Ask Ian: Why Not a Semiauto BAR Instead of the Garand?

Published on July 26, 2022
Duration: 8:19

This video explores why the US military adopted the M1 Garand over a semi-automatic version of the BAR. Expert Ian McCollum details historical proposals, technical requirements, and the BAR's limitations in weight and magazine type that led to the Garand's selection. The analysis highlights key decision-making factors in early 20th-century small arms development.

Quick Summary

The M1 Garand was chosen over a semi-automatic BAR primarily due to weight and feeding mechanism requirements. The BAR weighed 16 lbs, far exceeding the 1921 Service Rifle Requirement's 9.5 lb target. Additionally, the BAR's detachable box magazines conflicted with the requirement for a clip-fed system that could also operate manually.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Viewer Question: Garand vs. BAR
  2. 00:45Captain Green's 1919 Proposal
  3. 02:30Infantry and Cavalry Board Response
  4. 05:12Technical Barriers: Magazines and Weight
  5. 07:28Conclusion and Recommendations

Frequently Asked Questions

Why was the M1 Garand chosen over a semi-automatic Browning Automatic Rifle (BAR)?

The M1 Garand was selected because the M1918 BAR was too heavy (16 lbs vs. a 9.5 lb target) and used detachable box magazines, conflicting with the 1921 requirement for a clip-fed weapon that could also function manually.

What were the main technical objections to a semi-automatic BAR for US service?

Key objections included the BAR's excessive weight (16 lbs) and its reliance on detachable box magazines, which did not align with the 1921 Service Rifle Requirement favoring clip-fed systems and a manual bolt-action fallback.

Who proposed a semi-automatic version of the BAR, and what were their reasons?

Captain Green of the US Ordnance Department proposed a semi-auto BAR in 1919. He argued full-auto fire was inefficient due to high ammo consumption, lack of quick-change barrels, and reduced accuracy without a bipod.

What were the critical requirements of the 1921 Service Rifle Requirement?

The 1921 requirement emphasized a clip-fed system, a target weight of 9.5 lbs, and the ability for the rifle to function as a bolt-action if the semi-automatic mechanism failed.

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