Introduction.
A rifle that the general George. S. Patton called «the greatest battle implement ever devised», The M1 Garand proved and reproved itself from the battles fields of europe and pacific in WW2 to the jungle of Vietnam in the 1960's.
History.
The M1 Garand was created by the canadian born engineer John Cantius Garand. John C Garand was born in 1888 at St-Remi,Quebec Canada. His family moved to Jewett City,Connecticut. After a basic education, J.C Garand left school to work in a textile mill. Starting out as a sweeper, his habilities for mechanic permit him to find work as a machinist. Having learned well the machinist craft, J.C Garand left Connecticut to work for Browne and Sharpe, one of the most important company of machine tool development and machining technology, in Providence, Rhode Island. After he became a machine designer with Federal Screw Corporation. Being a skilled machinist and having interest in firearm, John C Garand became interested in firearm design. After the entry of USA in WW1, Garand submited a machinegun design. In the mean time, John Garand was hired by the United states Bureau of Standards.The design was accepted but the war ended and the prototype was only ready in 1919,same year as the US governement retained Garand as a weapon designer. Garand continued his carreer at the Springfield Armory were he became Chief Civil Engineer.
John Cantius Garand creator of the M1 rifle
The first rifle designed by J.C Garand was a fully automatic rifle, the M1919 in 30.06 caliber. The rifle used a primer actuated mechanism, the primer setback after firing was used to unlock the breech,and a turning front locking bolt system. The primer actuation was a very unusual design. On the picture below,Automatic rifle M1919.
The second attempt was the M1920. This was a semi automatic rifle,using the primer actuation system and the turning bolt of the previous M1919. The rifle was produced in a clip and magazine versions. Rifle was also in 30.06 caliber. On the picture below,Semi automatic rifle M1920
Third rifle was the M1921 30.06 cal, still using primer actuation. The main difference with the M1920 is that the M1921 used a non rotating rear locking bolt. The rifle was equiped with a 5 rounds fixed magazine.Picture below show the Semi automatic rifle M1921.
Fourth rifle was the M1923(approved designation T1924). The T1924 will be the last rifle using primer actuation because the system will be later found incompatible because of the crimped primer in the new 30.06 loading,the 30M1 ball, adopted in 1926. The T1924 is a clip feed 8 rounds semi auto rifle, with a straight bolt. On the picture below, the semi automatic rifle M1923.
Between 1923 and 1932, the US ARMY begin testing of an experimental cartridge, the .276 Pedersen along with the Pedersen semi automatic rifle. The Pedersen rifle,created by J.D Pedersen,was the competitor of the Garand. Pedersen rifle was a delayed blowback action rifle with a 10 rounds "en bloc" clip charger. The Pedersen rifle required waxed cartridges to operate correctly and the charger clip could be only inserted in 1 way. In 1926, J.C Garand new rifle, the M1926 gas operated semi auto in 30.06(30M1 ball) was ready but since the army choosed the .276 cal to replace the .30 cal, Garand was requested to submit a rifle in .276 Pedersen. The result will be the T3,completed in 1929 and followed by the improved T3E1 and T3E2. The .276 Garand used an «en bloc» clip of 10 rounds
On the picture, we can see the Garand T3 in .276 cal(top rifle) and the Pedersen rifle in .276 cal(bottom rifle)
After numerous testing, the Garand was proven a better design than the Pedersen and the fact that the Garand didn't require waxed bullet and the clip could be inserted in either way were 2 positives points. The Pedersen will be abandonned in favor of the Garand. In 1930, another Garand,named T1 in 30.06(30M1ball) was built followed by the T1E1 in 1931. The T1E1 will be tested early 1932 with highly positives results. In 1932, The Army Chief of Staff, the General Douglas MacArthur,who was never interested in the replacement of the 30.06 cartridge, expressed his disagreements in a letter to the adjutant general. MacArthur suggested ,for praticals and economicals reasons,that the .276 cal be scrapped and the Garand would be chambered in 30.06 instead. With the facts that there's were huge stock of perfectly serviceable 30.06 ammo and the infrastructure to produce it, the .276 cal was soon dropped,clearing the path for the Garand in 30.06. An improved version of the Garand T1E1 appeared as the T1E2 with a redesigned bolt. 80 T1E2 rifles were ordered from Springfield Armory between 1932-1934. Thoses rifles named «model shop» were intended for extensive testing before the mass production. On january 6,1936, the Garand was adopted as the U.S Rifle,caliber.30,M1 as the new U.S military service rifle. Production started in august 1937 at the Springfield Armory.
The M1 Garand
The M1 Garand, or simply called M1 rifle, is a gas operated semi automatic rifle with a locking rotating bolt.
Caliber 30.06
overall length 1103 mm
barrel lenght 610mm
weight 4.32kg
magazine fixed, clip fed 8 rounds
The early M1 used a gas trap system for operation. In this design, as the bullet exit the muzzle,some of the gas from propellent combustion is trapped in a gas chamber then push the piston/operating rod to unlock the bolt. A stud on the right bolt locking lug fit in a recess on the operating rod. As he rifle is fired, the operating rod is pushed to the rear,the stud on the bolt locking lug is pivoted up,unlocking the bolt. As the bolt return foward, stripping a cartridge from the clip,the bolt is turned back to lock the breech. The recess in the operating rod act like a cam. The gas trap system reliability wasn't acceptable so in 1939, the gas trap was changed to a simpler gas port system. In the gas port system, a small hole is drilled in the barrel. As the bullet pass the gas port, gas is bled to the gas cylinder and act against the piston/operating rod. This system is more reliable,more easy to clean than the gas trap feature. When the new gas port design was adopted, pretty much all the previous gas trap rifles were modified to the gas port type. Un-modified gas trap rifle are extremely rare and extremely pricey collector items.
The M1 fixed magazine is loaded with a metal"en bloc" clip of 8 rounds,inserted through the top of the rifle. When the last round is fired, the clip is ejected with a distinctive "ping" sound, the bolt is locked back so a fresh clip can be loaded in the rifle. On the left side of the rifle, a clip ejector can be pressed to manually eject a partially emptied clip.This magazine system was somewhat critized because a partially empty clip couldn't be topped of with singles rounds, with is false because the clip can be topped with singles rounds while still in the rifle but its somewhat cumbersome to do. Also the distinctive "ping" noise of the ejected empty clip was said to let the ennemies know that the rifle is empty, against this is discutable because of the noise and chaos on a battle field, unless the ennemi is extremely close, the clip is unlikely to be heard when its ejected. The M1 have possibly the best sighting system you can ask on a battle rifle. The front sight is a blade,protected by 2 wings. The rear sight is an aperture type,graduated from 100 to 1200 yards and can be adjusted for windage. The rifle come with a sturdy wood stock and a 2 pieces handguard. A bayonet lug is mounted on the gas cylinder. A trap door on the buttplate give access to the cleaning kit inside the buttstock. The M1 proven to be a very good rifle,heavy but reliable. After WW2, the M1 served in many latin america,asiatic and european countries. Also seen service in korean war(1950-1953) and in vietnam war even if the rifle was officially replaced by the M14,M16.
M1 Garand, Beretta manufactured for Denmark.
M1 rifle sighting system. Apperture rear sight fully adjustable and protected front sight.
The M1 safety is easily reached in front of the trigger.
safety "ON"
safety "OFF"
On the left side of the rifle, we can see the release button that permit to manually eject a partially emptied clip.
8 rounds "en bloc" clip.
M1 rifle production
During WW2, Springfield Armory and Winchester Repeating Arms were the only manufacturers of the M1 rifle. Springfield Armory produced 3,526,922 rifles from 1932 to 1945. January 1944 production at Springfield Armory peaked with 122,001 for that month. That mean 3,936 rifles per day or 164 rifles per hour! Winchester Repeating Arms production accounted for 513,880 rifles between December 1940 and June 1945. Total production for WW2,Springfie and Winchester combined was 4,040,802 rifles. Following the end of WW2 to the korean war, Springfield Armory rebuilt more than 500,000 rifles. With the Korean war, Springfield began a new production of M1 rifle in 1952 and the last standard M1 rifle production ended on May 17 1957 with 637,420 rifles. In the 1950's, two other manufacturers,International Harvester and Harrington and Richardson Arms also supplied additionnals M1 rifles. International Harvester received a M1 contract production on June 15 1951 and possibly begining delivery early 1953 and ended early 1956 with a total of 337,623 rifles. International Harvester rifles had their stock made by Overton Woodworking Corp. And their barrel by Line Material Company, Birmingham,Alabama. Thoses barrel are marked LMR and are regarded to be very high quality service barrel. Harrington and Richardson Arms Co received its contract on april 3 1952, began delivery early 1953 and ceased production early 1956 with 428,600 M1 produced. Springfield Armory,Winchester Repeating Arms,International Harvester and Harrington and Richardson Arms Co produced a total of approx 5,468,772 M1 rifles. In the 1950's, the M1 was also produced in Italy by Beretta and Breda, not only for the Italian army but for any other potential buyer. About 100,000 M1 were made in Italy. Denmark purchased Italian made M1,those are marked FKF. Indonesia also used Italian and U.S made Garand. Italy also made their own version of the Garand, the BM59. The BM59 is a selective fire Garand with a 20rds box magazine. The rifle was adopted in 1959 for the Italian army.
BerettaBM59
The Garand was replaced in the U.S army by the M14, a somewhat reworked Garand design. The M14 is chambered in 7.62x51 NATO, the M14 was selective fire with a removable 20 rds box magazine.
Rifle and stock markings,stock differences,manufacturing changes.
Markings of various M1 manufacturers.
-Springfield Armory
-Winchester Repeating Arms
-International Harvester
-Harrington and Richardson Arm Co
-Breda Meccanica Romana(BMR)
-Pietro Beretta(PB)
M1 barrel are dated on the right side but Winchester barrel dont have date,they are identified with drawing # D35448W.R.A
Since a huge number of M1 rifles were rebuilt, its common to find rifles with mixed parts from different makers.
During the production period, the M1 had fews manufacturing changes. The most notable changes were,
-modification of the gas trap design to gas port type
-milled trigger guard with hole to stamped guard without hole.
-rear sight from short pinion to long pinion and also windage knob from flush nut to lock bar and again post war flush nut.
-cylinder gas plug from slotted(left) to poppet type(right)
Originals M1 stocks were made of walnut,replacement birch stock appeared after 1957. The originals manufacturers of M1 stock were,
-Springfield Armory
-Winchester Repeating Arms
-Overton Woodworking Corp. (for International Harvester manufactured M1),Overton also made replacement birch stock.
-Harrington and Richardson Arms Co.
M1 stock show differences in manufacture. The differences appear in pistol grip shape, on the top rear area were the receiver set, area were the trigger guard set, barrel channel lenght and operating rod cut.
We can see on the pic, a Winchester stock on top and a Springfield Armory stock on bottom. The radius of pistole grip is different.
This picture show the area were the receiver rest on the stock. The top stock is Winchester and the bottom is a Springfield stock. On the pic, the Winchester stock is larger than the Springfield but Winchester can also have stock with the smaller dimension as well.
Here,were the trigger guard rest in the stock, we can see the U shaped notch of the Springfield versus the V notch of the Winchester.
Post WW2 stock manufactured by Overton Woodworking Corp. Also have a V notch but smaller than the Winchester notch. On the picture, we see the Winchester stock(left) and the Overton stock with the semi V notch(right)
Winchester stock have 2 or 3 gigit numbers or letters stamped on the front part of the stock.
Winchester stock must have,
-the V notch for the trigger guard
-a more rounded pistol grip
-numbers or letters stamped on the front part.
Barrel channel are 2 1/8 inch or 1 5/8 inch. On the picture, we can see the Springfield stock with the short barrel channel(left) and the Winchester stock with the long channel and a different curved cut for the op rod.
Springfield used the long barrel channel from serial # 1 to 520,000 and the short channel from #520,000 to end of production. Winchester used long channel from # 100,001 to 2,350,000 and the short channel from # 2,350,000 to the end of production.
M1 stock have a cartouche stamped on. Depending on the period of manufacture, differents cartouche can be seen. Stock were stamped on left side,below the receiver. On Springfield Armory rifles they are:
serial # 81-78,000 barrel date 1936-October 1940. S.A/S.P.G(Springfield Armory/Stanley P. Gibbs,inspector) Drawing numbers were used on rifles serial# 81-22,000. Drawing # D28292 on stock betwen pistol grip and rear sling swivel,front handguard # C46006 and rear handguard # C46005. Other stamp used is the circled "P" proof mark on pistol grip. 2 versions of P stampwere used. Rifles #1-80 didnt have any cartouche stamps and drawing numbers.
serial# 78,000-84,000, October 1940-November 1940.
S.A/G.H.S.(Springfielp Armory/Gilbert H. Stewart,commanding officer). Other stamp was the P proof mark.
serial# 78,000-588,000 October 1940-April 1942.
S.A/G.H.S.(Springfielp Armory/Gilbert H. Stewart,commanding officer). Other stamps are the P proof mark and the Ordnance Wheel with crossed cannons. The wheel was 0.72 inch diameter.
serial#377,000-691,000,November 1941-June 1942.
S.A/G.H.S.(Springfielp Armory/Gilbert H. Stewart,commanding officer).
Other stamps are the P proof mark and the Ordnance Wheel with crossed cannons. Wheel was 0.437 inch diameter.
serial#665,000-730,000,June 1942-July 1942.
S.A/E.McF.(Springfield Armory/Earl McFarland) Other stamps are the P proof mark and the Ordnance Wheel with crossed cannons. The wheel was 0.72 inch diameter. A small 0.188 inch Orcnance wheel was stamped on the bottom of pistol grip.
serial# 665,000-2,092,000,June 1942-October 1943.
S.A/E.McF.(Springfield Armory/Earl McFarland)Other stamps are the P proof mark and the Ordnance Wheel with crossed cannons. The wheel was 0.437 inch diameter. A small 0.188 inch Orcnance wheel was stamped on the bottom of pistol grip.
serial# 1,978,000-3,267,000 August 1943-March 1945
S.A/G.A.W.(Springfield Armory/George A. Woody) Other stamps are the P proof mark and the Ordnance Wheel with crossed cannons. The wheel was 0.437 inch diameter. A small 0.188 inch Orcnance wheel was stamped on the bottom of pistol grip.
serial# 3,272,000-3,888,081 November 1944-November 1945
S.A/N.F.R.(Springfield Armory/Norman F. Ramsey) This is the end of WW2 production. Other stamps are the P proof mark and the Ordnance Wheel with crossed cannons. The wheel was 0.437 inch diameter. A small 0.188 inch Orcnance wheel was stamped on the bottom of pistol grip.
serial# 81-3,888,081 Rebuilt program November 1945-December 1947
S.A/S.H.M.(Springfield Armory/Steven H. McGregor) Other stamps are the P proof mark and the Ordnance Wheel with crossed cannons. The wheel was 0.437 inch diameter.
serial# 81-3,888,081 Rebuilt program December 1947-June 1950
S.A/S.P.G.(Springfield Armory/Stanley P. Gibbs) Other stamps are the P proof mark and the Ordnance Wheel with crossed cannons. The wheel was 0.437 inch diameter.
serial#4,200,000-4,350,000 July 1950-September 1953
S.A/J.L.G.(Springfield Armory/James L. Guidon) Other stamps are the P proof mark and the Ordnance Wheel with crossed cannons. The wheel was 0.437 inch diameter.
serial# 4,320,000-6,099,905 June 1953-June 1957
Department of Defense Acceptance Stamp( Eagle with 3 stars) Other stamp was the P proof mark.
Stock cartouche on Winchester rifle.
serial# 100,101-120,000 July 1940-July 1941
W.R.A./R.S.(Winchester Repeating Arms/Robert Sears) Other stamps used were the circled P proof mark and the Ordnance Wheel with crossed cannons. The wheel was 0.47 inch diameter.
# 120,000-132,000 July 1941-December 1941
W.RA./W.B. in box( Winchester Repeating Arms/Waldemar Bromberg) Other stamps used were the circled P proof mark and the Ordnance Wheel with crossed cannons. The wheel was 0.47 inch diameter.
# 132,000-1,210,000 December 1941-June 1942
W.RA./W.B. not in box( Winchester Repeating Arms/Waldemar Bromberg) Other stamps used were the circled P proof mark and the Ordnance Wheel with crossed cannons. The wheel was 0.47 inch diameter.
#1,210,000-1,260,000 June 1942-October 1942
WRA/GHD(Winchester Repeating Arms/Guy H.Drewry) Other stamps used were the circled P proof mark and the Ordnance Wheel with crossed cannons. The wheel was 0.47 inch diameter.
Serial#1,260,000-2,536,000 October 1942-July 1945
WRA/GHD(Winchester Repeating Arms/Guy H.Drewry) Other stamps used were the circled P proof mark and the Ordnance Wheel with crossed cannons. The wheel was 0.47 inch diameter.
International Harvester rifles
serial#4,440,000 1953, Ordnance Wheel on left or right side of stock, 0.44 inch diameter, P proof mark. Inside the barrel channel was stamped OR(Overton Woodworking Corp) with 4 digits number.
Serial#4,450,000-end of production. Department of Defense Acceptance Stamp. Other stamps were P proof mark. Inside barrel channel stamped OR(Overton Woodworking Corp) with 4 digits number.
Harrington and Richardson Arms
serial#4,660,001-4,664,000
Ordnance Wheel on left side and P proof mark
serial#4,661,000-5,609,000
Department of Defense Acceptance Samp,stamp is 3/8 by 3/8 inch. Other used stamp is the P proof mark.
M1 sniper model "C" and "D"
The M1 sniper appeared in June 1944 to replace the Springfield 1903A4. The first model was the M1 C originally called M1E7. The model C was equipped with a Griffin & Howe side mounted scope mount. Since the M1 must be loaded from top, the mount has to be mounted on the left side of the rifle. The model C also had a cheekpiece and a large conical flash hider. On the pic below, the M1 C with the M82 scope.(cheek piece missing)
The second model was the M1 D,also know as the M1E8. This model entered in service shortly after WW2 and saw extensive use in Korean war and later served during the Vietnam war. The main difference with the model C is the scope mount.On the pic below, the M1 D with the M84 scope.
Experimental versions of the M1.
During the production of the M1, fews modified M1 were tested but never adopted.
U.S carbine M1E5.
This variant, was a Garand but with a folding metal stock for paratrooper use. Tested in 1944, was never adopted.
T20.
The T20 was developped by john Garand. Its a selective fire M1 that accept BAR magazine.
T20E2
Similar to the T20 but with a different magazine.
T20E2 heavy barrel version.
A heavy barrel version with a bipods.
T22
Another selective version,detachable magazine made by Remington.
T22E3HB
A light machine gun with a heavy barrel.
T22E3HB with a different stock.
T23
similar to the T22 but with an angled stock
T26
The T26 was an experimental conversion made in WW2 in the pacific. Two samples were sent to Springfield Armory for testing. Springfield made a sample for testing but judged impratical because of the excessive muzzle flash and recoil, the T26 never went into production. The unique T26 made by Springfield was destroyed in testing. Of the two samples from the pacific, one is in the Springfield Armory Museum and the other is supposed to be at the West Point Museum.
T27
The T27 was a standard Garand modified for automatic fire. Developed by Remington, standard Garand could be converted with a drop in automatic parts kit.
M1 rifles accessories.
Typical accessories for the M1 are,
-bayonet
-sling
-cleaning kit
-ammo belt and ammo bandolier
-grenade launcher
-winter trigger
The first model of bayonet used on the Garand was the M1905,with a 16 inch blade, same bayonet as the Springfield 1903 rifle. New production of the M1905 bayonet started in 1942 with parkerized blade and plastic grip. The bayonet was issued with the M3 scabbard.
In 1943 a new bayonet was designed for the M1. Basically, was a M1905 bayonet with a shorter blade,10 inch, instead of the original 16 inch blade. The new bayonet was called M1 bayonet issued with the M7 scabbard. Many older M1905 bayonet were converted to the new M1 style.
The 3rd bayonet model was developed during the Korean war and called the M5 bayonet. Instead having a barrel ring to mount the bayonet, the bayonet had a stud that fit in the gas plug. The bayonet was issued with the M8A1 scabbard.
Two models of sling were used on the garand, the M1907 leather sling and the later web sling.
The M1 cleaning kit consist of,
-4 sections cleaning rod
-cleaning jag
-bore brush
-combo tool either the M3A1 or the later M10 tool.
-chamber brush
-2 compartment oiler
The M10 tool is used in the kit below.
in picture below,the combo tool M3a1
The ammo for the M1 rifle were carried in a belt and/or bandolier. The belt has 10 pockets and the bandolier has 8 pockets.
The grenade launcher for the M1 rifle was the M7 grenade launcher.
The winter trigger was developed during the Korean war and can be mounted without tool on the Garand but only with the milled trigger guard.
M1 Garand disassembly and lubrication.
First, open the action to be sure rifle is unloaded.
A Garand tool kit is welcome if you have one but non entirely needed.
First, close the action. To do so, pull back and hold the operating rod, with your other hand, depress the magazine follower and carefully, close the action.
The combo tool is very useful to remove the extractor with the bolt still in the rifle so let's see how to do.
After pulling back the bolt, take the tool and rest the end of the tool(end with the little tang) against the bolt. The little tang must be just under the extractor then push the bolt foward,the tool will enter in the chamber a bit and will stop. Make sure you push the bolt enough so the tool will compress the ejector in the bolt
Screw a section of the cleaning rod in the tool to serve as an handle. Rotate the tool clockwise so the tool tang under the extractor will lift up the extractor from the bolt.
After you can pull the extractor with your finger and also remove the extractor spring/plunger assembly and also the ejector and the ejector spring. When you unlock the extractor, be carefull to not loose the extractor spring or the ejector. Usually thoses will stay there. The firing pin can also be remove now or later, as you wish. To reinstall, put the firing ping in place,there a flat on the firing pin to allow the extractor to be fully seated in the bolt as the extractor lock the firing pin and the ejector in place. So insert the firing pin the proper way in the bolt,the ejector assembly and the extractor spring/plunger. Push the bolt foward to compress the ejector then reinsert the extractor in place. Note that the tang of the tool must be down so you can push down the extractor. The firing pin should move freely.
To remove the stock, graps the rear of the trigger guard and lift up to unlock the trigger group. Trigger group can be pulled out.
Lift up the stock
Op rod spring and magazine follower removal.
Pull the op rod spring guide to disengage from the mag follower arm then remove the spring from the op rod.
Push the op rod catch pin, the pin only goes one way. Remove the pin.
Remove the op rod catch,the follower arm. Note the relation of the parts.
Remove the bullet guide.
Remove the follower
reverse to reassemble.
To remove the gas cylinder, the combo tool is ideal but can possibly made with a large screwdriver.
Unscrew the gas plug.
unscrew and remove the cylinder lock
slide and remove the gas cylinder.
To remove the op rod, there's a notch at the rear of receiver to allow disengaging the rod from the track.
pull the rod up to the notch and disengage from the receiver and from the bolt also then the rod is free from the rifle.
remove the bolt by tilting to the right
Slide the front handguard from the barrel
remove the pin from the handguard ferrule and slide the ferrule away.
slide the rear handguard foward to free it from the barrel.
rear sight removal
First, you may want to count how many click you have from the 100 yds setting to the aperture bottom position. So on reassembly, your zero will be same.
To take it appart: Move the windage fully to the left.
Remove the lock bar or outer nut,depend what model of sight you have. Careful, you may have a little sleeve and a spring. The sleeve have a flat to match the flat portion of the sight pinion.
To remove the graduation disk on the elevation knob,remove the screw and pull out the disk.
Unscrew the windage knob completely,pull out the elevation knob
pull out the apperture
The sight cover can be pryed out aswell.
The end result is a disassembled Garand. The proper lube for the M1 rifle is grease. Synthetic and white lithium grease work well in cold climates. The mains components and area to lube are:
-Bolt
-operating rod
-receiver
-underside of the barrel at the op rod friction point.
-hammer face
-recoil spring
Its also good to apply some grease on the trigger guard lugs and on the hammer spring.
Joce
A rifle that the general George. S. Patton called «the greatest battle implement ever devised», The M1 Garand proved and reproved itself from the battles fields of europe and pacific in WW2 to the jungle of Vietnam in the 1960's.
History.
The M1 Garand was created by the canadian born engineer John Cantius Garand. John C Garand was born in 1888 at St-Remi,Quebec Canada. His family moved to Jewett City,Connecticut. After a basic education, J.C Garand left school to work in a textile mill. Starting out as a sweeper, his habilities for mechanic permit him to find work as a machinist. Having learned well the machinist craft, J.C Garand left Connecticut to work for Browne and Sharpe, one of the most important company of machine tool development and machining technology, in Providence, Rhode Island. After he became a machine designer with Federal Screw Corporation. Being a skilled machinist and having interest in firearm, John C Garand became interested in firearm design. After the entry of USA in WW1, Garand submited a machinegun design. In the mean time, John Garand was hired by the United states Bureau of Standards.The design was accepted but the war ended and the prototype was only ready in 1919,same year as the US governement retained Garand as a weapon designer. Garand continued his carreer at the Springfield Armory were he became Chief Civil Engineer.
John Cantius Garand creator of the M1 rifle
The first rifle designed by J.C Garand was a fully automatic rifle, the M1919 in 30.06 caliber. The rifle used a primer actuated mechanism, the primer setback after firing was used to unlock the breech,and a turning front locking bolt system. The primer actuation was a very unusual design. On the picture below,Automatic rifle M1919.
The second attempt was the M1920. This was a semi automatic rifle,using the primer actuation system and the turning bolt of the previous M1919. The rifle was produced in a clip and magazine versions. Rifle was also in 30.06 caliber. On the picture below,Semi automatic rifle M1920
Third rifle was the M1921 30.06 cal, still using primer actuation. The main difference with the M1920 is that the M1921 used a non rotating rear locking bolt. The rifle was equiped with a 5 rounds fixed magazine.Picture below show the Semi automatic rifle M1921.
Fourth rifle was the M1923(approved designation T1924). The T1924 will be the last rifle using primer actuation because the system will be later found incompatible because of the crimped primer in the new 30.06 loading,the 30M1 ball, adopted in 1926. The T1924 is a clip feed 8 rounds semi auto rifle, with a straight bolt. On the picture below, the semi automatic rifle M1923.
Between 1923 and 1932, the US ARMY begin testing of an experimental cartridge, the .276 Pedersen along with the Pedersen semi automatic rifle. The Pedersen rifle,created by J.D Pedersen,was the competitor of the Garand. Pedersen rifle was a delayed blowback action rifle with a 10 rounds "en bloc" clip charger. The Pedersen rifle required waxed cartridges to operate correctly and the charger clip could be only inserted in 1 way. In 1926, J.C Garand new rifle, the M1926 gas operated semi auto in 30.06(30M1 ball) was ready but since the army choosed the .276 cal to replace the .30 cal, Garand was requested to submit a rifle in .276 Pedersen. The result will be the T3,completed in 1929 and followed by the improved T3E1 and T3E2. The .276 Garand used an «en bloc» clip of 10 rounds
On the picture, we can see the Garand T3 in .276 cal(top rifle) and the Pedersen rifle in .276 cal(bottom rifle)
After numerous testing, the Garand was proven a better design than the Pedersen and the fact that the Garand didn't require waxed bullet and the clip could be inserted in either way were 2 positives points. The Pedersen will be abandonned in favor of the Garand. In 1930, another Garand,named T1 in 30.06(30M1ball) was built followed by the T1E1 in 1931. The T1E1 will be tested early 1932 with highly positives results. In 1932, The Army Chief of Staff, the General Douglas MacArthur,who was never interested in the replacement of the 30.06 cartridge, expressed his disagreements in a letter to the adjutant general. MacArthur suggested ,for praticals and economicals reasons,that the .276 cal be scrapped and the Garand would be chambered in 30.06 instead. With the facts that there's were huge stock of perfectly serviceable 30.06 ammo and the infrastructure to produce it, the .276 cal was soon dropped,clearing the path for the Garand in 30.06. An improved version of the Garand T1E1 appeared as the T1E2 with a redesigned bolt. 80 T1E2 rifles were ordered from Springfield Armory between 1932-1934. Thoses rifles named «model shop» were intended for extensive testing before the mass production. On january 6,1936, the Garand was adopted as the U.S Rifle,caliber.30,M1 as the new U.S military service rifle. Production started in august 1937 at the Springfield Armory.
The M1 Garand
The M1 Garand, or simply called M1 rifle, is a gas operated semi automatic rifle with a locking rotating bolt.
Caliber 30.06
overall length 1103 mm
barrel lenght 610mm
weight 4.32kg
magazine fixed, clip fed 8 rounds
The early M1 used a gas trap system for operation. In this design, as the bullet exit the muzzle,some of the gas from propellent combustion is trapped in a gas chamber then push the piston/operating rod to unlock the bolt. A stud on the right bolt locking lug fit in a recess on the operating rod. As he rifle is fired, the operating rod is pushed to the rear,the stud on the bolt locking lug is pivoted up,unlocking the bolt. As the bolt return foward, stripping a cartridge from the clip,the bolt is turned back to lock the breech. The recess in the operating rod act like a cam. The gas trap system reliability wasn't acceptable so in 1939, the gas trap was changed to a simpler gas port system. In the gas port system, a small hole is drilled in the barrel. As the bullet pass the gas port, gas is bled to the gas cylinder and act against the piston/operating rod. This system is more reliable,more easy to clean than the gas trap feature. When the new gas port design was adopted, pretty much all the previous gas trap rifles were modified to the gas port type. Un-modified gas trap rifle are extremely rare and extremely pricey collector items.
The M1 fixed magazine is loaded with a metal"en bloc" clip of 8 rounds,inserted through the top of the rifle. When the last round is fired, the clip is ejected with a distinctive "ping" sound, the bolt is locked back so a fresh clip can be loaded in the rifle. On the left side of the rifle, a clip ejector can be pressed to manually eject a partially emptied clip.This magazine system was somewhat critized because a partially empty clip couldn't be topped of with singles rounds, with is false because the clip can be topped with singles rounds while still in the rifle but its somewhat cumbersome to do. Also the distinctive "ping" noise of the ejected empty clip was said to let the ennemies know that the rifle is empty, against this is discutable because of the noise and chaos on a battle field, unless the ennemi is extremely close, the clip is unlikely to be heard when its ejected. The M1 have possibly the best sighting system you can ask on a battle rifle. The front sight is a blade,protected by 2 wings. The rear sight is an aperture type,graduated from 100 to 1200 yards and can be adjusted for windage. The rifle come with a sturdy wood stock and a 2 pieces handguard. A bayonet lug is mounted on the gas cylinder. A trap door on the buttplate give access to the cleaning kit inside the buttstock. The M1 proven to be a very good rifle,heavy but reliable. After WW2, the M1 served in many latin america,asiatic and european countries. Also seen service in korean war(1950-1953) and in vietnam war even if the rifle was officially replaced by the M14,M16.
M1 Garand, Beretta manufactured for Denmark.
M1 rifle sighting system. Apperture rear sight fully adjustable and protected front sight.
The M1 safety is easily reached in front of the trigger.
safety "ON"
safety "OFF"
On the left side of the rifle, we can see the release button that permit to manually eject a partially emptied clip.
8 rounds "en bloc" clip.
M1 rifle production
During WW2, Springfield Armory and Winchester Repeating Arms were the only manufacturers of the M1 rifle. Springfield Armory produced 3,526,922 rifles from 1932 to 1945. January 1944 production at Springfield Armory peaked with 122,001 for that month. That mean 3,936 rifles per day or 164 rifles per hour! Winchester Repeating Arms production accounted for 513,880 rifles between December 1940 and June 1945. Total production for WW2,Springfie and Winchester combined was 4,040,802 rifles. Following the end of WW2 to the korean war, Springfield Armory rebuilt more than 500,000 rifles. With the Korean war, Springfield began a new production of M1 rifle in 1952 and the last standard M1 rifle production ended on May 17 1957 with 637,420 rifles. In the 1950's, two other manufacturers,International Harvester and Harrington and Richardson Arms also supplied additionnals M1 rifles. International Harvester received a M1 contract production on June 15 1951 and possibly begining delivery early 1953 and ended early 1956 with a total of 337,623 rifles. International Harvester rifles had their stock made by Overton Woodworking Corp. And their barrel by Line Material Company, Birmingham,Alabama. Thoses barrel are marked LMR and are regarded to be very high quality service barrel. Harrington and Richardson Arms Co received its contract on april 3 1952, began delivery early 1953 and ceased production early 1956 with 428,600 M1 produced. Springfield Armory,Winchester Repeating Arms,International Harvester and Harrington and Richardson Arms Co produced a total of approx 5,468,772 M1 rifles. In the 1950's, the M1 was also produced in Italy by Beretta and Breda, not only for the Italian army but for any other potential buyer. About 100,000 M1 were made in Italy. Denmark purchased Italian made M1,those are marked FKF. Indonesia also used Italian and U.S made Garand. Italy also made their own version of the Garand, the BM59. The BM59 is a selective fire Garand with a 20rds box magazine. The rifle was adopted in 1959 for the Italian army.
BerettaBM59
The Garand was replaced in the U.S army by the M14, a somewhat reworked Garand design. The M14 is chambered in 7.62x51 NATO, the M14 was selective fire with a removable 20 rds box magazine.
Rifle and stock markings,stock differences,manufacturing changes.
Markings of various M1 manufacturers.
-Springfield Armory
-Winchester Repeating Arms
-International Harvester
-Harrington and Richardson Arm Co
-Breda Meccanica Romana(BMR)
-Pietro Beretta(PB)
M1 barrel are dated on the right side but Winchester barrel dont have date,they are identified with drawing # D35448W.R.A
Since a huge number of M1 rifles were rebuilt, its common to find rifles with mixed parts from different makers.
During the production period, the M1 had fews manufacturing changes. The most notable changes were,
-modification of the gas trap design to gas port type
-milled trigger guard with hole to stamped guard without hole.
-rear sight from short pinion to long pinion and also windage knob from flush nut to lock bar and again post war flush nut.
-cylinder gas plug from slotted(left) to poppet type(right)
Originals M1 stocks were made of walnut,replacement birch stock appeared after 1957. The originals manufacturers of M1 stock were,
-Springfield Armory
-Winchester Repeating Arms
-Overton Woodworking Corp. (for International Harvester manufactured M1),Overton also made replacement birch stock.
-Harrington and Richardson Arms Co.
M1 stock show differences in manufacture. The differences appear in pistol grip shape, on the top rear area were the receiver set, area were the trigger guard set, barrel channel lenght and operating rod cut.
We can see on the pic, a Winchester stock on top and a Springfield Armory stock on bottom. The radius of pistole grip is different.
This picture show the area were the receiver rest on the stock. The top stock is Winchester and the bottom is a Springfield stock. On the pic, the Winchester stock is larger than the Springfield but Winchester can also have stock with the smaller dimension as well.
Here,were the trigger guard rest in the stock, we can see the U shaped notch of the Springfield versus the V notch of the Winchester.
Post WW2 stock manufactured by Overton Woodworking Corp. Also have a V notch but smaller than the Winchester notch. On the picture, we see the Winchester stock(left) and the Overton stock with the semi V notch(right)
Winchester stock have 2 or 3 gigit numbers or letters stamped on the front part of the stock.
Winchester stock must have,
-the V notch for the trigger guard
-a more rounded pistol grip
-numbers or letters stamped on the front part.
Barrel channel are 2 1/8 inch or 1 5/8 inch. On the picture, we can see the Springfield stock with the short barrel channel(left) and the Winchester stock with the long channel and a different curved cut for the op rod.
Springfield used the long barrel channel from serial # 1 to 520,000 and the short channel from #520,000 to end of production. Winchester used long channel from # 100,001 to 2,350,000 and the short channel from # 2,350,000 to the end of production.
M1 stock have a cartouche stamped on. Depending on the period of manufacture, differents cartouche can be seen. Stock were stamped on left side,below the receiver. On Springfield Armory rifles they are:
serial # 81-78,000 barrel date 1936-October 1940. S.A/S.P.G(Springfield Armory/Stanley P. Gibbs,inspector) Drawing numbers were used on rifles serial# 81-22,000. Drawing # D28292 on stock betwen pistol grip and rear sling swivel,front handguard # C46006 and rear handguard # C46005. Other stamp used is the circled "P" proof mark on pistol grip. 2 versions of P stampwere used. Rifles #1-80 didnt have any cartouche stamps and drawing numbers.
serial# 78,000-84,000, October 1940-November 1940.
S.A/G.H.S.(Springfielp Armory/Gilbert H. Stewart,commanding officer). Other stamp was the P proof mark.
serial# 78,000-588,000 October 1940-April 1942.
S.A/G.H.S.(Springfielp Armory/Gilbert H. Stewart,commanding officer). Other stamps are the P proof mark and the Ordnance Wheel with crossed cannons. The wheel was 0.72 inch diameter.
serial#377,000-691,000,November 1941-June 1942.
S.A/G.H.S.(Springfielp Armory/Gilbert H. Stewart,commanding officer).
Other stamps are the P proof mark and the Ordnance Wheel with crossed cannons. Wheel was 0.437 inch diameter.
serial#665,000-730,000,June 1942-July 1942.
S.A/E.McF.(Springfield Armory/Earl McFarland) Other stamps are the P proof mark and the Ordnance Wheel with crossed cannons. The wheel was 0.72 inch diameter. A small 0.188 inch Orcnance wheel was stamped on the bottom of pistol grip.
serial# 665,000-2,092,000,June 1942-October 1943.
S.A/E.McF.(Springfield Armory/Earl McFarland)Other stamps are the P proof mark and the Ordnance Wheel with crossed cannons. The wheel was 0.437 inch diameter. A small 0.188 inch Orcnance wheel was stamped on the bottom of pistol grip.
serial# 1,978,000-3,267,000 August 1943-March 1945
S.A/G.A.W.(Springfield Armory/George A. Woody) Other stamps are the P proof mark and the Ordnance Wheel with crossed cannons. The wheel was 0.437 inch diameter. A small 0.188 inch Orcnance wheel was stamped on the bottom of pistol grip.
serial# 3,272,000-3,888,081 November 1944-November 1945
S.A/N.F.R.(Springfield Armory/Norman F. Ramsey) This is the end of WW2 production. Other stamps are the P proof mark and the Ordnance Wheel with crossed cannons. The wheel was 0.437 inch diameter. A small 0.188 inch Orcnance wheel was stamped on the bottom of pistol grip.
serial# 81-3,888,081 Rebuilt program November 1945-December 1947
S.A/S.H.M.(Springfield Armory/Steven H. McGregor) Other stamps are the P proof mark and the Ordnance Wheel with crossed cannons. The wheel was 0.437 inch diameter.
serial# 81-3,888,081 Rebuilt program December 1947-June 1950
S.A/S.P.G.(Springfield Armory/Stanley P. Gibbs) Other stamps are the P proof mark and the Ordnance Wheel with crossed cannons. The wheel was 0.437 inch diameter.
serial#4,200,000-4,350,000 July 1950-September 1953
S.A/J.L.G.(Springfield Armory/James L. Guidon) Other stamps are the P proof mark and the Ordnance Wheel with crossed cannons. The wheel was 0.437 inch diameter.
serial# 4,320,000-6,099,905 June 1953-June 1957
Department of Defense Acceptance Stamp( Eagle with 3 stars) Other stamp was the P proof mark.
Stock cartouche on Winchester rifle.
serial# 100,101-120,000 July 1940-July 1941
W.R.A./R.S.(Winchester Repeating Arms/Robert Sears) Other stamps used were the circled P proof mark and the Ordnance Wheel with crossed cannons. The wheel was 0.47 inch diameter.
# 120,000-132,000 July 1941-December 1941
W.RA./W.B. in box( Winchester Repeating Arms/Waldemar Bromberg) Other stamps used were the circled P proof mark and the Ordnance Wheel with crossed cannons. The wheel was 0.47 inch diameter.
# 132,000-1,210,000 December 1941-June 1942
W.RA./W.B. not in box( Winchester Repeating Arms/Waldemar Bromberg) Other stamps used were the circled P proof mark and the Ordnance Wheel with crossed cannons. The wheel was 0.47 inch diameter.
#1,210,000-1,260,000 June 1942-October 1942
WRA/GHD(Winchester Repeating Arms/Guy H.Drewry) Other stamps used were the circled P proof mark and the Ordnance Wheel with crossed cannons. The wheel was 0.47 inch diameter.
Serial#1,260,000-2,536,000 October 1942-July 1945
WRA/GHD(Winchester Repeating Arms/Guy H.Drewry) Other stamps used were the circled P proof mark and the Ordnance Wheel with crossed cannons. The wheel was 0.47 inch diameter.
International Harvester rifles
serial#4,440,000 1953, Ordnance Wheel on left or right side of stock, 0.44 inch diameter, P proof mark. Inside the barrel channel was stamped OR(Overton Woodworking Corp) with 4 digits number.
Serial#4,450,000-end of production. Department of Defense Acceptance Stamp. Other stamps were P proof mark. Inside barrel channel stamped OR(Overton Woodworking Corp) with 4 digits number.
Harrington and Richardson Arms
serial#4,660,001-4,664,000
Ordnance Wheel on left side and P proof mark
serial#4,661,000-5,609,000
Department of Defense Acceptance Samp,stamp is 3/8 by 3/8 inch. Other used stamp is the P proof mark.
M1 sniper model "C" and "D"
The M1 sniper appeared in June 1944 to replace the Springfield 1903A4. The first model was the M1 C originally called M1E7. The model C was equipped with a Griffin & Howe side mounted scope mount. Since the M1 must be loaded from top, the mount has to be mounted on the left side of the rifle. The model C also had a cheekpiece and a large conical flash hider. On the pic below, the M1 C with the M82 scope.(cheek piece missing)
The second model was the M1 D,also know as the M1E8. This model entered in service shortly after WW2 and saw extensive use in Korean war and later served during the Vietnam war. The main difference with the model C is the scope mount.On the pic below, the M1 D with the M84 scope.
Experimental versions of the M1.
During the production of the M1, fews modified M1 were tested but never adopted.
U.S carbine M1E5.
This variant, was a Garand but with a folding metal stock for paratrooper use. Tested in 1944, was never adopted.
T20.
The T20 was developped by john Garand. Its a selective fire M1 that accept BAR magazine.
T20E2
Similar to the T20 but with a different magazine.
T20E2 heavy barrel version.
A heavy barrel version with a bipods.
T22
Another selective version,detachable magazine made by Remington.
T22E3HB
A light machine gun with a heavy barrel.
T22E3HB with a different stock.
T23
similar to the T22 but with an angled stock
T26
The T26 was an experimental conversion made in WW2 in the pacific. Two samples were sent to Springfield Armory for testing. Springfield made a sample for testing but judged impratical because of the excessive muzzle flash and recoil, the T26 never went into production. The unique T26 made by Springfield was destroyed in testing. Of the two samples from the pacific, one is in the Springfield Armory Museum and the other is supposed to be at the West Point Museum.
T27
The T27 was a standard Garand modified for automatic fire. Developed by Remington, standard Garand could be converted with a drop in automatic parts kit.
M1 rifles accessories.
Typical accessories for the M1 are,
-bayonet
-sling
-cleaning kit
-ammo belt and ammo bandolier
-grenade launcher
-winter trigger
The first model of bayonet used on the Garand was the M1905,with a 16 inch blade, same bayonet as the Springfield 1903 rifle. New production of the M1905 bayonet started in 1942 with parkerized blade and plastic grip. The bayonet was issued with the M3 scabbard.
In 1943 a new bayonet was designed for the M1. Basically, was a M1905 bayonet with a shorter blade,10 inch, instead of the original 16 inch blade. The new bayonet was called M1 bayonet issued with the M7 scabbard. Many older M1905 bayonet were converted to the new M1 style.
The 3rd bayonet model was developed during the Korean war and called the M5 bayonet. Instead having a barrel ring to mount the bayonet, the bayonet had a stud that fit in the gas plug. The bayonet was issued with the M8A1 scabbard.
Two models of sling were used on the garand, the M1907 leather sling and the later web sling.
The M1 cleaning kit consist of,
-4 sections cleaning rod
-cleaning jag
-bore brush
-combo tool either the M3A1 or the later M10 tool.
-chamber brush
-2 compartment oiler
The M10 tool is used in the kit below.
in picture below,the combo tool M3a1
The ammo for the M1 rifle were carried in a belt and/or bandolier. The belt has 10 pockets and the bandolier has 8 pockets.
The grenade launcher for the M1 rifle was the M7 grenade launcher.
The winter trigger was developed during the Korean war and can be mounted without tool on the Garand but only with the milled trigger guard.
M1 Garand disassembly and lubrication.
First, open the action to be sure rifle is unloaded.
A Garand tool kit is welcome if you have one but non entirely needed.
First, close the action. To do so, pull back and hold the operating rod, with your other hand, depress the magazine follower and carefully, close the action.
The combo tool is very useful to remove the extractor with the bolt still in the rifle so let's see how to do.
After pulling back the bolt, take the tool and rest the end of the tool(end with the little tang) against the bolt. The little tang must be just under the extractor then push the bolt foward,the tool will enter in the chamber a bit and will stop. Make sure you push the bolt enough so the tool will compress the ejector in the bolt
Screw a section of the cleaning rod in the tool to serve as an handle. Rotate the tool clockwise so the tool tang under the extractor will lift up the extractor from the bolt.
After you can pull the extractor with your finger and also remove the extractor spring/plunger assembly and also the ejector and the ejector spring. When you unlock the extractor, be carefull to not loose the extractor spring or the ejector. Usually thoses will stay there. The firing pin can also be remove now or later, as you wish. To reinstall, put the firing ping in place,there a flat on the firing pin to allow the extractor to be fully seated in the bolt as the extractor lock the firing pin and the ejector in place. So insert the firing pin the proper way in the bolt,the ejector assembly and the extractor spring/plunger. Push the bolt foward to compress the ejector then reinsert the extractor in place. Note that the tang of the tool must be down so you can push down the extractor. The firing pin should move freely.
To remove the stock, graps the rear of the trigger guard and lift up to unlock the trigger group. Trigger group can be pulled out.
Lift up the stock
Op rod spring and magazine follower removal.
Pull the op rod spring guide to disengage from the mag follower arm then remove the spring from the op rod.
Push the op rod catch pin, the pin only goes one way. Remove the pin.
Remove the op rod catch,the follower arm. Note the relation of the parts.
Remove the bullet guide.
Remove the follower
reverse to reassemble.
To remove the gas cylinder, the combo tool is ideal but can possibly made with a large screwdriver.
Unscrew the gas plug.
unscrew and remove the cylinder lock
slide and remove the gas cylinder.
To remove the op rod, there's a notch at the rear of receiver to allow disengaging the rod from the track.
pull the rod up to the notch and disengage from the receiver and from the bolt also then the rod is free from the rifle.
remove the bolt by tilting to the right
Slide the front handguard from the barrel
remove the pin from the handguard ferrule and slide the ferrule away.
slide the rear handguard foward to free it from the barrel.
rear sight removal
First, you may want to count how many click you have from the 100 yds setting to the aperture bottom position. So on reassembly, your zero will be same.
To take it appart: Move the windage fully to the left.
Remove the lock bar or outer nut,depend what model of sight you have. Careful, you may have a little sleeve and a spring. The sleeve have a flat to match the flat portion of the sight pinion.
To remove the graduation disk on the elevation knob,remove the screw and pull out the disk.
Unscrew the windage knob completely,pull out the elevation knob
pull out the apperture
The sight cover can be pryed out aswell.
The end result is a disassembled Garand. The proper lube for the M1 rifle is grease. Synthetic and white lithium grease work well in cold climates. The mains components and area to lube are:
-Bolt
-operating rod
-receiver
-underside of the barrel at the op rod friction point.
-hammer face
-recoil spring
Its also good to apply some grease on the trigger guard lugs and on the hammer spring.
Joce
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