| PART 2 of 2: The M1 Garand appeared on the world stage at a critical crossroads in world history. If it had been a poor design, it was be nothing more than yet another forgettable footnote of World War II as the Allies stood against Axis aggression. But the Garand, a brilliant design of John G. which dominated the competition, was much more. It was easily the best and most influential battle rifle of the war. The Garand provided US forces with superior firepower, a quick reload, high accuracy, and durability under frozen, jungle, and even desert conditions. In TNP I set out to prove this all for myself and the crew in over five months of extensive and expensive testing of five M1 Garands, hailing from the WW II, Korean, and modern era production periouds. As a former drill rifle to me, I needed to gain expertise in the M1 system. It came readily. Not because I'm something special but because the Garand is easy to master and shoot well. The M1 1 MOA adjustable apertures sights are exceptional even today and we shot successfully to 400 yards on man sized targets with them. Don't expect night capabilities howeve on the M1, it's pure 1930s technology. Other ergonomic considerations such as reloading, sling and accessory considerations, stock fit, and safety actuation are discussed. The two stage trigger is not light but it is predictable and smooth, contributing to accuracy. Quality levels in most Garands is superb: each features a forged steel receiver which, when made today ... |
