Origin: USA
Year: 1936
Type: Semi-automatic Rifle
Caliber: .30-06 Springfield (7.62x63mm)
Weight: 9.5 lb (4.31 kg)
Length: 43.5 in (1,100 mm)
Barrel Length: 24 in (609.6 mm)
Capacity: 8 rds

US Rifle, Cal. .30, M1. Deemed the "greatest battle implement ever devised" by General George S. Patton, the M1 Garand served as the standard issue rifle of the United States military from 1936 until being replaced by the M14 approximately twenty years later. Designed by Canadian-American John C. Garand, the M1's semi-automatic action and 8-shot capacity provided the American fighting man of the Second World War a distinct advantage over the 5-shot bolt-actions fielded by the Axis. The rifle proved its worth in the hands of American soldiers from the sands of North Africa to the snow of Bastogne to the beaches of Iwo Jima. It would continue to see combat in the Korean War not only with Americans but with the South Koreans and various members of the UN force in Korea. It would also see action with the South Vietnamese during the Vietnam War and continues to pop up from time to time in war zones to this day, including the current conflict in Syria. However, the M1 Garand is more likely to be found in the hands of private collectors, competitive marksmen, drill teams, and honor guards than the field of battle. For an old veteran of some of the most fearsome fighting in history, it is a well-earned retirement.