{"id":101,"date":"2022-08-25T23:08:03","date_gmt":"2022-08-25T23:08:03","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/gunowner-news.com\/?p=101"},"modified":"2022-08-25T23:08:03","modified_gmt":"2022-08-25T23:08:03","slug":"a-century-of-springfield-military-rifles-and-beyond","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/gunowner-news.com\/?p=101","title":{"rendered":"A Century of Springfield Military Rifles \u2014 and Beyond"},"content":{"rendered":"<p> <br \/>\n<\/p>\n<div>\n<div class=\"player-inline-wrapper no-margin-top\">\n<div class=\"video-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<iframe class=\"player-inline\" src=\"https:\/\/player.vimeo.com\/video\/742875914?h=2c635d785b&amp;api=1\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"autoplay; fullscreen\" allowfullscreen=\"\"><\/iframe><\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p class=\"byline\">By <a class=\"byline-author ajax-home\" href=\"https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/author\/gunspot\/\">GunSpot<\/a><\/p>\n<p><span class=\"dropcap\">A<\/span>t GunSpot, we recently had access to some really unique and interesting Springfield Armory rifles, ranging from offerings from the original facility founded in 1794 all the way through today\u2019s Springfield Armory in Geneseo, Illinois.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><picture class=\"wp-image-34348\"><source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/Century-of-Springfield-Military-Rifles-1.jpg.webp 1400w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/Century-of-Springfield-Military-Rifles-1-800x450.jpg.webp 800w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/Century-of-Springfield-Military-Rifles-1-400x225.jpg.webp 400w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/Century-of-Springfield-Military-Rifles-1-768x432.jpg.webp 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1400px) 100vw, 1400px\"\/>\n<\/picture><figcaption>The name Springfield Armory has a long-standing association with the arms of the U.S. military. During the past 100 years, there has been an amazing evolution of rifles that the author examines\u00a0here.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>So, we decided to create a walk down memory lane of more than 100 years of Springfield Armory rifles. The rifles covered are primarily service rifles in one form or another used by the United States military, with some later civilian-specific variants thrown into the mix. It was a treat to get to handle and shoot all these rifles and see just how much rifle design has changed in 100 years\u2019 time.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><picture loading=\"lazy\" class=\"wp-image-34350\"><source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/Springfield-Krag-rifle-v2.jpg.webp 1400w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/Springfield-Krag-rifle-v2-800x465.jpg.webp 800w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/Springfield-Krag-rifle-v2-400x232.jpg.webp 400w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/Springfield-Krag-rifle-v2-768x446.jpg.webp 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1400px) 100vw, 1400px\"\/><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1400\" height=\"813\" src=\"https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/Springfield-Krag-rifle-v2.jpg\" alt=\"Springfield Krag rifle\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/Springfield-Krag-rifle-v2.jpg 1400w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/Springfield-Krag-rifle-v2-800x465.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/Springfield-Krag-rifle-v2-400x232.jpg 400w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/Springfield-Krag-rifle-v2-768x446.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1400px) 100vw, 1400px\"\/>\n<\/picture><figcaption>Springfield rifles have influenced the outcome of battles from San Juan Hill to the Battle of the Bulge. The Krag shown above saw combat during the <span class=\"nowrap\">Spanish-American War.<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Also, I want to point out that this project would have not been possible without the help of Remington Ammunition. They provided ammo for the more obscure chamberings in this list of guns so that we could demo them for this project.<\/p>\n<p>Now, let us take a stroll through time.<\/p>\n<h2>The \u201cTrapdoor\u201d<\/h2>\n<p>The year is 1884, and Democratic candidate Grover Cleveland has just been elected as the new president of the United States of America. He would be the first and only U.S. President so to date to serve two non-consecutive terms, being both the 22nd and 24th President. Alaska has become a United States territory, and the cornerstone for the Statue of Liberty is laid on Bedloe\u2019s Island in New York Harbor.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><picture loading=\"lazy\" class=\"wp-image-34351\"><source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/Springfield-Model-1884-Trapdoor.jpg.webp 1400w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/Springfield-Model-1884-Trapdoor-800x533.jpg.webp 800w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/Springfield-Model-1884-Trapdoor-400x267.jpg.webp 400w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/Springfield-Model-1884-Trapdoor-768x512.jpg.webp 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1400px) 100vw, 1400px\"\/><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1400\" height=\"933\" src=\"https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/Springfield-Model-1884-Trapdoor.jpg\" alt=\"Springfield Model 1884 Trapdoor\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/Springfield-Model-1884-Trapdoor.jpg 1400w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/Springfield-Model-1884-Trapdoor-800x533.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/Springfield-Model-1884-Trapdoor-400x267.jpg 400w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/Springfield-Model-1884-Trapdoor-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1400px) 100vw, 1400px\"\/>\n<\/picture><figcaption>The Springfield Model 1884 is a variant of the famous \u201cTrapdoor\u201d rifle. The gun is chambered in the large <span class=\"nowrap\">.45-70 round.<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>This is also the year the Springfield Model 1884, also known as the \u201cTrapdoor rifle,\u201d came on the scene. The 1884 is based on the earlier Springfield Model 1873 \u201cTrapdoor,\u201d the first standard-issue breechloading rifle adopted by the United States. The \u201cTrapdoor\u201d part of the name it\u2019s now known as comes from its hinged breechblock that operates like a trapdoor. The rifle is a single-shot rifle that allows for loading one cartridge at a time by flipping open the \u201ctrap door\u201d and pushing a round in the chamber.<\/p>\n<p>The rifle is a gun from the time of the Old West. No doubt it not only served as an army rifle, but also as a faithful companion to many cowboys on the trail. The gun is chambered in the large .45-70 cartridge. The round itself isn\u2019t known for having an amazing flight path, but back then I have no doubt there was the \u201cbigger is better\u201d philosophy.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><picture loading=\"lazy\" class=\"wp-image-34352\"><source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/Springfield-Trapdoor-Loading.jpg.webp 1400w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/Springfield-Trapdoor-Loading-800x533.jpg.webp 800w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/Springfield-Trapdoor-Loading-400x267.jpg.webp 400w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/Springfield-Trapdoor-Loading-768x512.jpg.webp 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1400px) 100vw, 1400px\"\/><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1400\" height=\"933\" src=\"https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/Springfield-Trapdoor-Loading.jpg\" alt=\"Springfield Trapdoor loading\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/Springfield-Trapdoor-Loading.jpg 1400w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/Springfield-Trapdoor-Loading-800x533.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/Springfield-Trapdoor-Loading-400x267.jpg 400w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/Springfield-Trapdoor-Loading-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1400px) 100vw, 1400px\"\/>\n<\/picture><figcaption>The \u201cTrapdoor\u201d part of the name it\u2019s now known as comes from its hinged breechblock that operates like a\u00a0trapdoor.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h2>The .30-40 Krag<\/h2>\n<p>Fast forward just a bit to 1898. It is still the \u201ccowboy years,\u201d but the Wild West is on its way out. The United States passes a joint resolution on a newly independent Cuba, and a declaration of war is made against Spain, starting the Spanish-American War.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><picture loading=\"lazy\" class=\"wp-image-34353\"><source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/30-40-Krag.jpg.webp 1400w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/30-40-Krag-800x533.jpg.webp 800w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/30-40-Krag-400x267.jpg.webp 400w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/30-40-Krag-768x512.jpg.webp 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1400px) 100vw, 1400px\"\/><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1400\" height=\"933\" src=\"https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/30-40-Krag.jpg\" alt=\"30-40 Krag\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/30-40-Krag.jpg 1400w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/30-40-Krag-800x533.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/30-40-Krag-400x267.jpg 400w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/30-40-Krag-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1400px) 100vw, 1400px\"\/>\n<\/picture><figcaption>On the battlefields of the Spanish American War, it was discovered that the Krag rifle was slower to reload than the Spanish Mausers carried by the\u00a0opposition.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Our next gun to consider came from this time and is called commonly the \u201cKrag\u201d. The Springfield Model 1892-99 was a design by Norwegian designer <a class=\"ajax-article\" href=\"https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/the-30-40-u-s-krag-jorgensen-in-combat\/\">Krag-Jorgenson<\/a>. The rifle was chambered in a round designed in the early 1890s, named after its designer, and called the .30-40 Krag. The particular model of the rifle we had on hand was a Model 1898 rifle.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><picture loading=\"lazy\" class=\"wp-image-34354\"><source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/markings-on-Springfield-Krag-rifle.jpg.webp 1400w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/markings-on-Springfield-Krag-rifle-800x533.jpg.webp 800w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/markings-on-Springfield-Krag-rifle-400x267.jpg.webp 400w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/markings-on-Springfield-Krag-rifle-768x512.jpg.webp 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1400px) 100vw, 1400px\"\/><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1400\" height=\"933\" src=\"https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/markings-on-Springfield-Krag-rifle.jpg\" alt=\"Markings on Springfield Krag rifle\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/markings-on-Springfield-Krag-rifle.jpg 1400w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/markings-on-Springfield-Krag-rifle-800x533.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/markings-on-Springfield-Krag-rifle-400x267.jpg 400w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/markings-on-Springfield-Krag-rifle-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1400px) 100vw, 1400px\"\/>\n<\/picture><figcaption>Here you can see the Krag rifle marked with \u201cModel 1898 Springfield\u00a0Armory.\u201d<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>The .30-40 Krag round has noticeably more recoil than the previous .45-70 cartridge. It also has a design with a tapered casing like more modern rifle ammunition. The \u201cTrapdoor\u201d rifle had its limitations, one of the main ones being, of course, that it could only chamber one round at a time. The Krag rifle did have a solution to this problem with its unique side-loading mechanism.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><picture loading=\"lazy\" class=\"wp-image-34355\"><source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/side-loading-gate-of-the-Krag-rifle.jpg.webp 1400w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/side-loading-gate-of-the-Krag-rifle-800x533.jpg.webp 800w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/side-loading-gate-of-the-Krag-rifle-400x267.jpg.webp 400w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/side-loading-gate-of-the-Krag-rifle-768x512.jpg.webp 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1400px) 100vw, 1400px\"\/><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1400\" height=\"933\" src=\"https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/side-loading-gate-of-the-Krag-rifle.jpg\" alt=\"Side loading gate of the Krag rifle\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/side-loading-gate-of-the-Krag-rifle.jpg 1400w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/side-loading-gate-of-the-Krag-rifle-800x533.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/side-loading-gate-of-the-Krag-rifle-400x267.jpg 400w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/side-loading-gate-of-the-Krag-rifle-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1400px) 100vw, 1400px\"\/>\n<\/picture><figcaption>The Krag\u2019s internal rotary magazine can hold five rounds and uses a side-loading gate\u00a0mechanism.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>The rifle\u2019s internal rotary magazine could hold five rounds and allow one in the chamber. The rotary magazine also had a magazine cut-off switch that, when activated, would not allow the next round in the magazine to be fed into the gun. The Krag took some big steps to outperform the Trapdoor rifle, but ultimately in the world of war, it still fell short.<\/p>\n<div class=\"newsletter inline\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" style=\"display: none;\" class=\"logo-tal-icon\" src=\"https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/themes\/thearmorylife\/img\/logo-tal-tm-icon.svg\" alt=\"\"\/><\/p>\n<p><strong>Live The Armory Life.<\/strong> The latest content straight to your inbox plus an automatic entry to each of our <a class=\"ajax-giveaways\" href=\"https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/giveaways\/\"><strong>monthly gun\u00a0giveaways!<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p>The Spanish Mausers used by the enemy on the battlefield could load rounds faster into the magazine than the Krag. The Spanish Mauser was also able to be fed with stripper clips allowing for a magazine to be fully loaded in a fraction of the time. It also fired a more capable round. These issues with the Krag lead us to the year 1903.<\/p>\n<h2>M1903<\/h2>\n<p>The year is 1903. In just over a decade, the assassination of Austrian Archduke Franz Ferdinand will be a catalyst that leads to a war on a scale the world has never seen. The Great War would last from 1914 to 1918. During that period, more than 30 nations would declare war, eventually including the United States.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><picture loading=\"lazy\" class=\"wp-image-34356\"><source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/M1903-Springfield-Rifle.jpg.webp 1400w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/M1903-Springfield-Rifle-800x470.jpg.webp 800w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/M1903-Springfield-Rifle-400x235.jpg.webp 400w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/M1903-Springfield-Rifle-768x451.jpg.webp 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1400px) 100vw, 1400px\"\/><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1400\" height=\"823\" src=\"https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/M1903-Springfield-Rifle.jpg\" alt=\"M1903 Springfield rifle\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/M1903-Springfield-Rifle.jpg 1400w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/M1903-Springfield-Rifle-800x470.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/M1903-Springfield-Rifle-400x235.jpg 400w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/M1903-Springfield-Rifle-768x451.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1400px) 100vw, 1400px\"\/>\n<\/picture><figcaption>The M1903 was a bolt-action American-made rifle with an internal magazine and chambered <span class=\"nowrap\">in .30-06.<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>The standard-issue service rifle for America that would be the faithful companion of some soldiers was the <a class=\"ajax-article\" href=\"https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/the-m1903-springfield-rifle\/\">M1903<\/a>. The rifle was officially adopted by the United States as the standard infantry rifle on June 19, 1903. The M1903 was used for many years and was also used in World War II (as the <a class=\"ajax-article\" href=\"https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/a-second-generation-springfield-the-m1903a3\/\">updated and simplified M1903A3<\/a>)<\/p>\n<p>The M1903 was a bolt-action rifle with a five-round internal magazine. One of the biggest advantages of this design over the Krag was that the gun could be loaded with a stripper clip just like the Spanish-Mauser used by the enemy years earlier. Another big advantage over the Krag was that the M1903 was\u00a0<a class=\"ajax-article\" href=\"https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/story-of-the-30-06-americas-cartridge\/\">chambered in .30-06<\/a>. Developed to address issues with the earlier .30-03 round, the 30-06 was and still is to this day a fast, nail-driving round.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><picture loading=\"lazy\" class=\"wp-image-34357\"><source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/Springfield-M1903-in-WWII.jpg.webp 1400w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/Springfield-M1903-in-WWII-800x533.jpg.webp 800w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/Springfield-M1903-in-WWII-400x267.jpg.webp 400w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/Springfield-M1903-in-WWII-768x512.jpg.webp 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1400px) 100vw, 1400px\"\/><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1400\" height=\"933\" src=\"https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/Springfield-M1903-in-WWII.jpg\" alt=\"Springfield M1903 in WWII\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/Springfield-M1903-in-WWII.jpg 1400w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/Springfield-M1903-in-WWII-800x533.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/Springfield-M1903-in-WWII-400x267.jpg 400w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/Springfield-M1903-in-WWII-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1400px) 100vw, 1400px\"\/>\n<\/picture><figcaption>Nearly 40 years after its introduction, U.S. Marines carried the M1903 family of bolt-action rifles into combat in remote corners of the world like Guadalcanal in the Solomon\u00a0Islands.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>But, all good things come to an end. So did the 1903\u2019s time as the standard rifle; but even better things were on the horizon. The next rifle we are going to discuss would become one of the most famous rifles in American history.<\/p>\n<h2>The M1 Garand<\/h2>\n<p>In 1936, Franklin Delano Roosevelt was reelected to his second term as President of the United States. In three short years, World War II would begin. This time, more than 50 nations would join the war, and in total there would be an estimated 40 to 50 million lives lost.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><picture loading=\"lazy\" class=\"wp-image-34358\"><source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/M1-Garand-carried-by-US-Marine.jpg.webp 1400w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/M1-Garand-carried-by-US-Marine-800x514.jpg.webp 800w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/M1-Garand-carried-by-US-Marine-400x257.jpg.webp 400w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/M1-Garand-carried-by-US-Marine-768x494.jpg.webp 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1400px) 100vw, 1400px\"\/><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1400\" height=\"900\" src=\"https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/M1-Garand-carried-by-US-Marine.jpg\" alt=\"M1 Garand carried by US Marine\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/M1-Garand-carried-by-US-Marine.jpg 1400w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/M1-Garand-carried-by-US-Marine-800x514.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/M1-Garand-carried-by-US-Marine-400x257.jpg 400w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/M1-Garand-carried-by-US-Marine-768x494.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1400px) 100vw, 1400px\"\/>\n<\/picture><figcaption>After World War I, John C. Garand created a semi-automatic self-loading, gas-operated service rifle. That famous rifle was the M1\u00a0Garand.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>In 1936, the design now known as the <a class=\"ajax-article\" href=\"https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/everything-you-need-to-know-about-the-m1-garand\/\">M1 Garand<\/a> was adopted by the United States Military. This was the first autoloading rifle ever to be adopted by the United States. This influential rifle was designed by Canadian-American designer <a class=\"ajax-article\" href=\"https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/garand-the-man-behind-the-legend\/\">John C. Garand<\/a>, and the rifle was manufactured by Springfield Armory. However, due to the need for rapid production in an \u201call hands on deck\u201d environment during the war, the rifle was also produced by a range of other manufacturers.<\/p>\n<p>After World War I, John C. Garand set out to create a semi-automatic self-loading, gas-operated service rifle. This new rifle had to be able to replace the Springfield 1903 rifle. It had to be dependable, reliable, and have quality performance in the worst environmental conditions.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><picture loading=\"lazy\" class=\"wp-image-34359\"><source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/M1-Garand-fired-by-US-Marine.jpg.webp 1400w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/M1-Garand-fired-by-US-Marine-800x510.jpg.webp 800w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/M1-Garand-fired-by-US-Marine-400x255.jpg.webp 400w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/M1-Garand-fired-by-US-Marine-768x490.jpg.webp 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1400px) 100vw, 1400px\"\/><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1400\" height=\"893\" src=\"https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/M1-Garand-fired-by-US-Marine.jpg\" alt=\"M1 Garand fired by US Marine\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/M1-Garand-fired-by-US-Marine.jpg 1400w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/M1-Garand-fired-by-US-Marine-800x510.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/M1-Garand-fired-by-US-Marine-400x255.jpg 400w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/M1-Garand-fired-by-US-Marine-768x490.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1400px) 100vw, 1400px\"\/>\n<\/picture><figcaption>The M1 Garand rifle shot faster, loaded, unloaded and reloaded faster than bolt-action rifles carried by many militaries at the\u00a0time.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>As mentioned it was, of course, a semi-automatic rifle. It loaded with an en-bloc clip that was fed into the gun\u2019s internal magazine. The en-bloc clip would hold eight rounds of .30-06 ammunition, surpassing the capacity of its predecessor, the M1903. When the shooter would fire all the rounds in the gun, the clip would eject from the rifle, creating the now-famous \u201cping\u201d sound of it bouncing off the receiver.<\/p>\n<p>From there, the user would grab a fully loaded en-bloc clip and insert it into the top of the gun where the bolt was locked open. Upon inserting the loaded clip, the magazine follower would be pressed down far enough that the bolt would ride forward, picking up the first round and placing it in the chamber. All of this could be done by a soldier in a few mere seconds.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><picture loading=\"lazy\" class=\"wp-image-34360\"><source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/close-up-of-Marine-carrying-M1-Garand-rifle.jpg.webp 1400w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/close-up-of-Marine-carrying-M1-Garand-rifle-800x587.jpg.webp 800w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/close-up-of-Marine-carrying-M1-Garand-rifle-400x293.jpg.webp 400w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/close-up-of-Marine-carrying-M1-Garand-rifle-768x563.jpg.webp 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1400px) 100vw, 1400px\"\/><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1400\" height=\"1027\" src=\"https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/close-up-of-Marine-carrying-M1-Garand-rifle.jpg\" alt=\"Close up of Marine carrying M1 Garand rifle\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/close-up-of-Marine-carrying-M1-Garand-rifle.jpg 1400w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/close-up-of-Marine-carrying-M1-Garand-rifle-800x587.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/close-up-of-Marine-carrying-M1-Garand-rifle-400x293.jpg 400w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/close-up-of-Marine-carrying-M1-Garand-rifle-768x563.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1400px) 100vw, 1400px\"\/>\n<\/picture><figcaption>The M1 Garand proved to be easy to operate and was reliable in the worst environmental conditions. It won the admiration of both friends and\u00a0foes.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>You can\u2019t mention the M1 Garand without talking about the quote from General George S. Patton, so here it is. He said The M1 was\u00a0<a class=\"ajax-article\" href=\"https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/patton-and-the-garand-greatest-battle-implement-ever-devised\/\">\u201cthe greatest battle implement ever devised\u201d<\/a>. No doubt it made its mark and, if you are a red-blooded American, chances are you want one for your gun safe. It was the rifle of the greatest generation and it fought on the largest battlefield the world has ever seen.<\/p>\n<h2>The M14<\/h2>\n<p>In the late 1950s, the Civil Rights movement led by Dr. Martin Luther King has been going on for several years. The conflict in Vietnam is underway. There was a need for a new rifle as times were rapidly changing, and in 1958 the United States adopts a new service rifle known as the <a class=\"ajax-article\" href=\"https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/an-eternal-warrior-the-m14\/\">M14<\/a>, chambered for the new <a class=\"ajax-article\" href=\"https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/7-62-nato-vs-308-is-there-a-difference\/\">7.62x51mm (.308 Win. round)<\/a>.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><picture loading=\"lazy\" class=\"wp-image-34361\"><source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/US-Navy-SEALs-with-M14-rifles.jpg.webp 1400w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/US-Navy-SEALs-with-M14-rifles-800x534.jpg.webp 800w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/US-Navy-SEALs-with-M14-rifles-400x267.jpg.webp 400w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/US-Navy-SEALs-with-M14-rifles-768x513.jpg.webp 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1400px) 100vw, 1400px\"\/><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1400\" height=\"935\" src=\"https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/US-Navy-SEALs-with-M14-rifles.jpg\" alt=\"US Navy SEALs with M14 rifles\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/US-Navy-SEALs-with-M14-rifles.jpg 1400w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/US-Navy-SEALs-with-M14-rifles-800x534.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/US-Navy-SEALs-with-M14-rifles-400x267.jpg 400w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/US-Navy-SEALs-with-M14-rifles-768x513.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1400px) 100vw, 1400px\"\/>\n<\/picture><figcaption>Sea-Air-Land (SEAL) team members, armed with M14 rifles, assume a defensive position after assaulting the beach during an amphibious demonstration in 1988. Photo: PH2 Jeffrey\u00a0Loshaw,\u00a0USN<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>The M14 was clearly influenced by the M1 Garand with the same form factor and many similar parts. But the new M14 rifle had things the new age demanded. For example, it had a 20-round detachable box magazine that could quickly get the gun into action. The M14 was also a selective-fire rifle. The original rifle was only a standard issue for a few years, but different variants of the rifle continued to serve all the way through to more recent conflicts in the Middle East. The rifle is also available in civilian, semi-auto form as the <a class=\"ajax-article\" href=\"https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/traditional-firepower-in-the-modern-age-the-m1a-lineup\/\">Springfield Armory M1A<\/a>.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><picture loading=\"lazy\" class=\"wp-image-34362\"><source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/Springfield-M14-rifle.jpg.webp 1400w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/Springfield-M14-rifle-800x493.jpg.webp 800w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/Springfield-M14-rifle-400x247.jpg.webp 400w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/Springfield-M14-rifle-768x473.jpg.webp 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1400px) 100vw, 1400px\"\/><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1400\" height=\"863\" src=\"https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/Springfield-M14-rifle.jpg\" alt=\"Man shooting customized Springfield M1A rifle\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/Springfield-M14-rifle.jpg 1400w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/Springfield-M14-rifle-800x493.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/Springfield-M14-rifle-400x247.jpg 400w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/Springfield-M14-rifle-768x473.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1400px) 100vw, 1400px\"\/>\n<\/picture><figcaption>The M14 also played a role in the Battle of Mogadishu in Somalia in 1993. A Springfield Armory M1A rifle is shown here configured to look like one used in that\u00a0battle.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h2>SAINT Rifle<\/h2>\n<p>Today, Springfield Armory offers a variant inspired by the U.S. Military\u2019s M16\/M4 family of rifles \u2014 the <a class=\"ajax-article\" href=\"https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/the-springfield-armory-saint-line\/\"><span class=\"nowrap\">AR-15<\/span>-style SAINT series of semi-automatic rifles<\/a>. Based on Eugene Stoner\u2019s original design, the SAINT rifles bring us fully into the modern age with the lighter <a class=\"ajax-article\" href=\"https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/5-56-vs-223-which-can-i-shoot\/\">5.56x45mm (.223) cartridge<\/a>.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><picture loading=\"lazy\" class=\"wp-image-34363\"><source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/Springfield-SAINT-rifle-in-combat.jpg.webp 1400w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/Springfield-SAINT-rifle-in-combat-800x499.jpg.webp 800w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/Springfield-SAINT-rifle-in-combat-400x249.jpg.webp 400w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/Springfield-SAINT-rifle-in-combat-768x479.jpg.webp 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1400px) 100vw, 1400px\"\/><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1400\" height=\"873\" src=\"https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/Springfield-SAINT-rifle-in-combat.jpg\" alt=\"Springfield SAINT rifle in combat\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/Springfield-SAINT-rifle-in-combat.jpg 1400w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/Springfield-SAINT-rifle-in-combat-800x499.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/Springfield-SAINT-rifle-in-combat-400x249.jpg 400w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/Springfield-SAINT-rifle-in-combat-768x479.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1400px) 100vw, 1400px\"\/>\n<\/picture><figcaption>The Springfield Armory SAINT is an exemplary example of the modern <span class=\"nowrap\">AR-15<\/span>, a semi-automatic rifle inspired by the U.S. military\u00a0M16.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Featuring a direct gas impingement system of operation and a highly modular design, you have a series of rifles that shoot well and kick lightly, and can be configured easily to fit a wide range of tasks and purposes. Their extensive use of aluminum and plastics also makes them very light, yet very hardy.<\/p>\n<h2>Conclusion<\/h2>\n<p>A lot of things have changed over the last century and beyond. It will be interesting to see what the next century holds. What kind of optic, cartridge, and firearms advancements there will be. Will the things we see as science fiction today be a reality within the next 100 years? Only time will tell.<\/p>\n<p><em>Editor\u2019s Note: Be sure to check out\u00a0<\/em>The Armory Life<em>\u00a0Forum, where you can comment about our daily articles, as well as just talk guns and gear. Click the \u201cGo To Forum Thread\u201d link below to jump in!<\/em><\/p>\n<h5 class=\"heading heading-forum-thread hide-share\"><span>Join the Discussion<\/span><\/h5>\n<p class=\"forum-thread-button-wrapper hide-share\"><a class=\"button\" href=\"https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/forum\/threads\/12474\/\">Go to forum thread<\/a><\/p>\n<h5 class=\"heading heading-featured hide-share\"><span>Featured in this video<\/span><\/h5>\n<section class=\"featured hide-share grid-three\">&#13;<br \/>\n\t\t\t\t<a class=\"product series-m1a \" href=\"https:\/\/www.springfield-armory.com\/m1a-series-rifles\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\">&#13;<br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"caliber\"><span class=\"cal-\"\/><\/span>&#13;<br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" style=\"margin-top: 1.3rem; margin-bottom: 1.8rem;\" src=\"https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/NA9102_1200x3061.png\" alt=\"M1A\u2122 Series\"\/>&#13;<\/p>\n<h3>M1A\u2122 <span>Series<\/span><\/h3>\n<p>&#13;<br \/>\n\t\t\t\t<\/a>&#13;<br \/>\n\t\t\t\t<a class=\"product series-saint \" href=\"https:\/\/www.springfield-armory.com\/saint-series\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\">&#13;<br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"caliber\"><span class=\"cal-\"\/><\/span>&#13;<br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" style=\"margin-bottom: .55rem;\" src=\"https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/ST916556BMA.png\" alt=\"SAINT\u00ae Series\"\/>&#13;<\/p>\n<h3>SAINT\u00ae <span>Series<\/span><\/h3>\n<p>&#13;<br \/>\n\t\t\t\t<\/a>&#13;<br \/>\n\t\t\t\t<a class=\"product series-other \" href=\"https:\/\/www.remington.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\">&#13;<br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"caliber\"><span class=\"cal-\"\/><\/span>&#13;\n\t\t\t\t\t<picture loading=\"lazy\" style=\"margin-top: 1.75rem; margin-bottom: 2.75rem; width: 36rem; max-width: 90%;\"><source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/product-remington.png.webp\"\/><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/product-remington.png\" alt=\"Remington\"\/>\n<\/picture>\n&#13;<\/p>\n<h3>Remington <\/h3>\n<p>&#13;<br \/>\n\t\t\t\t<\/a><\/section>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p><br \/>\n<br \/><a href=\"https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/a-century-of-springfield-military-rifles-and-beyond\/\">Source link <\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>By GunSpot At GunSpot, we recently had access to some really unique and interesting Springfield Armory rifles, ranging from offerings from the original facility founded in 1794 all the way through today\u2019s Springfield Armory in Geneseo, Illinois. The name Springfield Armory has a long-standing association with the arms of the U.S. military. During the past [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":102,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-101","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-uncategorized"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/gunowner-news.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/101","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/gunowner-news.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/gunowner-news.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gunowner-news.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gunowner-news.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=101"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/gunowner-news.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/101\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gunowner-news.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/102"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/gunowner-news.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=101"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gunowner-news.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=101"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gunowner-news.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=101"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}