Garand's 1921 or so Rifle?
As I recall this is the FIRST prototype semi-automatic rifle that John Cantius Garand developed around 1921 or so. The "idea" was to use some of the existing tooling for the 1903 Springfield and/or perhaps that is what Garand did anyway
using what was at hand.
The "biggest irony" is that is what almost 30 years later the Springfied Armory tried to do again, use the existing tooling and furniture from the Garand M-1 versus the Springfield 1903 to manufacture the M-14.
It is really interesting that by 1927 John Garand took the 1921 type rifle shown above and developed it fully into the Garand rifle as we know it today except for the original gas trap system.
He picked the best calibre too; .276! A ten shot rifle with a round counter built in. Cadets at West Point in 1928? tried out Garands rifle in .276 and pronounced it a winner.
Gen MacArthur nixed the calibre 30'06 to .276 calibre change; the Pedersen rifle failed the trials because along with waxed ammo requirements it chewed up the brims of campaign hats with its toggle action.
"once upon a 1960's time" I examined a Pedersen rifle in .276. I can only wonder what it is worth now! lol.
I am a big Garand fan and will continue to be. IF I could only have ONE rifle it would be a M-1 Garand with the FN 49 my second pick.
IF I had my druthers my Garand rifle would be in .280 Remington or .25'06 versus 30'06. Back to the 1920's Future in .277 bore diameter!
