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THE U.S. Rifle .30 Cal M 1

Foreign production and use
After the end of WWII many U.S. allies in Europe, Asia, and South America were rearmed with M1 rifles. Italy, which had joined the allies in 1944, decided to produce the rifle. Beretta was given contracts for M1 rifles and spare parts. The rifles Berretta produced were equal in quality to the U.S.G.I. rifles. Some U.S.G.I. rifles have been found with Italian made replacement parts. Some collectors believe the U.S. Army may have purchased some Italian made replacement parts for rifles used by U.S. forces in NATO during the 1950s and early 1960s.

Denmark used the M1 rifle for many years after the war and fabricated barrels and other parts for rebuild and repair of M1 rifles. These rifles were returned to the U.S. Government and are available for purchase from the Civilian Marksmanship Program., www.odcmp.com.

Technical Data: U.S. Rifle .30 Caliber, M1
Weight: 9.6 lbs unloaded
Length 43.6 inches
Max range: 460 meters
Caliber: Ball .30 Caliber M2 (30-06)
Capacity: 8 rounds
Operation: Gas
Sights: Windage and elevation adjustable

M1 and M1D Rifles shown with M1 Carbine (folding stock) and M1911A1 .45 Cal Pistol

Importations of U.S.G.I. M1 Rifles
Large numbers of M1 rifles were imported into the United States during the late 1980s and early 1990s. Some of these rifles have seen hard military use for 50 years. In turn, as more modern weapons became available, These M1s were slowly relegated to second line military and police use. Korea, The Philippines, Turkey and other countries sold off their reserve stockpiles of M1 rifles. Some rifles were in very poor condition, others excellent condition. Some rifles were refinished to removing pitting to the extent that serial numbers and manufacturer markings were barely readable. As a testament to the ruggedness of the M1s basic design, these rifles were still serviceable. Although quite inexpensive at the time of importation, prices have steadily risen for these rifles although they do not approach the price level of a comparable U.S.G.I. “non import” rifles. Most were import marked, according to U.S. Law, on the barrel with the Name, City, and State of the importer. The rifle’s receiver was usually not marked.

Collecting the M1 rifle
For further reading consult the books below for information on the M1 rifle and it’s accessories as well as pointers for collectors and shooters.
The Book of the Garand, by Gen. Julian S. Hatcher
The Complete M1 Garand, by Jim Thompson
The M1 Garand, World War II, By Scott Duff
The M1 Garand, Post WW II, By Scott Duff
U.S. Infantry Weapons of the Second World War, by Bruce Canfield
The M1 Does My Talking, by Robert Bruce
The M1 Rifle (American Rifleman Reprint), by the NRA
The American Rifleman Goes to War, NRA Staff

Producers of U.S.G.I. M1 Rifles
Springfield Armory, Springfield Mass. 1936-1945, 1952-1956
Winchester Repeating Arms, 1940-1945
International Harvester, 1952-1956
Harrington and Richardson,1952-1956

Producers of Commercial M1 Rifles
Springfield Armory, Inc Geneseo Ill.
National Ordnance
Century Arms

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