M1 GARAND
"....the greatest implement of battle ever devised." - General George S. Patton
The M1 Garand (more formally the United States Rifle, Caliber .30, M1) was the first semi-automatic rifle in the world to be
generally issued to infantry. It officially replaced the Springfield M1903 rifle as the standard service rifle of the United States
military in 1937.
The M1 was developed by Springfield Armory firearms designer John Garand. The prototypes were refined during the 1920s
and 1930s. Although officially adopted in 1932, it did not formally enter service until 1936, and then only through an executive
decision by then-Army Chief of Staff General Douglas MacArthur. The first production model was successfully proof-fired,
function-fired, and fired for accuracy on July 21, 1937.
The M1's semi-automatic capability gave United States forces a significant advantage in firepower and shot-to-shot response
time over individual enemy infantry in battle (German and Japanese soldiers were usually armed with manually operated
bolt-action rifles). The impact of the Garand and faster-firing infantry small arms in general soon stimulated both Allied and Axis
forces to greatly augment issue of semi- and fully-automatic weapons then in production, as well as to develop new types of
infantry firearms.
Ejection of an empty clip created a distinctive and unnatural metallic "pinging" sound. In World War II, reports arose that German
and Japanese infantry were making use of this noise in combat to alert them to an empty M1 rifle in order to 'get the drop' on their
American counterparts. The information was taken seriously enough that U.S. Army's Aberdeen Proving Ground began
experiments with clips made of various plastics in order to soften the sound, though no improved clips were ever adopted.
"....the greatest implement of battle ever devised." - General George S. Patton
The M1 Garand (more formally the United States Rifle, Caliber .30, M1) was the first semi-automatic rifle in the world to be
generally issued to infantry. It officially replaced the Springfield M1903 rifle as the standard service rifle of the United States
military in 1937.
The M1 was developed by Springfield Armory firearms designer John Garand. The prototypes were refined during the 1920s
and 1930s. Although officially adopted in 1932, it did not formally enter service until 1936, and then only through an executive
decision by then-Army Chief of Staff General Douglas MacArthur. The first production model was successfully proof-fired,
function-fired, and fired for accuracy on July 21, 1937.
The M1's semi-automatic capability gave United States forces a significant advantage in firepower and shot-to-shot response
time over individual enemy infantry in battle (German and Japanese soldiers were usually armed with manually operated
bolt-action rifles). The impact of the Garand and faster-firing infantry small arms in general soon stimulated both Allied and Axis
forces to greatly augment issue of semi- and fully-automatic weapons then in production, as well as to develop new types of
infantry firearms.
Ejection of an empty clip created a distinctive and unnatural metallic "pinging" sound. In World War II, reports arose that German
and Japanese infantry were making use of this noise in combat to alert them to an empty M1 rifle in order to 'get the drop' on their
American counterparts. The information was taken seriously enough that U.S. Army's Aberdeen Proving Ground began
experiments with clips made of various plastics in order to soften the sound, though no improved clips were ever adopted.
WEAPONRY
M1 CARBINE
The M1 Carbine (formally the United States Carbine, Caliber .30, M1) is a lightweight semi-automatic carbine that became a
standard firearm in the U.S. mlitary during World War II. It was widely used by U.S. and foreign military and paramilitary
forces.
The M1 Carbine was designed primarily to offer non-combat and line-of-communications troops a better defensive weapon
than a pistol or submachine gun, with greater accuracy and range, but without the recoil, cost, or weight of a full-power
infantry rifle. The carbine was more convenient to carry for officers, NCOs, or specialists encumbered with weapons, field
glasses, radios, or other gear. Tankers, drivers, artillery crews, mortar crews, and other personnel were also issued the M1
Carbine in lieu of the larger, heavier M1 Garand. The first M1 Carbines were delivered in mid 1942, with initial priority given
to troops in the European theatre of war.
The M1 Carbine was soon issued to infantry officers, machine-gun crews, paratroopers, and other frontline soldiers. Its
reputation in combat was mixed. Some infantrymen preferred the carbine over the M1 Garand because of the weapon's
small size and light weight. The carbine also gained generally high praise from airborne troops who were issued the
folding-stock M1A1. The carbine's exclusive use of non-corrosive primered ammunition was found to be a godsend by
troops and ordnance personnel serving in the Pacific, where barrel corrosion was a significant issue, though not to the
same extent in Europe, where some soldiers reported misfires attributed to bad primers. The M1 Carbine had a high
practical rate of fire. This, and the carbine's light weight, compactness, and low recoil made it a convenient self-defense
weapon. With a much-reduced kick compared to the M1 Garand, a soldier would be able to fire multiple aimed shots more
rapidly.
The M1 Carbine issued during the World war II European Theater was an early version, which had a flip "L" sight, a push
button safety, absence of the bayonet lug, and a khaki sling.
The M1 Carbine (formally the United States Carbine, Caliber .30, M1) is a lightweight semi-automatic carbine that became a
standard firearm in the U.S. mlitary during World War II. It was widely used by U.S. and foreign military and paramilitary
forces.
The M1 Carbine was designed primarily to offer non-combat and line-of-communications troops a better defensive weapon
than a pistol or submachine gun, with greater accuracy and range, but without the recoil, cost, or weight of a full-power
infantry rifle. The carbine was more convenient to carry for officers, NCOs, or specialists encumbered with weapons, field
glasses, radios, or other gear. Tankers, drivers, artillery crews, mortar crews, and other personnel were also issued the M1
Carbine in lieu of the larger, heavier M1 Garand. The first M1 Carbines were delivered in mid 1942, with initial priority given
to troops in the European theatre of war.
The M1 Carbine was soon issued to infantry officers, machine-gun crews, paratroopers, and other frontline soldiers. Its
reputation in combat was mixed. Some infantrymen preferred the carbine over the M1 Garand because of the weapon's
small size and light weight. The carbine also gained generally high praise from airborne troops who were issued the
folding-stock M1A1. The carbine's exclusive use of non-corrosive primered ammunition was found to be a godsend by
troops and ordnance personnel serving in the Pacific, where barrel corrosion was a significant issue, though not to the
same extent in Europe, where some soldiers reported misfires attributed to bad primers. The M1 Carbine had a high
practical rate of fire. This, and the carbine's light weight, compactness, and low recoil made it a convenient self-defense
weapon. With a much-reduced kick compared to the M1 Garand, a soldier would be able to fire multiple aimed shots more
rapidly.
The M1 Carbine issued during the World war II European Theater was an early version, which had a flip "L" sight, a push
button safety, absence of the bayonet lug, and a khaki sling.
M1 THOMPSON
The Thompson Submachine Gun was designed by General John T. Thompson, who was inspired by the trench
warfare of World War I to develop a "one-man, hand-held machine gun", firing a rifle caliber round. Thompson
intended the weapon as an automatic 'trench-broom' to sweep enemy troops from the trenches, filling a role the
BAR had proved incapable of performing. In 1938, the Thompson submachine gun was adopted by the U.S.
military, serving during World War II and beyond.
Modifications to simplify production and reduce cost were made in 1942, resulting in the M1 and M1A1 models,
which were commonly carried by both non-commissioned and commissioned officers. The Thompson found
particular utility in World War II in the hands of Allied troops as a weapon for scouts, non-commissioned officers,
and patrol leaders. In the European theater, the gun was widely utilized in British and Canadian Commando units,
as well as U.S. paratroop and Ranger battalions.
The Thompson has a fairly high rate of fire at 900+ rounds per minute (rpm), higher than many other submachine
guns of smaller caliber. This rate of fire, combined with a rather heavy trigger pull and a stock with excessive drop,
increases the tendency of the gun to climb off target in automatic fire. By the standards of the day, however, the
Thompson was one of the most effective and reliable submachine guns available.
The Thompson Submachine Gun was designed by General John T. Thompson, who was inspired by the trench
warfare of World War I to develop a "one-man, hand-held machine gun", firing a rifle caliber round. Thompson
intended the weapon as an automatic 'trench-broom' to sweep enemy troops from the trenches, filling a role the
BAR had proved incapable of performing. In 1938, the Thompson submachine gun was adopted by the U.S.
military, serving during World War II and beyond.
Modifications to simplify production and reduce cost were made in 1942, resulting in the M1 and M1A1 models,
which were commonly carried by both non-commissioned and commissioned officers. The Thompson found
particular utility in World War II in the hands of Allied troops as a weapon for scouts, non-commissioned officers,
and patrol leaders. In the European theater, the gun was widely utilized in British and Canadian Commando units,
as well as U.S. paratroop and Ranger battalions.
The Thompson has a fairly high rate of fire at 900+ rounds per minute (rpm), higher than many other submachine
guns of smaller caliber. This rate of fire, combined with a rather heavy trigger pull and a stock with excessive drop,
increases the tendency of the gun to climb off target in automatic fire. By the standards of the day, however, the
Thompson was one of the most effective and reliable submachine guns available.
M1903
SPRINGFIELD
The Springfield M1903, formally the United States Rifle, Caliber .30, Model 1903, is an American magazine-fed,
bolt-action rifle used primarily during the first half of the 20th century. It was officially adopted as a service rifle
on June 19th 1903, and was officially replaced as a service rifle by the faster-firing, semi-automatic M1 Garand,
starting in 1936. The M1903 saw notable use in World War I and World War II. Some dubbed it the "weapon of
the silent death," since a person could be struck by its bullet before ever hearing the weapon's report.
The M1903 and the M1903A3 rifle were used in combat alongside the M1 Garand by the U.S. military during the
Second World War and saw extensive use and action in the hands of U.S. troops in Europe, North Africa, and
the Pacific. The US Army Rangers were also a major user of the M1903 during World War II with the
Springfield being preferred over the M1 Garand for commando missions. By mid-war, however, US combat
troops had been re-equipped with the M1 Garand. It remained in service for snipers (using the M1903A4) and
grenadiers (using a spigot type rifle grenade launcher). However, some front-line infantry units in both the US
Army and the US Marine Corps still used the M1903 despite large quantities of M1 Garands being made
available to front-line troops during the later years of World War II.
SPRINGFIELD
The Springfield M1903, formally the United States Rifle, Caliber .30, Model 1903, is an American magazine-fed,
bolt-action rifle used primarily during the first half of the 20th century. It was officially adopted as a service rifle
on June 19th 1903, and was officially replaced as a service rifle by the faster-firing, semi-automatic M1 Garand,
starting in 1936. The M1903 saw notable use in World War I and World War II. Some dubbed it the "weapon of
the silent death," since a person could be struck by its bullet before ever hearing the weapon's report.
The M1903 and the M1903A3 rifle were used in combat alongside the M1 Garand by the U.S. military during the
Second World War and saw extensive use and action in the hands of U.S. troops in Europe, North Africa, and
the Pacific. The US Army Rangers were also a major user of the M1903 during World War II with the
Springfield being preferred over the M1 Garand for commando missions. By mid-war, however, US combat
troops had been re-equipped with the M1 Garand. It remained in service for snipers (using the M1903A4) and
grenadiers (using a spigot type rifle grenade launcher). However, some front-line infantry units in both the US
Army and the US Marine Corps still used the M1903 despite large quantities of M1 Garands being made
available to front-line troops during the later years of World War II.
M1918 BROWNING AUTOMATIC RIFLE
The Browning Automatic Rifle (more formally as Browning Automatic Rifle, .30 Caliber, and commonly known as
the BAR), is a family of automatic rifles (or machine rifles) and light machine guns used by the United States and
other countries during the 20th century. It was designed in 1917 by the weapons designer John Browning. The
BAR was originally intended as a light automatic rifle, but spent much of its career in various guises used in the
light machine gun role with a bipod. The original M1918 version was and remains the lightest service machine
gun to fire the .30-06 Springfield cartridge, though the limited capacity of its standard 20-round magazine tended
to hamper its utility as a light machine gun.
From its inception, the BAR M1918 was a selective fire automatic rifle allowing the user to choose either semi or
fully automatic fire. First issued in February 1918, it was hoped the BAR might help break the stalemate of the
trenches by the concept of "walking fire"; an automatic weapon accompanying advancing squads of riflemen
rushing from trench to trench. In addition to shoulder-fired operation, BAR gunners were issued a belt that held
magazine pouches for the BAR and sidearm along with a "cup" to support the stock of the rifle when held at the
hip. This allowed the soldier to lay suppressive fire while walking forward, keeping the enemy's head down until it
was too late.
Issued as the heavy fire support for a squad, all men were trained at the basic level how to operate and fire the
BAR in case the man carrying it was out of action. While not without its design flaws, the basic BAR design
nevertheless proved itself when kept clean and earned a reputation as being rugged and reliable. It served as a
frontline standard weapon from the latter days of World War I through World War II.
The Browning Automatic Rifle (more formally as Browning Automatic Rifle, .30 Caliber, and commonly known as
the BAR), is a family of automatic rifles (or machine rifles) and light machine guns used by the United States and
other countries during the 20th century. It was designed in 1917 by the weapons designer John Browning. The
BAR was originally intended as a light automatic rifle, but spent much of its career in various guises used in the
light machine gun role with a bipod. The original M1918 version was and remains the lightest service machine
gun to fire the .30-06 Springfield cartridge, though the limited capacity of its standard 20-round magazine tended
to hamper its utility as a light machine gun.
From its inception, the BAR M1918 was a selective fire automatic rifle allowing the user to choose either semi or
fully automatic fire. First issued in February 1918, it was hoped the BAR might help break the stalemate of the
trenches by the concept of "walking fire"; an automatic weapon accompanying advancing squads of riflemen
rushing from trench to trench. In addition to shoulder-fired operation, BAR gunners were issued a belt that held
magazine pouches for the BAR and sidearm along with a "cup" to support the stock of the rifle when held at the
hip. This allowed the soldier to lay suppressive fire while walking forward, keeping the enemy's head down until it
was too late.
Issued as the heavy fire support for a squad, all men were trained at the basic level how to operate and fire the
BAR in case the man carrying it was out of action. While not without its design flaws, the basic BAR design
nevertheless proved itself when kept clean and earned a reputation as being rugged and reliable. It served as a
frontline standard weapon from the latter days of World War I through World War II.
M3A1 SUBMACHINE GUN
The M3 "Grease Gun" (more formally United States Submachine Gun, Cal. .45, M3/M3A1) was a submachine gun
developed by the United States during World War II as a cheap substitute for the Thompson. It was nicknamed the
Grease Gun because of its resemblance to an automotive grease gun, and because it contained an oil reservoir
in the grip.
When World War II began, the Thompson submachine gun was the standard U.S. submachine gun. However, the
Thompson was comparatively expensive in terms of machining and time to manufacture. The .45 caliber M3 was
adopted in 1942, designed specifically for simplified production using pressed and stamped metal parts. The gun
was made by welding two pressed-metal shells together to form the exterior of the weapon. Far easier to
manufacture than the Thompson, the M3 incorporated several updated design features, including a barrel that
detached without tools, and a bolt that rode on two wire guide springs. A low cyclic rate of fire and straight-line
recoil thrust made it easier to control than many other submachine guns, especially during automatic fire, though
the spindly wire-frame stock fit few users and was rather too short.
The M3 was designed to be a disposable firearm once damaged or disabled, and no spare parts were provided
to Army ordnance commands. This decision proved to be a minor catastrophe after inevitable supply bottlenecks
caused reserve stocks of the M3 to run out in certain commands, forcing ordnance technicians to make
emergency repairs and fabricate pawl springs in order to provide frontline units with operating weapons.
The M3 used the blowback method of operation. It could be fired only in fully-automatic mode, but experienced
soldiers could usually fire single shots with it due to its very low rate of fire (400–450 rounds per minute).
The M3 "Grease Gun" (more formally United States Submachine Gun, Cal. .45, M3/M3A1) was a submachine gun
developed by the United States during World War II as a cheap substitute for the Thompson. It was nicknamed the
Grease Gun because of its resemblance to an automotive grease gun, and because it contained an oil reservoir
in the grip.
When World War II began, the Thompson submachine gun was the standard U.S. submachine gun. However, the
Thompson was comparatively expensive in terms of machining and time to manufacture. The .45 caliber M3 was
adopted in 1942, designed specifically for simplified production using pressed and stamped metal parts. The gun
was made by welding two pressed-metal shells together to form the exterior of the weapon. Far easier to
manufacture than the Thompson, the M3 incorporated several updated design features, including a barrel that
detached without tools, and a bolt that rode on two wire guide springs. A low cyclic rate of fire and straight-line
recoil thrust made it easier to control than many other submachine guns, especially during automatic fire, though
the spindly wire-frame stock fit few users and was rather too short.
The M3 was designed to be a disposable firearm once damaged or disabled, and no spare parts were provided
to Army ordnance commands. This decision proved to be a minor catastrophe after inevitable supply bottlenecks
caused reserve stocks of the M3 to run out in certain commands, forcing ordnance technicians to make
emergency repairs and fabricate pawl springs in order to provide frontline units with operating weapons.
The M3 used the blowback method of operation. It could be fired only in fully-automatic mode, but experienced
soldiers could usually fire single shots with it due to its very low rate of fire (400–450 rounds per minute).
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WEAPONRY of the RANGERS
Fox Company employs several weapons to authentically portray the
elite fighting soldiers of World War II. All of these are government
issue, and are blank adapted for our purposes in living histories and
battle re-enactments. These weapons are real; therefore, we take
considerable practice in safety and federal regulations and guidelines
to ensure these firearms are used responsibly and respectfully.
Fox Company employs several weapons to authentically portray the
elite fighting soldiers of World War II. All of these are government
issue, and are blank adapted for our purposes in living histories and
battle re-enactments. These weapons are real; therefore, we take
considerable practice in safety and federal regulations and guidelines
to ensure these firearms are used responsibly and respectfully.
M1A1 BAZOOKA
The bazooka was a man-portable anti-tank rocket launcher, made famous during World War II where it was one of
the primary infantry anti-tank weapons used by the United States Armed Forces. It was one of the first weapons
based on the High explosive anti-tank (HEAT) shell to enter service. It was nicknamed "bazooka" from a vague
resemblance to the musical instrument of the same name invented and used by Bob Burns. It saw widespread
use throughout WWII.
The War Department had developed a shaped-charge hand grenade for anti-tank use that was effective at
defeating up to 100 mm (4 in) of armor, by far the best such weapon in the world at the time. However, the M10
grenade weighed 3.5 lb (1.6 kg) and was difficult to throw and too heavy to function as a rifle grenade. The only
practical way to use it was to place it directly on the tank. Army Colonel Leslie A. Skinner suggested placing the
grenade on the front of the experimental rocket launcher he had developed with U.S. Army Lieutenant Edward G.
Uhl, a weapon looking for a role. By late 1942, the Rocket Launcher, M1A1 was introduced.
The main drawback to the weapon was the large backblast and smoke trail which gave away the position of the
shooter. Secretly introduced in Operation Torch, it was highly effective, though inherently inaccurate at all but very
close ranges. Its impact was such that General Dwight D. Eisenhower later described it as one of the weapons
which won World War II for the allies. The Germans immediately copied it from captured weapons, to produce their
own much larger version known as the Panzerschreck.
The bazooka was a man-portable anti-tank rocket launcher, made famous during World War II where it was one of
the primary infantry anti-tank weapons used by the United States Armed Forces. It was one of the first weapons
based on the High explosive anti-tank (HEAT) shell to enter service. It was nicknamed "bazooka" from a vague
resemblance to the musical instrument of the same name invented and used by Bob Burns. It saw widespread
use throughout WWII.
The War Department had developed a shaped-charge hand grenade for anti-tank use that was effective at
defeating up to 100 mm (4 in) of armor, by far the best such weapon in the world at the time. However, the M10
grenade weighed 3.5 lb (1.6 kg) and was difficult to throw and too heavy to function as a rifle grenade. The only
practical way to use it was to place it directly on the tank. Army Colonel Leslie A. Skinner suggested placing the
grenade on the front of the experimental rocket launcher he had developed with U.S. Army Lieutenant Edward G.
Uhl, a weapon looking for a role. By late 1942, the Rocket Launcher, M1A1 was introduced.
The main drawback to the weapon was the large backblast and smoke trail which gave away the position of the
shooter. Secretly introduced in Operation Torch, it was highly effective, though inherently inaccurate at all but very
close ranges. Its impact was such that General Dwight D. Eisenhower later described it as one of the weapons
which won World War II for the allies. The Germans immediately copied it from captured weapons, to produce their
own much larger version known as the Panzerschreck.
M1911 AUTOMATIC PISTOL
The M1911 is a single-action, semiautomatic handgun chambered for the .45 ACP cartridge. It was designed by John
M. Browning, and was the standard-issue side arm for the United States armed forces from 1911 to 1985. Its formal
designation as of 1940 was Automatic Pistol, Caliber .45, M1911 for the original Model of 1911 or Automatic Pistol,
Caliber .45, M1911A1 for the M1911A1, adopted in 1924. In total, the United States procured around 2.7 million M1911
and M1911A1 pistols during its service life. The M1911 officially replaced a range of revolvers and pistols across
branches of the U.S. armed forces, though a number of other designs would see some use in certain niches.
World War II and the years leading up to it created a great demand for the weapon. During the war, about 1.9 million
units were procured by the U.S. Government for all forces, production being undertaken by several manufacturers.
So many were produced that, after 1945, the government did not order any new pistols, and simply used existing
parts inventories to "arsenal refinish" guns when necessary. This pistol remains favored by US military personnel.
The M1911 is a single-action, semiautomatic handgun chambered for the .45 ACP cartridge. It was designed by John
M. Browning, and was the standard-issue side arm for the United States armed forces from 1911 to 1985. Its formal
designation as of 1940 was Automatic Pistol, Caliber .45, M1911 for the original Model of 1911 or Automatic Pistol,
Caliber .45, M1911A1 for the M1911A1, adopted in 1924. In total, the United States procured around 2.7 million M1911
and M1911A1 pistols during its service life. The M1911 officially replaced a range of revolvers and pistols across
branches of the U.S. armed forces, though a number of other designs would see some use in certain niches.
World War II and the years leading up to it created a great demand for the weapon. During the war, about 1.9 million
units were procured by the U.S. Government for all forces, production being undertaken by several manufacturers.
So many were produced that, after 1945, the government did not order any new pistols, and simply used existing
parts inventories to "arsenal refinish" guns when necessary. This pistol remains favored by US military personnel.
| EDGED WEAPONS |
| M1903 BAYONET This bayonet, when fixed to the end of an M1903 Springfield or M1 Garand, became a deadly close combat weapon of the American infantryman. These were attached to the M28 haversack or Ammo belt when not in use. |
| M3 COMBAT KNIFE The standard issue combat knife in WWII. Worn on the Ammo Belt in either the early war M6 leather scabbard or the mid war M8 scabbard, this knife was utilitarian in design and was an excellent choice in hand to hand combat. |
| SYKES-FAIRBAIRN DAGGER This was the edged weapon of choice for British commandos and US Rangers. Designed specifically for the element of surprise, the F-S Dagger remains an icon for the US Army Rangers of today. |
Information collected and composed by 2ndRangerBattalion.org 2008