What Rifle Did America Use in WW1?
World War I, also known as the Great War, was a global conflict that lasted from 1914 to 1918. During this period, the United States entered the war on April 6, 1917, after previously maintaining a policy of neutrality. As the American Expeditionary Forces (AEF) arrived in Europe, they brought with them their own arsenal of weapons, including rifles. In this article, we will delve into the rifle that America used during World War I.
Early American Efforts
Before the AEF arrived in France, the United States Army had been using the M1903 Springfield rifle, which was designed by U.S. Army Captain John C. Garand and manufactured by the Springfield Armory. The M1903 was a bolt-action rifle, chambered in .30-06 Springfield, with a 24-inch barrel and a 44.25-inch overall length. It was considered one of the best rifles in the world at the time, with an accuracy range of 2,200 yards.
Arrival of the Enfield
However, by 1917, the M1903 Springfield rifle was becoming outdated. The U.S. military realized that they needed a more modern and effective rifle to keep up with the advancements made by the other major powers. Enter the Enfield rifle, which was designed and manufactured by the Royal Small Arms Factory at Enfield in the United Kingdom. The Enfield rifle was designed to be more rugged and reliable than the M1903, with a stronger action and a longer 25.2-inch barrel.
The Lee-Enfield
In April 1917, the U.S. government acquired a large quantity of Enfield rifles from the UK, which were re-named the Lee-Enfield in recognition of the American company, Winchester Repeating Arms, which had helped to license the design. The Lee-Enfield was similar to the Enfield rifle, but with a .30-06 Springfield chambering and some minor modifications.
Other Rifles Used by America
While the M1903 Springfield and the Lee-Enfield were the primary rifles used by America during World War I, there were other rifles in use as well. Some of these included:
• M1917 Revelli: A machine rifle designed by Captain Tancredi Marnas in Italy, which was acquired by the U.S. military in large numbers. It was chambered in .30-06 Springfield and had a 25.6-inch barrel.
• M1918 Browning Automatic Rifle (BAR): A light machine gun designed by John Browning, which was used by U.S. troops during World War I. It was chambered in .30-06 Springfield and had a 27-inch barrel.
• M1919 Browning Machine Gun: A heavier machine gun designed by John Browning, which was used by U.S. troops during World War I. It was chambered in .30-06 Springfield and had a 60-inch barrel.
Rifles Used by Different Units
Different units within the AEF used different rifles, depending on their mission and the theater of operation. For example:
• Infantry: Used the M1903 Springfield and the Lee-Enfield.
• Cavalry: Used the .30-06 Springfield cartridge and the Krag-Jørgensen rifle, which was originally designed for the Norwegian army.
• Marine Corps: Used the M1903 Springfield and the Lee-Enfield, as well as the M1911 pistol, which was designed by John Browning.
Rifle Ammunition
America used a variety of ammunition during World War I, including:
• .30-06 Springfield cartridge: A 6.5mm caliber cartridge that was used in many American rifles, including the M1903 Springfield and the Lee-Enfield.
• .45 caliber cartridge: A larger cartridge that was used in American pistols, such as the M1911.
Conclusion
In conclusion, America used a variety of rifles during World War I, including the M1903 Springfield, the Lee-Enfield, the M1917 Revelli, the M1918 Browning Automatic Rifle (BAR), and the M1919 Browning Machine Gun. Each of these rifles had its own strengths and weaknesses, and played an important role in the war effort. By studying the rifles used during this period, we can gain a better understanding of the military’s needs and preferences, as well as the technological advancements that were being made at the time.
