The U.S.M.C. has always believed that first and foremost every Marine must also be a ‘Marine Rifleman’. Great value has always been placed on ‘skill and marksmanship’ in the Corps and, in WW2, that was immeasurably assisted by the M1’Garand’ Rifle. A.30 caliber, semi automatic rifle it weighed 9.5 pounds was gas-operated with a rotating bolt, had an effective firing range of 500 yards and was loaded with an 8-round clip. Tough, reliable and accurate it was a Marine’s best friend! Our standing Marine fires off a few rounds at the enemy.