Introduction
The M1 Garand, officially designated “United States M1 Rifle, .30 caliber”, was adopted in 1936 and served as the first standard-issue, self-loading (semi-automatic) rifle of the USA, and indeed, of any major army in history. General Patton called the M1 “the greatest battle implement ever devised” and it gave Americans a great advantage over slower bolt-action rifles.
I wanted to revisit my original LEGO M1 (2011), my oldest surviving MOC to date, and see how much farther I could push the realism with all the newer parts and building techniques that are available.
My LEGO M1 Garand from 2011 (top) and 2023 redesign (bottom)
Refined Shape
My top goal in this new LEGO design was to smooth out the shaping of the gun’s ‘wood’ furniture and match the silhouette of the rifle more closely to the real weapon from every angle. The model is stronger, lighter, and more precisely varied in thickness along its length.
Hands-On Interaction
While designed primarily for display purposes, the LEGO M1 Garand is nevertheless sturdy enough to be held at any angle. The brick-built iron sights are realistically sized and aligned ‘for greater accuracy’ when looking down them.
Realistic Sight Picture
Just like my 2011 version of the LEGO M1 Garand, the 2023 replica includes a realistic sight picture that resembles the real thing.
En-bloc Clip
This LEGO version of the Garand’s special eight-round clip of .30-06 Springfield ammo uses special SNOT techniques to simulate both the size and staggering of the cartridges using the best available colors and pieces.
Replacing the Clip
The opening internal magazine, that houses the clip, was the trickiest part of the M1 to recreate. The detailed, 1:1 scaled en-bloc clip is not durable enough to withstand a mechanical ejection and the impact of a fall, therefore I included a small hole beneath the magazine that allows a finger to gently push the clip up and out for removal. The bolt slides freely to allow for easy access through the top.
Display Stand
The presentation of the WWII LEGO weapon is enhanced with a custom-made display stand. I used SNOT-locking techniques to make the support columns sturdy, and basic black bricks keep the parts cost as low as possible.
M1 Bayonet
My 2023 version of the Garand rifle has a specially detailed and reinforced barrel assembly that can physically support the weight and mounting of a matching bayonet!
Mounting the Bayonet
Attaching the M1 bayonet to the M1 rifle is very simple; just align the slot in the knife hilt to the stud on the bottom of the rifle’s gas cylinder, and the bayonet loop slides straight onto the barrel muzzle to hold everything together, just like in real life.
Optional Sling Support
I took the same sling swivels method I developed for my LEGO M1A1 Thompson and applied it (with even stronger internal support) to my Garand replica. In these pictures, I’m using an official LEGO strap from an old X-Pods themed promo, but you can use any real-life rifle sling or build your own from Technic tread links. (Be aware, with the latter method, that this will make the LEGO rifle more difficult to set on its display stand.)
Designed for Display
I tried to imagine what it might look like if the LEGO Company designed a WWII M1 Garand collectible display set in homage to the weapon’s history and role in the fight for freedom. Knowing they never would make this though, I decided to do it myself!
Visit the instructions page for my M1 to find links for how to build a display plaque and where to get the custom UCS-style, waterproof decal printed.
Magazine Feature
August 2023 Update: My LEGO M1 Garand was included in the Summer ’23 issue of the Garand Collectors Association (GCA) Journal! It’s such an honor to see my brickbuilt replica in the magazine of the legendary, real-world rifle, and I’m grateful to the GCA in gifting me with a membership in their organization.
WWII American Collection
And finally, I wanted my M1 Garand redesign to be able to accompany my other LEGO WWII American weapon replicas I’ve been building. Currently, I’ve got the M1, the M1A1 Thompson, the M1911A1, and the Mk II grenade.
More LEGO guns are on the way! Click below to get the instructions and build your own WWII firearm replicas.
