M1 Garand

The M1 Garand was the first semi-automatic rifle ever to be generally issued to the infantry of any nation. It was a gas operated, semi-auto rifle designed by John C. Garand and officially replaced the Springfield M1903 bolt action rifle in 1936. The rifle remained the standard US service rifle until 1957 when it was replaced by the M14. The M1 Garand still remained in use by the US Military in large numbers all the way until 1963, and then to a much lesser degree in 1966 with the introduction of the M-16. The M1 was used in large numbers during WWII and the Korean War, and in very limited numbers during the Vietnam War. The rifle is chambered for .30-06 rounds. The rounds are loaded into the weapons internal magazine from above using the "En Bloc" clip system designed by John Pedersen. The En Bloc clip held 8 .30-06 rounds and was loaded into the weapon clip and all from above. Once loaded the bolt immediately snaps forward on it's own. It is advisable for the operator to guide the bolt forward with his hand to avoid the gate shutting on his thumb. The clip remains in the weapon's internal magazine until all 8 rounds are fired. At this point the bolt will automatically lock itself open and the last bullet casing along with the En Bloc clip would eject from the rifle creating the M1's signature, loud "ping" sound. Contrary to widespread misconception, partially expended or full clips CAN be ejected from the rifles with the use of the clip latch button located on the bottom of the receiver. The M1 had several different accessories including the M1905 and M1942 bayonets, the M7 Spigot and M15 grenade sight for firing rifle grenades, the M1907 two piece leather sling, and the winter trigger. There were a few sniper variants of the M1 Garand. These were the M1C and M1D. Many of these sniper rifle variants were used up until the early 90's. General Info: Rifle, Caliber .30, M1 Type: Service rifle Place of origin: United States In service: 1936–1963 Wars: World War II, Korean War, Vietnam War (limited) Designer: John C. Garand Designed: 1924 Number built: 5.4 million approx 1 Other Variants: M1C/D sniper rifles Weight: 9.5 lb (4.31 kg) to 10.2 lb (4.63 kg) Length: 43.6 in (1,107 mm) Barrel length: 24 in (610 mm) Cartridge: .30-06 Springfield (7.62 × 63 mm) Action: Gas-operated, rotating bolt Rate of fire: 16–24 rounds/min Muzzle velocity: 2750-2800 ft/s Effective range: 500 yd (457.2 m)2 Feed system: 8-round "en bloc" clip internal magazine Sights: Aperture rear sight, barleycorn-type front sight