The M1 Garand is a .30 caliber semi-automatic rifle that was the U.S. service rifle during World War II and the Korean War (it also saw limited service during the Vietnam War). Most M1 rifles were issued to U.S. forces, though many hundreds of thousands were also provided as foreign aid to American allies. The Garand is still used by drill teams and military honor guards. It is also widely used by civilians for hunting, target shooting, and as a military collectible.
The M1 replaced the bolt action M1903 Springfield as the standard U.S. service rifle in the mid 1930s, and was itself replaced by the select fire M14 rifle in the early 1960s.
Technical Data Weight 9.5 lb (4.31 kg) to 11.6 lb (5.3 kg) Length 43.5 in (1,100 mm) Barrel length 24 in (609.6 mm) Cartridge .30-06 Springfield (7.62×63mm) 7.62×51mm NATO (.308 Winchester) (Postwar use by U.S.Navy) Action Gas-operated, rotating bolt Rate of fire 40−50 rounds/min Muzzle velocity 2,800 ft/s (853 m/s) Effective firing range 500 yd (457 m) Feed system 8-round en-bloc clip, internal magazine