Springfield Armory NHS archives, US NPS
John Garand was a hands-on weapons and procuction engineer.
A Successful Semi-Automatic
John Garand spent the better part of his life perfecting a semi-automatic rifle. On several occasions, as he was within reach of success, the Army changed its specifications, altering the caliber from .30 to .276 and then back again. In the process Garand altered the operating system from primer actuated to gas. Despite the frustrations, he met with success on the eve of World War II, when his rifle would meet its severest test in combat throughout the world.
VIDEO - US M1 Rifle operation
Biography of John Garand
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