NRA Gun of the Week: Springfield Armory M1 Garand Rifle

by
posted on November 5, 2016
** 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. **

Just a few years before the United States entered the second global war, the U.S. service rifle changed from the bolt-action M1903 Springfield, to the gas-piston-operated semi-automatic M1 Garand. This standard issue rifle changed the game for our troops with its ability to fire repeatedly, shots of .30-’06 Springfield, as fast as one could squeeze the trigger. Loading was fast and easy facilitated by en-bloc clips that held eight rounds and evacuated the action once empty. John C. Garand’s rifle system saw production numbers over 5 million units. The M1 Garand faded from standard issue in 1960s with the introduction of the M14, a select-fire rifle chambered for 7.62x51 mm, but modeled after the M1 Garand. Mark Keefe hosts this week’s NRA Gun of the Week--a vintage rifle that some may say changed modern warfare.

Specifications:
Make: U.S. Springfield Armory
Model: M1 Garand
Chambering: .30-’06 Sprg.
Action: gas-operated semi-automatic rifle
Receiver: forged steel, Parkerized
Barrel: 23.5”, Parkerized
Magazine: eight-round, en-bloc clip
Sights: rear aperture adjustable for windage and elevation; protected post front
Trigger: 7-lb., 3-oz. pull
Stock: walnut

Additional Reading:
The International Harvester M1 Garand Rifle
Keefe Report: M1 Garand—Save the Last Clip
Handling General George S. Patton’s M1 Garand
The M1C Garand Sniper Rifle



Latest

Sellmark Ranch Entrance
Sellmark Ranch Entrance

Sellmark Ranch Opens, Offers Hunting & Shooting Opportunities To The Public

Sellmark Corporation, the parent company of several notable firearm industry brands, opened its 6,800-acre ranch to the public, which provides dedicated hunts, mile-long shooting ranges and more.

CZ Recalls All-American Trap Combo Shotguns

CZ-USA has identified a manufacturing defect affecting the barrel of certain CZ All-American Trap Combo shotguns.

I Have This Old Gun: Japanese Type 94 Pistol

Among the pantheon of World War II military sidearms, the Japanese Type 94 stands out for a number of undesirable reasons. Aside from its ungainly look, many regard it as one of the most dangerous firearms ever made.

New For 2025: GForce Arms 12Hammer

The latest option in the diverse lineup of GForce Arms shotguns is the 12Hammer, an AR-style platform chambered for 12-ga. shotshells that feeds from detachable box magazines.

Tips & Techniques: DIY Fire Bluing

Is there anything prettier than fire bluing? This bright, “peacock” blue color is one of the world’s oldest firearm finishes and can be found on guns dating back as early as the 16th century and is still used on some of today’s high-end custom arms.

Rifleman Q&A: Eddystone Bayonets

"I recently started collecting World War I U.S. military firearms. I want to obtain a Model 1917 rifle made by each contractor—Winchester, Remington and Eddystone—along with bayonets for each. However, I can only locate bayonets made by Winchester and Remington. Why are bayonets made by Eddystone so hard to find?"

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.