Early Garand Rifles

[Mark in Rochester]

Model 1919 Patent Model SPAR915


John Garand's patent, dated September 5, 1919, is clearly reflected in his first experimental weapon. In the early pieces, Garand used a primer actuated system which used the set back power of the cartridge primer to operate the action.

The M1919 patent model fully-automatic machine gun (not semi-automatic as his later weapons were) was submitted by John Garand while he was working as a master gauge and gun experimenter at the U.S. Bureau of Standards. This weapon may be viewed in the Museum exhibit case 35

Springfield Armory NHS, US NPS







The M1920 model number 2 submitted by John Garand for the 1920 comparative tests at Springfield Armory. This weapon may be viewed in the Museum exhibit case 35.





Garand's Model 1921 SPAR7013 in .30" caliber, was the third rifle he created and was similarly primer-actuated. Unlike the Model 1920, however, which operated with a rotating bolt with front locking lugs, the Model 1921 bolt didn't rotate but locked in place at its rear which pivoted and rested before a locking shoulder in the frame. Also unlike the two earlier models (the 1919 Patent Model and the Model 1920), the Model 1921 did not use a 20 or 30 round detachable magazine. Instead, it was fitted with a fixed 5 round magazine in the receiver. The receiver for this rifle may be viewed in the Museum in case 57.





The M1923. It was reviewed by the Infantry & Cavalry Boards in tests completed Feb. 1924. This weapon may be viewed in the Museum exhibit case 35.



The Garand T1 rifle, in .30" caliber, was made and tested at Springfield Armory in 1930. The T1 rifle barreled action may be viewed in the Museum exhibit case 57. The T1E1 rifle may be viewed in the Museum exhibit near case 35.



U.S. RIFLE T3 GARAND .276 SPAR6418
The first Garand Springfield Armory rifle of Cal..276; completed June 1929; operated by gas-piston with port between barrel and muzzle piece; marked 'U.S. Semi-Auto. Rifle T3 Cal..276 Garand Patents.' (Tested by Board 1929)." - Letter to Chief of Ordnance, 11/12/1929. Only one made. Weapon tested 7/1/29 - 10/24/29.





The "Model Shop" M1 rifle seen here in a 1935 photograph displays the features of these early weapons, i.e., single-blade front sight and trigger guard without lanyard loop. Note the long US M1905 bayonet with its 16" blade.

All info from S.A.N.H.S.

Information

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