M1D Garand Sniper
Springfield Armory (US Government) · Sniper Rifle · Out Of Production · 1944
Also known as: M1E8, Garand Sniper, M1D Sniper Rifle
Overview
The M1D Garand Sniper is an improved sniper variant of the M1 Garand semi-automatic rifle, adopted as 'substitute standard' by the U.S. Army in September 1944. The M1D addressed the M1C's primary limitation by using a simpler Springfield Armory single-ring scope mount attached to the barrel rather than requiring drilling and tapping of the hardened receiver. This barrel-mounted system used a special M1D barrel with an integral mounting block, making conversion of standard M1 rifles far quicker and more economical. The M1D became the primary U.S. sniper rifle during the Korean War, equipped with the standardized 2.2x M84 telescopic sight.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 4760 g (167.9 oz) |
| Weight (loaded) | 5100 g (179.9 oz) |
| Overall Length | 1103 mm (43.43") |
| Barrel Length | 610 mm (24.02") |
| Action Type | Gas Operated |
| Firing Mechanism | Hammer Fired |
| Trigger Type | Single Stage |
| Trigger Pull | 31 N (7.0 lbf) |
| Magazine Capacity | 8 rounds |
| Magazine Type | En Bloc Clip |
| Muzzle Velocity | 853 m/s (2799 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 3527 J (2601 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 600 m (656 yd) |
| Maximum Range | 3200 m (3500 yd) |
| Rate of Fire | 30 rpm |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Rifling Twist | 254 mm (10.00") |
| Number of Grooves | 4 |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Walnut |
| Finish | Parkerized |
Calibers
- .30-06 Springfield · primary — also known as 7.62x63mm, .30 Government 06, .30 Cal
Features
- Firing modes: Semi Automatic
- Feed systems: En Bloc Clip
- Safety mechanisms: Manual Safety
- Features: M84 Scope, Springfield Armory Barrel Mount, Leather Cheek Pad, Flash Hider, En Bloc Clip Loading, Hand Selected Barrel, Iron Sights Retained
Variants
- M1C Garand Sniper — Earlier Scope Mount
Base model
Service history
Operators
- United States Army · adopted 1944 · as M1D
- United States Marine Corps · adopted 1951 · as M1D
- Republic of Korea Armed Forces
Conflicts
- Korean War (1950-1953)
- Early Vietnam War (1955-1965)
Production
Production years: 1950-1963
No M1D rifles were produced during WWII despite the 1944 adoption date. Production occurred primarily during and after the Korean War. Exact numbers are not publicly documented, but production was significantly higher than the 7,971 M1C rifles due to the simpler conversion process.
Origin
Country of origin: United States
Designer: John C. Garand / Springfield Armory
Discontinued: 1963
Notes
The M1D was originally designated the M1E8. Although adopted in September 1944, no M1D rifles were produced during WWII. Production and conversion of existing M1 Garands occurred primarily during the Korean War era. The barrel-mounted scope design meant the scope could be installed without removing the iron sights, allowing the shooter to use either optic or iron sights. The 2.2x M84 scope featured sealed optics, protective metal covers on adjustment knobs, and a sliding light shade. The M1D served as the U.S. military's primary sniper rifle until replaced by the M21 (accurized M14) in the mid-1960s.
Background
The M1D became the workhorse sniper rifle of the Korean War, where the mountainous terrain and long engagement distances made precision shooting essential. American snipers armed with M1D rifles engaged Chinese and North Korean forces at ranges that tested the limits of the 2.2x M84 scope, often firing from elevated positions across valleys and ridgelines. The semi-automatic action gave U.S. snipers a critical edge during Chinese human wave attacks, where the ability to deliver rapid follow-up shots meant the difference between life and death.