RIFLES: the M1 Garand Rifle

September 09 Blue Press Section 2 7/14/09 12:09 PM Page 41 41 RIFLEES: The M1 Garand Rifle General George S. Patton: Garand’s original design. Once this was corrected, the barrel, so it was in all probability a lend-lease “Thee fieverythingnes workedt b afine.t At smallle tubim of specialplemearmn tot our e Englishve cousins.r devised.” lubricant that looked like peanut butter (Lubriplate M1C and M1D sniper rifles, equipped with ™) was stored in the butt of the rifle where a trap- scopes offset to the left, were standardized a bit door had been added at about the time the gas-trap late for more than minimal use during WWII. A was replaced by porting. A disassembly tool and cone-shaped flash hider was produced for these either a jointed cleaning rod or a pull-through weapons, as was a strap-on leather cheek pad. The thong and brass bristle brush were also stored main sniper weapon during the war was the there. A shorter version of the old M1905 bayonet M1903A4, basically an M1903A3 bolt-action rifle was issued for the Garand. Designated the M1 bay- topped with a scope. Following the war, during the onet and equipped with plastic scales, the blade Korean War era, International Harvester and Har- a measured 10 inches. It would also fit the older rington & Richardson also produced M1s. These bolt-actions. Several types of grenade launchers were marked “International Harvester” and “HRA were also made over the life of the M1. These Arms Co.” respectively on the receiver. M1, M1C could be latched to the bayonet lug. and M1D rifles were used throughout the Korean The Marine Corps was the last to be issued War. The T-37 pronged flash suppressor developed M1s in the Pacific Theatre during WWII. Their first after that war for the sniper versions replaced the exposure to the new M1 was when the rifle was gas cylinder lock on those weapons. This eliminat- often unofficially “borrowed” from Army troops. ed accuracy problems caused by the original flash Distrust turned to admiration as the firepower of hider that was latched to the bayonet lug. A much the M1 became apparent, and the arm became handier M5 bayonet was designed in 1955. It had a general issue for the Marines, replacing their 6 3/8” blade and utilized a stud that fitted into the A Model 1903 Springfields. Combat experience gas cylinder lock screw. with the M1 was overwhelmingly favorable with In 1957, the Garand was officially replaced by only two problems noted. One could not replen- the M14 rifle, itself a product-improved M1 with d ish the arm when fewer than eight rounds had a 20-round magazine and optional full-auto been fired. It was eight rounds or nothing. Also, capability. In spite of this, many active and when the last round was fired, the clip was eject- reserve units continued to use the M1 through ed with a distinctive “ching” sound. While that the mid-60s until M14 production caught up. alerted the firer to reload, it also notified the John Garand did much of the initial development enemy that this particular American was out of work on the M14 prior to his retirement from ammo and was probably in the process of reload- Springfield in 1953. He died February 16, 1974 ing. The countermeasure to this was to fling an in Springfield at age 86. A revered contributor to empty clip against the operating rod to make that America’s war effort, he received many honors sound while you still had plenty of rounds left. but little monetary compensation for his prodi- When the expectant enemy rose to fire, you gious and industrious work. - popped him. Good old American ingenuity. Today, U.S.-released surplus M1s are still seen In addition to Springfield Armory, Winchester in the hands of other countries’ soldiers, as effec- Repeating Arms of New Haven, Connecticut pro- tive today as they ever were. Qualified individuals s duced M1s for the war effort. Winchester reached can obtain surplus M1s from the U.S. Government a production peak of over 122,000 rifles in the through the Civilian Marksmanship Program, suc- one month of January 1944. In all, somewhat cessor to the old DCM (Director of Civilian Marks- over four million M1s were delivered to our manship). They are used extensively in high-power troops during the war. The rifle illustrated was rifle matches, and are prime collector items. manufactured at Springfield in 1941, just prior to Garand rifles truly deserve a hallowed place in the our entry into the war. It bears British proofs on roster of classic military rifles. DP.

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