Gen. George S. Patton called it "the greatest battle implement ever devised." The legendary .30-caliber M1 Garand semiautomatic rifle was the standard US service rifle in WWII and Korea. More than five million were made in American factories between 1937 and the end of 1945. It was also used by over 50 countries worldwide and saw combat into the 1970s. Today it is the weapon used by the US Marine Corps Silent Drill Platoon in its precision exhibitions. Its design, construction, and variants, as well as its famed use during WWII in all war theaters, are shown in superb period photography and clear, up-close color images. Accessories such as magazines, ammunition, belts, bandoleers, and cleaning kits are featured throughout the book, as well as rarely seen WWII-related uniform and equipment items.

The Colt M1911 is one of the most well-known and popular military weapons of the 20th century. Designed by John Browning, this pistol, with its legendary reliability and firepower, represents the developmental starting point of a majority of automatic pistols to this day. It was the standard-issue sidearm of the US armed forces for more than 70 years and is still in use throughout the world. This detailed, illustrated book features the M1911 from its initial design, manufacturing, and testing, through its combat use in WWI, WWII, Korea, and Vietnam. Through more than 370 images, this title includes close-up views of markings, as well as a serial numbers list, and a visual breakdown of the weapon. Accessories such as magazines, ammunition, holsters, and cleaning kits are featured throughout the book, as are rarely seen combat-related uniform and equipment items.