Swampy
Member
M1 Shooters and Collectors,
Today marks a notable day in history.....
Fifty years ago Today, May 17th 1957, 10:43 AM at Springfield Armory in Spfld Mass, M1 rifle production Officially ceased as the "Official Last M1 Rifle" came off the assembly line. This was M1 rifle Serial # 6084405, now on display in the Springfield Armory Museum.
Inventor of the M1 rifle, Mr. John C. Garand, who had retired from the Armory in 1953 after 35 years of meritorious service, attended the ceremony, as did several "big shots" from the Pentagon.
While it is well known that a fair number of rifles exist with serials higher than the one chosen as the "last" M1, it is also well known that rifles were not always assembled in serial number order. Receivers were stockpiled and pulled out for assembly in random lots. Also, numerous rifles were were later made into National Match rifles from stockpiled parts and receivers.
In any event..... 50 years ago today, official production ceased on,
"The Greatest Battle Implement Ever Devised**.
**Quote: Gen. George S. Patton, Jr. Feb. 1945
Best to all,
Swampy
Garands forever
Today marks a notable day in history.....
Fifty years ago Today, May 17th 1957, 10:43 AM at Springfield Armory in Spfld Mass, M1 rifle production Officially ceased as the "Official Last M1 Rifle" came off the assembly line. This was M1 rifle Serial # 6084405, now on display in the Springfield Armory Museum.
Inventor of the M1 rifle, Mr. John C. Garand, who had retired from the Armory in 1953 after 35 years of meritorious service, attended the ceremony, as did several "big shots" from the Pentagon.
While it is well known that a fair number of rifles exist with serials higher than the one chosen as the "last" M1, it is also well known that rifles were not always assembled in serial number order. Receivers were stockpiled and pulled out for assembly in random lots. Also, numerous rifles were were later made into National Match rifles from stockpiled parts and receivers.
In any event..... 50 years ago today, official production ceased on,
"The Greatest Battle Implement Ever Devised**.
**Quote: Gen. George S. Patton, Jr. Feb. 1945
Best to all,
Swampy
Garands forever