Back Up Next

WWII Weapons Used in Combat!
American flag American American flag
M1 Garand and Springfield Rifles used in WWII

These pages discuss WWII weapons used in the ABC-TV series Combat! that originally ran in the United States from 1962 through 1967. This information is meant as a primer for fans wanting to identify the weapons used in the series. 

 


M1 Garand Rifle


M1 Rifle Patent Art Wall Hanging
Military Marksman Print
11x14

The M-1 was the standard weapon of the US infantry soldier in World War II. It is semi-automatic, fed by a clip that holds eight caliber .30 cartridges. It is gas operated, self-loading, and a shoulder weapon. The gun weighs 8.94 pounds, is 43 inches long, with the barrel itself being 22.30 inches. The Garand has a muzzle velocity of 2,760 feet per second, and a maximum range of 5,500 yards. A bayonet can be attached to the M-1, giving it a reach of about five feet.

[Note: .30 means the caliber of the weapon is 30/100 of an inch. The caliber of a weapon is the interior diameter, or size, of the bore.]

Sal Mineo holding M1 Garand RifleIn Combat!, the M-1 Garand rifle was used by Caje, Littlejohn, and Billy.

Rifle-grenades are attached to a grenade launcher that fits over the end of the M-1. Rifle grenades are fired by Braddock in the episode "A Day in June" and Kirby in "No Time for Pity." Some versions were a 60 mm mortar shell attached to the grenade launcher.

At left: Sal Mineo in the episode "The Hard Way Back" holding an M1 Garand rifle.

 


Springfield Rifle

Eddie Albert holding WWI Springfield rifleYou will often see another American rifle, the Springfield rifle, in Combat! episodes. This earlier rifle saw service in WWI. The rifles used by the British soldiers in "What are the Bugles Blowin' For?" look to be American Springfield '03 rifles, a bolt-action weapon developed in 1903. In the episode "Doughboy," Eddie Albert's rifle is an authentic WWI era Springfield.
See the book: A Collector's Guide to the '03 Springfield

The Complete M1 Garand:
A Guide for the Shooter and Collector
by Jim Thompson

A heavily illustrated, practical history for shooters and collectors alike, this book tells the complete story of the robust M1 Garand. High-quality, detailed photos; functional and troubleshooting data, including original military manuals; market information and much more make this a valuable resource on a classic battle rifle. Author Jim Thompson has a great, personal style of writing that is easy to read and shows his passion for this weapon. He weaves stories of war and peace uses of the Garand throughout the text. More than just a dry technical reference, this is a actually a book from the heart, as shown by his moving dedication to a friend.
Paperback, 160 pages, ISBN: 0873649842
flag-ca-sm.gif (973 bytes)Cbeck Canada Price


Complete Guide to the M1 Garand and the M1 Carbine

The world's most popular and respected author on WWII firearms presents his most complete examination of the M1 Garand and the M1 Carbine ever. Packed solid with the kind of useful, hands-on knowledge that readers have been demanding. Detailed, close-up photographs show 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 and avoid being fooled. Over 300 clear, large photos show you features, markings, overall views and actions shots of the guns being used in battle. 33 tables give you instant reference to the facts you need the most. This is simply the most complete and useful guide to these very important military firearms.
Hardcover, 297 pages. 
flag-ca-sm.gif (973 bytes)Cbeck Canada Price

 

The M1 Does My Talking : The US M1 Garand Rifle In Pictures, WW2 and Korea .

Over 300 black-and=white and color images fully document the Garand Rifles origin, development, battlefield use, and postwar experimentation.
Soft Bound; 80 pages 7.25w x 9.75h
flag-ca-sm.gif (973 bytes)Cbeck Canada Price

More Books about WWII M1 Garand

         

Back Up Next


Other US WWII Weapons pages on this site:
WWII B.A.R. Browning Automatic Rifle
M1911 Colt .45 Pistol - American WWII Handgun
M1 Carbine
M1 Garand Rifle - American WWII Rifles
Tommy Gun - Thompson Submachine Gun
WWII Bazooka
WWII American Tanks and Armor
WWII American Machine Guns
WWII Artillery and Howitzers - American
Mortar Weapons of WWII
WWII Bayonets and Knives - American

 

 
Thank you! Your purchases help keep this a free site!

Toy Tiger Tank
WWII toys

Military Posters

Patriotic Jigsaw Puzzles

Military Video
Games for PCs

Also see WWII games for PC, Mac, Xbox, PS2

Dollar Bargains...
O July 4th Favors
T Stocking Stuffers