Rifleman Q&A: M1 Garand Vs. M1 Carbine Rebarrels

by
posted on October 15, 2021
** 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. **
Qamain

Q. It seems to me that few World War II-vintage M1 Garand rifles retain their original barrels today, whereas most M1 Carbines of the same era I have seen still have the original barrels? Is this true and, if so, why?


Right side wood rifle brown gun M1 Garand

A. Your observations are valid. The majority of M1 Garand rifles manufactured during World War II have, indeed, been re-barreled, typically as part of a post-war arsenal rebuild. It is also true that most M1 Carbines manufactured in the same period were arsenal overhauled after the war as well, but many retain their original barrels.

The primary reason for this is due to the type of ammunition used with each. The .30-cal. (.30-’06 Sprg.) cartridges manufactured during World War II were all made with corrosive primers. This resulted in the need to thoroughly clean the bore after firing. If a barrel was not properly cleaned, the corrosive primer compound could quickly ruin the bore, thus necessitating replacement of a barrel when the rifle was overhauled. Extensive cleaning over a period of time could also contribute to bore damage, especially since the M1’s barrel could only be cleaned from the muzzle.

right side rifle gun m1 carbine pouches metal wood

All World War II .30-cal. M1 Carbine ammunition was manufactured with non-corrosive primers. If the barrels were not routinely cleaned, there were no corrosive primer salts to ruin the bores. This also meant that scrupulous cleaning was less important for extended barrel life, which would have been the case if carbine ammunition had corrosive primers. Therefore, carbine barrels were much more likely to be retained during rebuild as compared to Garand barrels.

—Bruce N. Canfield


This “Questions & Answers” was featured in the February 2005 issue of American Rifleman. At time of publication, “Questions & Answers” was compiled by Staff, Ballistics Editor William C. Davis, Jr., and Contributing Editors: David Andrews, Hugh C. Birnbaum, Bruce N. Canfield, O. Reid Coffield, Charles Q. Cutshaw, Charles M. Fagg, Charles Karwan, Angus Laidlaw, Evan P. Marshall, Charles E. Petty, Robert B. Pomeranz, O.D., Jon R. Sundra, Jim Supica, A.W.F. Taylerson, John M. Taylor and John Treakle.

To subscribe to the magazine, please visit the NRA membership page and select American Rifleman as your member magazine.

Latest

Gotw Walther Pdp Prox Pmm Web
Gotw Walther Pdp Prox Pmm Web

Gun Of The Week: Walther Arms PDP Pro-X PMM Compact

Within Walther Arms' line of Performance Duty Pistols, the Pro-X PMM stands out, thanks to a number of features. We head to the range to see exactly how these upgrades and enhancements impact the design.

The Armed Citizen® Oct. 31, 2025

Read today's "The Armed Citizen" entry for real stories of law-abiding citizens, past and present, who used their firearms to save lives.

Review: CZ 600 Alpha

One of several models in the CZ 600 series of rifles, the CZ 600 Alpha is an affordable bolt-action design with a unique action that incorporates a lightweight receiver and a "hybrid controlled feed" system.

San Tan Tactical Launches Defender Program

San Tan Tactical has launched a Defender Program to provide increased support for the professional community of law enforcement officers, servicemen and women and veterans.

I Have This Old Gun: The Ortgies Pistol

One of the lesser-known, German-made handguns from the early 20th century, the Ortgies pistol has a fascinating history stretching from the end of World War I all the way to the conclusion of World War II.

New For 2025: Taurus GX4 Strike Bravo

In a collaboration with Strike Industries, Taurus USA has launched its GX4 Strike Bravo, which combines elements of its popular micro-compact handgun with a chassis-frame design capable of accepting a stabilizing brace.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.