In the modern era, I would re-interpret the scoped M1 Garand very differently:
It involves replacing the top handguard with a Scout Rail by Ultimak and mounting a scope on that. In this case a TruGlo 2x red-dot. This keeps the scope inline with the bore, but does require a long eye-relief scope (such as would be used on a pistol). The configuration here actually allows the iron sights to co-witness within the scope image, so if the battery died, the irons would still be visible in the lower quarter of the optic. One needn't remove the optic in the heat of battle to get the irons in service.
The added advantage of placing a scope out that distance is that the shooter maintains more peripheral vision for situational awareness (hence "scout" rifle). But for those reasons, it would not be a true sniper rifle. Probably more along the lines of our modern "Squad Designated Marksman".
And what "sniper rifle" would be complete without a flash hider?
And finally, here it is pictured with an uscoped M1 Garand with a 10" bayonet.
Thanks for the link. I would point out that a "Scout" scope, i.e. intermediate eye relief scope, such as made by Leupold and Burris, would be just the ticket if you wanted some magnification - a bit better than a pistol scope in that the eye relief would be ideal. Also; the IER scopes are much more forgiving (than a standard over-the-receiver scope) with regard to eye relief, which means faster and easier target acquisition. Cheers,
ReplyDeleteLyle at UltiMAK.
why are the scopes so far up on these weapons
ReplyDeleteThe main reason the scope is so far forward is to clear the action. On a "U.S Rifle, Caliber .30, M1" (Garand), the 8 round "en blog" clip is inserted completely into the action through the top, while the bolt is open. When the bolt closes, it strips a round off the top of the en bloc clip. When the last round is fired, the empty clip is ejected straight up with the famous "PING" sound.
DeleteThe original M1D and M1C scoped military rifles mounted a traditional scope which is offset to the left allowing access to the top of the action.
By placing the scope FORWARD as in my modern interpretation, the rifle becomes more of a SCOUT rifle. Unlike a more focused "tunnel vision" mindset of a sniper, in a scouting role you need to keep your eyes open to surrounding action. By placing the scope farther forward, you sacrifice magnification and elimination of distraction, for the benefit of being able to pick up situational changes using your peripheral vision.