Production to Frontlines

[jarrodeu]

Approximately how long did it take for an M1 Garand or M1 Carbine to go from production to fighting on the front lines during WWII? Also, when was the soldier given his rifle?

Jarrod

Information

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[Bob Womack]

I can't answer your first question but here's a factoid on the second one: Once a soldier was assigned to his unit, he was often assigned a rifle. Go HERE to see soldiers traveling by train in the U.S. and cleaning their rifles.

Bob

[mdoerner]

I thought I heard for rifles going to troops already overseas it was no longer than 3 months from out the door from the factory to in the hands of the soldier. If the rifle was issued stateside to the soldier, then it took less time, obviously....

Mike D

[paul1440]

I've heard about 6 months. Here is a post of a 2.7M SA that was lost sometime in late August 1944 and then found in a barn. M1 Garand owners? - U.S. Militaria Forum

That would put it 4-5 months from factory to frontlines.