Favorite Firearms: Garand Memories of World War II

by
posted on June 18, 2024
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
M1 Garand right-side view shown on white with purple heart medal

I have always been fascinated with U.S. military rifles. Long ago, at a gun show, I purchased an M1 Garand for the mere price of $410. Research with the nice folks at the Garand Collectors Ass’n told me that my 1942 receiver was at one time re-welded—but it has always functioned flawlessly for me. Being an amateur gunsmith, I brought that rifle up to CMP Special Grade by installing a new Criterion barrel and a Boyds stock set.

I was showing this rifle to my Uncle Ray, who fought in World War II, and he held it and stroked it like a baby. You could just see the memories flash across his eyes when he told his wife, “Look, Bette, this is what I carried all through Europe!”

He then told me about his first Purple Heart. He had his M1 Garand stripped down for cleaning on the table of a bombed-out farmhouse. A mortar round exploded outside, collapsing the remaining brick wall onto the table and my uncle. He was more concerned about finding the pieces of his rifle than his own personal condition.

My aunt and uncle have since passed away, but I will never forget the family story of this rifle.

—Roy Seifert

Latest

Making Keltec Pr57 1
Making Keltec Pr57 1

Making The KelTec PR57 In Wyoming

To make its PR57 handgun, KelTec invested in an entirely new manufacturing facility located in Rock Springs, Wyo. "American Rifleman Television" headed out for an inside look at the company's efficient production process.

Taurus 66 Combat: A New "Fighting Revolver"

First introduced in the 1970s, the Taurus 66 Combat is a medium-frame revolver that has seen several evolutions in its lifetime, and the latest update creates what the company considers "the final word in fighting revolvers."

Review: Taurus GX2

From cars to cellphones, as a product gets more sophisticated, it usually also gets more expensive. And, as modern handguns get more modular and optic-ready, their prices tend to go up.

Rifleman Q&A: A Garand Puzzlement

"We are a father-and-son NRA member tandem in search of an answer regarding the branding of an M1 Garand rifle. We own an M1 rifle that has markings indicating it was a “lend lease to England,” and it also has a .308 barrel/sleeve."

$160K Raised For HAVA At SIG Sauer Event

SIG Sauer hosted its 9th Annual Honored American Veterans Afield (HAVA) Charity Golf event early last month and raised more than $160,000 to support disabled veterans.

Scout The Trail To A General Purpose Rifle

The search for a universal longarm—one suitable for both hunting and defensive scenarios—is a trek that involves a bit of doubling back.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.