M1 Garand rifle

The basic infantry weapon of U.S. forces in the Second World War, as well as one still used in less advanced militaries as well as in sporting derivatives, the M-1 Garand rifle was a clip-fed semiautomatic rifle, firing a .30-06 full-power rifle cartridge.

It was replaced briefly by the M-14 rifle, also firing a full-power NATO 7.62mm cartridge, which, in turn, has been replaced by the M-16 family of assault rifles firing the intermediate power 5.56mm round. The most commonly issued U.S. rifle is the M-4 variant of the M-16.

Variants

The M-1C and M-1D are highly accurate versions optimized for use by snipers.

Ammunition

Type	Purpose	Identification
Ball, M-2	This is the basic solid round for general use	It is the only round with no special markings
Armor piercing, M-2	lightly armored vehicles, protective shelters, and personnel	Black bullet tip
Armor piercing incendiary, M-14	inflammable targets	white or aluminum buklet tim
Incendiary, M-1	unarmored, flammable targets	Blue bullet tip
Rifle grenade, M-3	propelling rifle grenades	no bullet; mouth of cartridge case is crimped
Blank, M-1909	observing fire, incendiary, marking targets	Red bullet tip
Tracer	Practice and salutes	No bullet, case sealed with red lacquer
Dummy, M-50	mechanical training	either grooved case and tin plated, or holes drilled in the case
Match	Competitive shooting	stamped "MATCH"