I Have This Old Gun: Gas Trap Garand

Published on July 12, 2018
Duration: 6:39

This video delves into the history and technical evolution of the M1 Garand rifle, specifically focusing on the rare 'gas trap' variant. It explains John C. Garand's early work at Springfield Armory, his initial primer-actuated designs, and the transition to gas operation. The gas trap system, characterized by an expansion chamber at the muzzle rather than a gas port, is highlighted as an early, albeit problematic, design that was eventually replaced by the more conventional gas trap system. The rarity of unmodified gas trap M1 Garands is attributed to their limited production (50,000 units) and subsequent modification by the US military, making them highly sought after by collectors.

Quick Summary

The 'gas trap' system on early M1 Garand rifles was an innovative gas-operated mechanism featuring an expansion chamber at the muzzle. While functional, it was prone to fouling and difficult to clean, leading to its modification. Only about 50,000 were produced, and most were later converted, making original, unmodified gas trap M1 Garands extremely rare and highly sought after by collectors.

Chapters

  1. 00:02John C. Garand's Early Work
  2. 00:17Adoption of the M1 Rifle
  3. 00:49Primer Actuated vs. Gas Operation
  4. 01:12The Original Gas Trap System
  5. 02:00Gas Trap M1 Garand Production
  6. 02:12Garand's Design Evolution
  7. 02:26Competition with Other Designs
  8. 03:17George Patton's Quote on the M1 Garand
  9. 03:30T3E2 Prototype and Gas Trap
  10. 03:39The 'Holy Grail' for Collectors
  11. 04:01Problems with the Gas Trap System
  12. 04:11Simplification to Gas Trap System
  13. 04:24Rarity of Gas Trap Garands
  14. 04:47Military Modification of Rifles
  15. 05:09Gas Traps in Frontline Service
  16. 05:26General MacArthur's Cablegram
  17. 05:33Collector's Criteria
  18. 06:16Finding a Real Gas Trap

Frequently Asked Questions

What was the 'gas trap' system on early M1 Garand rifles?

The 'gas trap' system was an early gas-operated mechanism for the M1 Garand. It featured an expansion chamber at the muzzle where the bullet passed through after leaving the barrel. Gas from this chamber was then directed downward to operate a piston and the rifle's action, unlike later designs that used a gas port tapped into the barrel.

Why are gas trap M1 Garand rifles so rare?

Gas trap M1 Garands are rare because only about 50,000 were initially produced, and all were government property. During their service life, most were recalled and modified by the military to the more conventional gas trap system, which involved drilling a gas port in the barrel. This conversion process significantly reduced the number of original, unmodified gas trap rifles.

Did the gas trap M1 Garand see combat service in World War II?

Yes, surprisingly, some unmodified gas trap M1 Garands did see frontline service in World War II. Vintage photographs exist showing these rifles in combat settings, indicating they were functional and utilized despite the later decision to modify them to a different gas system.

What makes a gas trap M1 Garand valuable to collectors?

Collectors highly value the gas trap M1 Garand as a 'holy grail' due to its historical significance as an early design and its extreme rarity. A truly valuable example is one that remains in its original configuration, with all parts matching the rifle's production period, indicating authenticity and minimal modification.

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