The American and Filipino defenders consolidated much of their defense on the Bataan peninsula and were able to hold out until May 8, 1942.

The M1 rifle was there, albeit in small numbers, to oppose them. military installations on Pearl Harbor, Japanese troops began their invasion of the Philippines. Quietly, the M1 was gaining in numbers and popularity as America’s new service rifle. Image: NARAĮven so, America was two years away from becoming embroiled in the spreading conflict, and M1 rifle production ramped up steadily as the war clouds loomed. soldier is learning how to run an early “gas-trap” Garand rifle in November 1939. As World War II began in September 1939, the M1 was beginning to take its ultimate form as the early “gas trap” model was replaced. The negative rumors continued until the initial issues with the Garand were worked out. paratroopers capturing a Nazi in Normandy with a M1 rifle fitted with the 10″ M1 bayonet. It is too big and heavy.” To make matters worse, Army NCOs feared the complexities of the new M1 would cause them to fall from the ranks of “expert marksman” and that decline in rating would cost them a $5 a month bonus. Many American troops believed there was no real need to change from the M1903, and soon the nervous initial assessments about the M1 began to be heard: “It is inaccurate.

The Springfield had served America well since before World War I, and the classic bolt-action was one of the finest battle rifles of the era. John Garand’s new-fangled battle rifle’s first challenge was to replace a long-serving legend - the M1903 Springfield rifle.

Army did not take quickly to the new semi-automatic M1 rifle. It is hard to imagine now, but the Old Salts in the U.S.

M1 garand serial number history