-automatic rifle as early as 1919.
Development continued throughout the 1920s, and the U.S. Army became interested in anew 7mm (.276) cartridge.
Competing designs were submitted by Thompson, Pedersen, Colt-Browning, Browning and Bang.
G.I.s defend the beachhead in Algeria during Operation Torch, November 1942. Image: NARA
No clear winner was established after multiple tests.
America had the first semi-automatic rifle as its standard infantry rifle.
The M1 rifle has an internal magazine that isfed by an 8-round en-bloc clip.
Marine marksman at work during the Okinawa campaign, spring 1945. Image: NARA
This one feature is the main source of confusion and complaints about the rifle.
In the modern era, this clip-loading system seems cumbersome and limited.
But John Garands design was in response to U.S.
The victor: Third Army G.I. on the march into Germany in the spring of 1945. Image: NARA
Ordnance requirements for a fixed, non-protruding magazine.
At that time, some also considered a protruding magazine to be a hindrance to prone position firing.
Certainly, the en-bloc clip has its drawbacks.
The Korean War: Marine marksman with a M1 Garand in Korea during 1952. Image: NARA
Once loaded, the M1 rifles magazine is difficult to top off.
Without a clip, the M1 can only be loaded with single rounds.
The thin metal clips are not difficult to load, but they take a bit of time.
A Marine recruit receives instruction on the M1 rifle at Parris Island during 1957. Image: NARA
The whole issue is total nonsense, but it makes for grand stories at the local gun show.
Dont let it keep you from acquiring an M1 Garand.
On the plus side, the en-bloc clips allowed the M1 to be reloaded rather quickly.
Marine sniper in Korea, armed with a M1C rifle. Image: NARA
Experienced troops could get off up to 50 rounds a minute of aimed fire.
M1 Thumb?
M1 Thumb is a painful experience shared by many M1 Garand shooters.
In Vietnam: an instructor of the 77th Ranger detachment shows ARVN troops the off-hand combat firing stance with the M1 rifle during October 1962. Image: NARA
Either way, you will scream out curses, and maybe even invent some new swear words.
Production was slow until 1941, then increasing dramatically as war appeared imminent.
The last M1 rifles were made at Springfield Armory in early 1957.
First Combat Use?
Before the islands fell, very positive reports were transmitted to the United States about the rifles combat performance.
Did All Troops Have the Garand?
Eventually they were, but wartime distribution was greatly varied.
Most U.S. Marine Corps combat units werestill equipped with the M1903rifle well into 1943.
When the march was well underway the Sergeant inquired as to why the Leatherneck kept treading on his heels.
The answer came quickly: Youll probably get yours on the first burst, Mac.
Before you hit the ground Ill throw this damn Springfield away and grab your rifle.
M1 Sniper Rifle?
The M1C saw extensive service with Army units during the Korean War.
Both are considered to be excellent sniper weapons for their time.
What Is the Tanker?
With the short barrel, muzzle blast and recoil are quite notable.
Service Life
Despite theadoption of the M14 riflein 1958, theM1 Garand remained in limited serviceuntil 1965.
Some of the early American advisors in Vietnam carried M1 rifles.
The Navy used a small number of M1 rifles rechambered in 7.62x51mm NATO.
Who am I to argue with General Patton?
Shes definitely good enough for me.
