Familar with the M1C and M1D snipers, but was there an M1A and M1B version??

[gary25]

We are all familar with the M1C and M1D sniper models which were developed durring WWII. Assuming that Springfield Armory used sequential model numbering for these mods that ended up providing the "C" and "D" suffix, did Springfield Armory also have an M1A and M1B model during WWII? If so, what were they?

Gary

[John Kepler]

If accepted, the M1-A, would have been the M1-E5 shortened, folding stock Airborne version, the M1-B would have been the BAR magazined, select-fire T20E2 (though the T20 was close....10,000 of them had been ordered with options on more...all canceled when Oppenheimer's little toy worked!). Neither happened, but the designation had been assigned to the program.....at least according to Scott Duff!

[John Kepler]

BTW, the T20 project eventually produced the M14.

[0311Shooter]

If you want a good read get "The Last Steel Warrior, U.S. M14 Rifle" by Frank Iannamico. It covers every one of the "T" versions, a bit of Garand development too.

A hard read, lots of detail, lots of pictures, but will answer just about any question you may have along those lines.

[RCS]

Some early 7.62x51mm cartridges:

left: L C 56 steel case ball cartridge with NATO cross

middle: L C 54 AP without the NATO cross

right: WCC 53 22 cal on 7.62x51mm case

[edlmann]

We are all familar with the M1C and M1D sniper models which were developed durring WWII. Assuming that Springfield Armory used sequential model numbering for these mods that ended up providing the "C" and "D" suffix, did Springfield Armory also have an M1A and M1B model during WWII? If so, what were they?

A more basic question: Why were major modifications of the M-1 rifle designated with a letter (M1C, M1D, etc.), but major modifications to the M-1 Carbine were designated by a letter and number (M1A1)?