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.

2012 Reprint of 1948 Edition. Exact facsimile of the original edition, not reproduced with Optical Recognition Software. Julian Sommerville Hatcher was a noted firearms expert and author of the early twentieth century. He is credited with several technical books and articles relating to military firearms, ballistics, and auto loading weapons. His premier works are "Hatcher's Notebook" and "Book of the Garand." He was also a pioneer in the forensic identification of firearms and their ammunition. Hatcher retired from the United States Army as a Major General. Afterward, he served as Technical Editor of the National Rifle Association's "American Rifleman" magazine. Hatcher's "Book of the Garand" is the definitive chronicle of the rifle General George S. Patton called "the greatest battle implement ever devised." Hatcher follows the evolution of the M1 Garand from the first semiautomatic hunting rifles to the devastating U.S. infantry weapon of WWII.

"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

Handgun enthusiasts, gun-owning do-it-yourself, law enforcement officials, and gunsmiths here is the ultimate one-volume guide to acquiring and developing all the necessary skills for making pistol repairs at home, from helpful hints on work space and setting up a small shop, to the tools needed and how to use them properly, to welding, hardening, and gun finishing. All this valuable information, plus much more, is contained in this easy-to-use reference for handgun aficionados.

Ever wonder what the real story is behind the M1 Carbine? Would you like to know who really did most of the work making these fabulous guns? This exciting book will introduce you to companies you have probably never heard of - like the S.E. Overton Company in Michigan. You will meet their peope, see them at work, and come away with a whole new appreciation for the M1 Carbines they made.

The M1 carbine is a .30-caliber, semiautomatic rifle that first appeared in 1942 as a standard firearm for the US military during World War II. It was later used by US forces in the Korean and Vietnam Wars and continues to see worldwide use to this day. Produced in several variants by many manufacturers, it was and is still widely used not only by military forces, but by paramilitary and police units worldwide. Its design, construction, and variants--including the M1A1, M2, and M3--are shown in superb period photography and clear, up-close color images. Accessories such as magazines, ammunition, belts, pouches, and cleaning kits are featured throughout the book, as well as rarely seen World War II-related uniform and equipment items.

THE 77TH EDITION OF THE WORLD'S GREATEST GUN BOOK! For three-quarters of a century, Gun Digest has served as the trusted source for up-to-date, detailed, and exciting information about firearms. Gun Digest is the finest collection of great stories, historical reflections, in-depth reviews, and new-product roundups available anywhere. If it has anything to do with firearms and shooting sports, you'll find it here: nearly 600 pages covering rifles, shotguns, muzzleloaders, handguns, airguns, optics, ammunition, and accessories will feed your need for gun information and entertainment. And it is all written by some of the most knowledgeable gun writers in the industry. This comprehensive collection of all things firearms is why, after more than seven decades, Gun Digest still reigns as "The World's Greatest Gun Book!" IT'S ALL HERE! In-Depth Features from Top Gun Writers Reports on New Rifles, Shotguns, Handguns & More Gun Catalog and Buyers' Guide Updated Ballistics Tables Advice on Selecting Ammo & Optics

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.

This REPRINT of Department of the Army, Field Manual 23-5 is a guide in the instruction and training in the mechanical operation of the M1 Garand rifle, once described by General George S Patton as "The greatest battle implement ever devised." Coverage includes a detailed description of the rifle and its general characteristics; procedures for disassembly and assembly; methods of loading; an explanation of functioning; a discussion of stoppages and immediate action; a description of the ammunition; and instructions on the care and cleaning of both the weapon and ammunition. The material presented is applicable, without modification, to both nuclear and non-nuclear warfare.