III. Firearm Information by Type

D. Rifles

2. Models and Manufacturers

b. Self-Loading Rifles

132. M-1 Garand

1. History and Field Stripping

The M1 GARAND is a full blown combat rifle with maxiumum range of 3,200 meters and maxiumum effective range of 400 meters.....or the greatest distance at which the weapon can be expected to fire accurately to inflict casualties or damage. Fully loaded with 8-round en bloc clip, cleaning kit in butt stock, sling and with stock of dense GI issue wood the M1 weighed in at 11-1/4 lbs. The M1 Garand came into production in 1936 using the .30-06 rifle cartridge.

As a supplement to the Garand the M1 Carbine was developed. It was totally different design philosophy with a smaller, less powerful cartridge and an effective range of 300 yds max. It weighed almost exactly 1/2 that of the M1 Garand. In many ways you could think of the M1 Carbine as a moderately powerful, two-handed, long-barreled auto pistol with a shoulder stock.

You need to get FM 23-5 and TM 9-1005-222-12 next time you're at a gunshow. Look around for publication locations, they'll have 'em for between $5-$10. Also check through _Shot Gun News_, they are available from various sources.

Here it is in the military routine, just like basic training circa 1952:

• A. The three main groups are the trigger housing group, the barrel and receiver group and the stock group.
• B. To disassemble the rifle into the three main groups, first insure that the weapon is clear and then allow the bolt to go forward by depressing the follower with the right thumb and allowing the bolt to ride forward over the follower assembly. .
• C. Place the rifle butt against the left thigh, sights to the left. With the thumb and forefinger of the right hand, pull downward and outward on the rear of the trigger guard. Swing the trigger guard out as far as it will go and lift out the trigger housing group.
• D. To separate the barrel and receiver from the stock lay the weapon on a flat surface with the sights up, muzzle to the left. With the left hand, grasp the rear of the receiver and raise the rifle. With the right hand, give a downward blow, grasping the small of the stock. This will separate the stock group from the barrel and receiver group.