"Expanded and updated coverage of both the M1 Garand and the M1 carbine ... detailed, close-up photographs show you the specific features that separate valuable rarities from fakes and rebuilds ... covers all the manufacturers, with easy-to-understand explanations of all the components, parts, variations and markings. Learn which parts are proper for which guns ... a full historical breakdown tells you which guns were used by which troops and how they performed"--Back cover

Two marines share their experiences of serving in Afghanistan and dealing with the shock of returning home to civil society. The Marines of First Battalion, Ninth Marines earned their macabre moniker “The Walking Dead” in the Vietnam War. Into Helmand with the Walking Dead follows the experiences of two Marine infantrymen from 1/9 fighting in Afghanistan. Following the 11 September attacks in 2001, Operation Enduring Freedom catalyzed the longest war in United States history. The lives of thousands of Afghans, Americans, and many others were forever altered due to the ensuing war. The book is a brutally honest portrayal of life and death in the Marine infantry both at war in Afghanistan and upon returning to the home front, where issues of reintegration and suicide become a reality. This is the tale of the young Americans who became infantrymen and conducted America’s foreign policy in its most ruthless and straightforward manner. But war, in and of itself, is only playing a small part. The culture and environment from which they reentered civil society would leave them uncertain, and confused as to the cataclysm they had just left. This book is a testimony to their experience and the legacy of war on their generation.

The first self-loading rifle to see widespread military use, the robust M1 Garand survived the tests of battle from World War II to Vietnam, and it remains a favorite among competition shooters and collectors to this day. In this heavily illustrated, practical history, author Jim Thompson, a longtime M1 shooter and collector, tells the complete story of the rifle's development, look, feel, and function. A thoroughly researched overview of the M1 Garand goes beyond industrial histories and provides background on manufacturers and stateside sources as well as discussing ammunition and accuracy. Detailed photo sections present: Early and World War II rifles World War II and postwar rebuilds (including rare postwar rifles from the US and Italy) Special purpose rifles and rarities, including sniper, match, and competition rifles plus the T26 Spinoffs and derivatives, including the M14, M1A, and BM.59 In addition, reprinted and heavily annotated military and National Match manuals, an updated troubleshooting chart, and a section on reloading provide valuable functional data and rules of thumb with the shooter in mind. Collectors will benefit from an extensive parts compendium. The final part of the book, dedicated to the enjoyment and maintenance of the M1, addresses some common questions about the rifle and offers detailed instruction on some expert procedures for maintaining and smoothing this wartime classic.

The M1941 Johnson Rifle is the hottest WWII rifle on the collectors' market today, and this exciting new book covers it all! From invention and manufacture through issue to the troops, every aspect of the Johnson is explained and illustrated - including collector's notes and serial number data. You will learn about all the other Johnson weapons, like the Light Machine Guns, "Paratroop" rifles and aircraft cannon. Discover which troops used these unique guns, including those Johnson Rifles issues to the U.S. Marine Corps. Author Bruce N. Canfield also tells the intriguing story of Johnson himself. Learn about Johnson's continual struggle against government bureaucrats as his rifles stoof head-to-head with the famous M1 Garand.

Gen. George S. Patton called it "the greatest battle implement ever devised." The legendary .30-caliber M1 Garand semiautomatic rifle was the standard US service rifle in WWII and Korea. More than five million were made in American factories between 1937 and the end of 1945. It was also used by over 50 countries worldwide and saw combat into the 1970s. Today it is the weapon used by the US Marine Corps Silent Drill Platoon in its precision exhibitions. Its design, construction, and variants, as well as its famed use during WWII in all war theaters, are shown in superb period photography and clear, up-close color images. Accessories such as magazines, ammunition, belts, bandoleers, and cleaning kits are featured throughout the book, as well as rarely seen WWII-related uniform and equipment items.