The M1 Garand rifle

[cyberia]

The M1 Garand rifle

Probably one of the most recognizable rifles of the Second World War, The M1 rifle was the brainchild of firearms designer John C. Garand. Working at the Army's Springfield Armory, Garand completed his design of his primer-operated breech rifle, 30 cal. M1922. Following years of field tests, redesigns and an upgrade to cal. 30.06, the first production model was successfully proof-fired, function-fired, and fired for accuracy on July 21, 1937.

John Garand presents his now legendary M1 rifle to Army officials.

By January 1941 the Springfield Armory was producing 600 M1 rifles per day. Following the outbreak of World War II in Europe, Winchester was awarded an "educational" production contract for 65000 rifles, with deliveries beginning in 1943.

Oddly enough, the British Army tested the M1 Garand as a possible replacement for its bolt-action Lee-Enfield No.1 Mk III, but rejected it after trials to simulate combat.
American troops however swore by the M1, and considered it the finest small arm in European and Pacific operations.

U.S. Marines with their weapon off choice, the M1 rifle

Want to feature a weapon? Have a question or would like to see a photo on any World War II personal combat weapon? Open a thread and fire away!

cyberia

[Pirate-Drakk]

One qwirk of the M1 Garand was a loud "ting" sound from the clip when the last round was fired. The enemy figured this out quickly so the G.I.s would make the sound intentionally to lure the enemy into a false sense of security. Apparently this "feature" was only a minor drawback and not cause for rejecting the weapon.