
rec.guns FAQ:III.D.2.g.1. M-1 Garand - History & Field Stripping

III. Firearm Information by Type
D. Rifles
2. Models and Manufacturers
g. M-1 Garand
1. History and Field Stripping
by Robert Gibson (rgibson@ua1vm.ua.edu)

  The M1 GARAND is a full blown combat rifle with maxiumum range of 3,200 meters
  and maxiumum effective range of 400 meters.....or the greatest distance at
  which the weapon can be expected to fire accurately to inflict casualties or
  damage.  Fully loaded with 8-round en bloc clip, cleaning kit in butt stock,
  sling and with stock of dense GI issue wood the M1 weighed in at 11-1/4 lbs.
  The M1 Garand came into production in 1936 using the .30-06 rifle cartridge.

  As a supplement to the Garand the M1 Carbine was developed.  It was totally
  different design philosophy with a smaller, less powerful cartridge and an
  effective range of 300 yds max.  It weighed almost exactly 1/2 that of the
  M1 Garand.  In many ways you could think of the M1 Carbine as a moderately
  powerful, two-handed, long-barreled auto pistol with a shoulder stock.


  Publications to support M1 Garand:

  You need to get FM 23-5 and TM 9-1005-222-12 next time you're at a gunshow.
  Look around for publication locations, they'll have 'em for between $5-$10.
  Also check through _Shot Gun News_, they are available from various sources.

  Here it is in the military routine, just like basic training circa 1952:

  Disassembly into the Three Main Groups:

   A. The three main groups are the trigger housing group, the barrel and
  receiver group and the stock group.

   B. To disassemble the rifle into the three main groups, first insure that
  the weapon is clear and then allow the bolt to go forward by depressing the
  follower with the right thumb and allowing the bolt to ride forward over the
  follower assembly.  .

   C. Place the rifle butt against the left thigh, sights to the left. With
  the thumb and forefinger of the right hand, pull downward and outward on
  the rear of the trigger guard.  Swing the trigger guard out as far as it
  will go and lift out the trigger housing group.

   D. To separate the barrel and receiver from the stock lay the weapon on a
  flat surface with the sights up, muzzle to the left.  With the left hand,
  grasp the rear of the receiver and raise the rifle.  With the right hand,
  give  a downward blow, grasping the small of the stock.  This will separate
  the stock group from the barrel and receiver group.


  That's it....verbatim from FM 23-5  U.S. Rifle Caliber .30, M1. Very simple
  and straight forward to do.  The older or "looser" the M1, the easier it is
  to field strip...a nicely refurbished M1 can be a bear to get loose....I've
  seen a few that needed a rubber mallet to pop loose in step D.  If it takes
  it, pop it a good one.....the M1 is a robust weapon, you can't hurt it.

