I would suspect that M1 rifles found in that conflict came from the stocks of the old Lebanese Army. The Lebanese Army used M1s in the 50s and 60s. Many armed groups used the M1 after the country effectively disintegrated in 1975. I saw several recovered in the early 1980s. The M1 was still used in some circumstances with AP ammunition to defeat light cover. The M1 is still an awesome weapon and can hold its own against newer designs in many cases, especially with excellent quality US AP ammo..
I see...so these are NOT OUR M1's POTUS refused to return from South Korea. You are certain of that? And they do NOT have to have US Ammo, there being incredible quality loads out of Greece 10 years or so ago....
ReplyDeleteThat part of the world has had an incredible influx of military equipment since World War II. It's amazing to me how the USG doled out M1 rifles in the 50s and 60s to any potential ally. I suspect some Italian made M1 Garands may be in the mideast mix also. In the book "Wings of Eagles" retired COL Bull Simmons had a run in with an Iranian militiaman with an M1 who had a problem, he didn't know how to load the M1 rifle.
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