Which WWII Rifle?...

[sonofeugene]

You might be right, but I'll hold judgement until I can check the original. The photo I posted has space for a gas cylinder but it might not be showing because of the resolution and perhaps the lighting.

In any case, that photo was taken at Camp Blanding in Florida before he shipped overseas. By the time southern France was invaded in August of '44, I'm fairly certain that all the GI's were issued M1 Garands, with exceptions of course.

[sonofeugene]

For those who may be interested:

http://www.texasmilitaryforcesmuseum...n/archives.htm.

http://www.texasmilitaryforcesmuseum.org/36division/141con.htm

http://www.texasmilitaryforcesmuseum...lery/36div.htm.

My father joined the 141st about a month before the invasion of southern France.

[gotshotgun?]

I think the rifle in that pic is a 1917

[sonofeugene]

Perhaps. But the clamp under the barrel looks a bit different and I can't see any evidence of a bolt handle.

[bergmen]

Is CMP the only source? And how representative would it be of what my father carried? Also, can you pick and choose?

Thanks to all for your responses. Also, I have an old photo of my father in training camp with his rifle so maybe I can identify it. Likely an M1 Garrand, though.

My son bought the RM1SPECIAL (Springfield) a couple of years ago and it is a magnificent rifle:



It is a real tack driver, beautiful all around.

Dan

[isplice]

You might be right, but I'll hold judgement until I can check the original. The photo I posted has space for a gas cylinder but it might not be showing because of the resolution and perhaps the lighting.

In any case, that photo was taken at Camp Blanding in Florida before he shipped overseas. By the time southern France was invaded in August of '44, I'm fairly certain that all the GI's were issued M1 Garands, with exceptions of course.

If it were a Garand, you would see the gas cylinder lock screw, which would be close to the same distance as the muzzle. I just have a feeling it is a bolt action of some sort.

[hambam105]

Don't forget to get a cartridge belt, and stuff at least one of the pouches with a pack of Lucky Strike cigarettes.

[Click Boom]

It could very well be a 1903a3, I think you can see the front end in that pic. It looks too slim to be a garand and to thick to be a 1917.

I could be wrong though. But I'm sure they had 1903's stateside.

[Click Boom]

Another view of the 1903 front end

[Click Boom]

Whether you are getting Eugene's m1, 1903 or 1917, you will be doing good .

[PyroFox79]

M1903s were also issued to rifle grenadiers due to the ease of putting in a blank as opposed to a Garand. Though there were still plenty with Garands.

I got my Jun 1944 dated Garand at a gun show a few years ago. It took a bit to find the right lock bar sights and the right milled trigger guard. Which I've been too lazy to install.

[Noonanda]

For those who may be interested:

http://www.texasmilitaryforcesmuseum...n/archives.htm.

http://www.texasmilitaryforcesmuseum.org/36division/141con.htm

http://www.texasmilitaryforcesmuseum...lery/36div.htm.

My father joined the 141st about a month before the invasion of southern France.

My grandfather was also in the 36th, I have his tour book. He was in M Co 3rd Bn 142nd Infantry Regt as a mortarman, landed at Salerno and did the whole Italian campaign as well as Europe with the 36th

[as_rocketman]

It could very well be a 1903a3, I think you can see the front end in that pic. It looks too slim to be a garand and to thick to be a 1917.

That's what I'm thinking. Also an M1917 has very prominent "ears" beside the front sight blade, and I don't see any in the picture. My eyes aren't what they used to be, though.

An M1903A3 is a fine rifle. Doubt a lot of them were in the first wave ashore at Normandy, but it's a legit WWII battle rifle and still holds its own today. You could do a lot worse.

[North Bay Guy]

It could very well be a 1903a3, I think you can see the front end in that pic. It looks too slim to be a garand and to thick to be a 1917.

I could be wrong though. But I'm sure they had 1903's stateside.

1903 A3