(This page is part of the www.2ndarmored.com site)
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| The M1 Bayonet (Required) This is the 10" bayonet which is correct for all European Theater impressions. 10" bayonets may be found as cut-downs from 16" bayonets or as originally manufactured. Either version is correct and will fit both the 1903 and M1 rifles. The proper scabbard is marked with the Ordnance "flaming bomb". M1 bayonets are priced in the $50-80 range including scabbard. Avoid Danish scabbards. |
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| The 1905 Long Bayonet (Optional) This bayonet with the fiberglass or canvas covered scabbard is correct for pre- or early war impressions. This is a 16" bayonet originally developed prior to WWI. First production (i.e. WWI) bayonets feature wooden grips and the blades are bright or dark blued. Second production (WWII) bayonets feature plastic grips and the blades are parkarized. Either production is correct. The preferred scabbard is fiberglass and is marked either USN MK1 or with the Ordnance mark. Hint: For re-enactors who are on a limited budget, the 16" plastic scabbard (approx. $60-$80) can be used with the 10" M1 bayonet. This will allow the proper haversack impression without the expense of having to buy the long bayonet. 1905 bayonets normally range from $250 (WWII) to $700 depending upon collector value. |
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| The M1 Garand Rifle (Required) The M1.30 cal rifle or Garand was the primary weapon of the infantryman. (Note: The "Garand" rifle was always referred to as the "M1".) It is a semi-automatic air-cooled gas operated clip fed weapon. It is loaded with 8 rounds held together in an en bloc clip. M1's were manufactured during WWII and the 1950's. Any production year is acceptable for re-enacting. Rifles may be obtained from the Government (odcmp.com) or may be purchased commercially. Prices run from $400-$650 for a rack grade rifle. Avoid rifles built up on CAI receivers as the workmanship is poor in general. In order to operate in the semi-automatic mode during blank firing, the weapon must be restricted either through a blank adapter or bore restrictor. We recommend the blank adapter sold by Guiette Mfg. Co. (see our links page). It is rather expensive ($80.00 plus shipping) but is worth the cost as it is "tunable" and changes the profile of the muzzle very little. Rifles may also be operated manually if the individual does not wish to restrict the weapon. |
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| The 1903/1903A3 Rifle (Optional) This is a .30 cal bolt action rifle with a 5 round fixed magazine. Although its use is permitted for re-enacting, the individual should make every attempt to procure the M1 rifle. The use of the 1903 and 1903A3 is limited to pre- and early war impressions, e. g. Tunisia 1942. By 1944, most every combat unit in the European theater was equipped with the M1 rifle. Some 1903's were still used, however these were in the sniper configuration. The rifle shown is a 1903A4 sniper rifle (The "A4" nomenclature indicates a 1903A3 with a telescope). Each rifle platoon was authorized one of these, this is the only correct sniper rifle for the European Theater in WWII. Prices for rack grade '03 rifles range from $350-$550. WWII correct sniper versions run in the $3000 range. |
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The M1 Carbine (Optional) |
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| The M1911 .45 Cal. Colt Semi-Automatic Pistol
(Optional) This was the standard sidearm for officers and NCOs beginning with the First World War. It is a recoil operated weapon fed from a seven round magazine. The WWII version was designated the 1911A1 and can be recognized by the arched mainspring housing at the rear of the grip. WWI pistols were blued with wooden stocks (grips); WWII pistols were parkarized with plastic stocks. WWII produced 1911 pistols have risen in price lately, and one can expect to pay between $700 and $1000 depending upon the manufacturer. For re-enacting, these pistols may be blank adapted. This requires a gunsmith and costs approximately $300. They also may be used on a single shot basis. May only be used with permission of the unit leader. |
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| The M1917 .45 cal. Revolver (Optional) This revolver and its cousin, the .38 cal. S&W Victory pistol are listed here on an exceptions basis. Revolvers were not in common usage amongst infantry personnel, however, they could be found as personally furnished firearms or as the results of trades with Navy personnel. Revolvers may only be used with permission of the unit leader. |
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| The Thompson Submachine Gun (Optional) The "sub-gun" was commonly used by airborne troops, vehicle drivers, and NCO's; any place where a short, high capacity weapon was required. The WWII version is the M1A1 shown here, and is slightly different from the M1928. It is fed from a 20 or 30 round magazine. The semi-automatic version of the Thompson can no longer be purchased in California owing to its classification as an assault rifle. The user is cautioned to abide by all BATF rules regarding the use of these weapons. May only be used with the permission of the unit leader. |
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| The M1918 Browning Automatic Rifle (BAR) (Optional) This weapon, developed during WWI, was the infantry squad's fully automatic weapon. It was fed from a 20 round detachable magazine. The WWII version was slightly different than that produced in 1918. The stock was bakelite, the finish was parkarized, and the bipod was added. Both models are acceptable for WWII re-enacting. Again, the user is cautioned to adhere to all BATF rules regarding the use of this weapon. May be used only with permission of the unit leader. |
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| This list shows you what
Armored Vehicles carried (these are in addition to what the Armored
Infantry would carry) M8 Armored Cars (Recon)- 4 M1 carbines for the crew w/400 rounds 6 frag grenades 6 smoke grenades 6 M1A1 Anti-Tank Mines,H.E. M20 Armored Cars (Recon)- M3,M3A1 75mm Motor Gun Carriages (Half Tracks)- |
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