EARLY History of USMC M1 Garand in WW2

[eclancy]

EARLY History of USMC M1 Garand

Gentlemen,
Here is the main data on how the USMC was to get M1 Garands. The files would take to much time to download. There is a LOT OF IMPORTANT DATA IN THIS POST

TRY to REPLY

This file shows that the USMC has Adopted the M1 Garand on March 5, 1941

http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c21/eclancy/3541aw.jpg

This file from Ordnance tells the USMC it will have to get in line for M1 Garands.

http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c21/eclancy/38411aa.jpg

HOWEVER, THE SEC. of WAR ORDERS THIS IMMEDITATE ACTION ORDER

http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c21/eclancy/3841.jpg

Some data has been posted before others have not.

Gentlemen GOING DOWN FAST
Thanks again
Clancy

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FSS 90% / BW X Speed Div by 1000 = PF
THA 63

http://www.garandm1rifle.com
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[gaweidert]

eclancy,

Neat info. Here is a bit of history for you on this topic.

My father-in-law (USMC 1938 -19149) was involved in testing the Johnson rifle. Their evaluation resulted in a recommendation to use the Johnson over the Garand. He always thought there was some sort of payoff involved, but it was in reality a simple logistics issue coupled with the fact that people thought more parts equalled less reliability. He really loved that rifle. At Guadalcanal he used the '03A3 Springfield and felt it was a part of his right arm. He had to be ordered to turn his in and secure a Garand. Lots of Marines initially wanted to stay with the 03A3's. Lots of old "Old Corps" one shot one kill mentality still at that point.

He told me that during a 10 shot test for speed and accuracy he could outperform the Garand, but not the Johnson. The clip being the thing that slowed down the shooters. The Johnson could be topped off with a stripper clip likr the Springfield. It also had a faster target reaquisition time. I asked him how he could cycle the Springfield so fast and he proceded to demonstrate using my Mark I. During the recoil he would slap the bolt to cycle it and by the time he was done he was back on target. He was over 80 when he demonstrated this to me.

 

[Sistema1927]

Clancy,

Neat info. but the first letter is dated March 1941 and requests delivery beginning in April of 1941.

 

[gunny1022]

1st Marine Division still had the Garand in 1960

 

[eclancy]

Gentlemen,
NICE PICK up Sir. I was looking at the wrong file dealing with 1942 and the Shipments to the USMC. Sorry about that
Thanks again
Clancy

 

[ACP230]

I read several places that, after the Marines saw the M1 in action in the Pacific, there was a lot of Marines engaging in "midnight requisitions" from Army units armed with them.