M1 Garand rifle
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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. [1]
It was replaced briefly by the M-14 rifle, also firing a full-power NATO 7.62mm cartridge, which, in turn, has been replaced by the M-16 family of assault rifles firing the intermediate power 5.56mm round.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.
Principles of operation
Tactical use
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" |
References
- ↑ Field Manual 23-5 for the U.S. Rifle, CALIBER .30, M1, Department of the Army, May 1965, FM 23-5