[Chemist_Geek]

The Harry S. Truman Color Guard posts the colors as the Navy’s newest aircraft carrier pulls away from her homeport at Naval Station, Norfolk on her regularly scheduled deployment in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer’s Mate 2nd Class Andrea Decanini. (RELEASED)

Correct me if I'm wrong, but aren't those M-1 rifles being carried by the Color Guard? If so, wonderful! I've always liked the M-1, much more so than the M-14 or -16...

John Garand's rifle was the single most significant small arms development in the history of modern warfare. No other rifle in this nation's history so outclassed that of its adversaries. The accuracy, reliability, ruggedness and most of all, its firepower, could not be matched by any of the Axis powers during WWII. It performed with distinction throughout WWII to Korea and to the early days in Vietnam.

-Civilian Marksmanship Program

In my opinion, the M1 Rifle is the greatest battle implement ever devised.

-General George S. Patton, USA

[SAMWolf]

They could be M-1's. A lot of Color Guards use the M-1. I learned oin the M-14 and I sure loved that weapon.

[CPOSharky]

Correct me if I'm wrong, but aren't those M-1 rifles being carried by the Color Guard?

Yes, it is a Garand. The only rifle that has a whole series of competition matches just for it. I shot matches with one while in the Navy and have a pre-war model (Nov 41) that I shoot in Garand matches now.

[Mr. Lucky]

Consider that each of the young women in that color guard is more heavily armed than was the USS Cole.

[archy]

Correct me if I'm wrong, but aren't those M1 rifles carried by the Color Guard?

You're correct. Not only did the Navy maintain the Garand for use much longer than most of the other services, many Navy team match competitors still used the Garand long after the other services had settled down with the National Match M14 rifle, even though most of their troops were using the M16A1. Only in the last decade or two has the improved M16A2 version- within a pound of a Garand's weight- been developed to the point that the use of one in match competition at 600 yards isn't considered a handicap.

Conversion packages to permit the M1 to utilize the same 7,62 NATO ammunition of the M14 and M60 machinegun were developed at the Navy's small arms shop at Crane, Indiana, also where the Navy match rifles were built and maintained. I worked there as a civilian armourer through the 1970s and '80s, and some Garands meant for honor guards and drill teams were also converted to use the 7,62mm blank ammunition somewhat more available than the Garand's .30 caliber M1906 blank cartridge.

The Garand is also a little better balanced for a really sharp execution of the manual of arms than the M14, also the reason for it's continued use by the USMC Silent Drill Team. It's also possible to get one's fingers caught in the open magazine well of an unloaded and magazine-less M14, so the Garand remains a good practical choice for that purpose too, as well as recalling memories to those who depended upon it for much more serious purposes.

There are other rifles better in some ways than the M1 Garand, others lighter, or more accurate. But the blend of attributes it offers remains a standard hard to beat, and it's a comforting tool to have around, as useful today in the hands of one who's familiar and practiced with it as they were when first fielded nearly 60 years ago.

-archy-/-

[Jack Black]

The M1 is a great rifle. Amazing that we got it so right the first time with an autoloader. I would not say the M1 is more rugged or reliable than the Russian Mosin-Nagant. Of course the author claims "than enemy weapons" and the Soviets were allies in WW2. The Nagant is an almost indestructable tool, in my experience. However the M1, while almost as reliable, provides way more firepower. Accuracy probably goes to the M1 too.

[sneakypete]

Correct me if I'm wrong, but aren't those M-1 rifles being carried by the Color Guard?

Yup,sure enough! I know the Navy still has M-14's,but who wouldathunk they still have Garands? The sailorette carring it doesn't look real happy,though. In fact,she looks kind of spaced out.