John Garand's first design for the M1 Rifle's gas system was of the gas trap type as exemplified by the Danish Bang rifle. The gas trap gas cylinder actually traps the gas in an expansion chamber after the bullet has left the barrel. The gas then escapes down into the gas cylinder to push on the op rod piston. Gun designers of the time felt that since the bullet had left the barrel before the gas system began to function, that accuracy would be enhanced. What appears to be the muzzle of a Gas Trap Garand is actually a false muzzle that restricts the gas flow forward to some extent, ensuring that a sufficient amount of gas is trapped to function the rifle.
The comparison picture above shows the relative location of the Gas Trap's muzzle compared to the Gas Port design. The Gas Trap's muzzle is actually at the same place relative to the breech as the gas port in the Gas Port barrel is found (roughly in the center of the lower, Gas Port's front sight). This is why the Gas Port barrel is actually about an inch longer than the Gas Trap barrel even though they appear to be much closer in length.
In 1997 Gene Barnett, of M1A/M14 and M1 barrel fame, completed a small batch of for-shooting replica Gas Trap barrel & gas system assemblies. Scott Duff was the sole agent, and quickly sold out. Your loyal webmaster acquired one of these kits and had it assembled to an IHC receiver by Clint McKee of Fulton Armory, using a Beretta trigger group and Fajen Extra Fancy stock.
The results were outstanding!
I shot this rifle at the first John C. Garand Memorial Match, at Camp Perry during the National Matches on 8 August 1998. The first Garand design at the first Garand Match; what a feeling!
So click on these thumbnails and see what the excitement's all about!
--Walt Kuleck
 | IHC Gas Trap Garand: Overview | |
 | IHC Gas Trap Garand: Receiver Closeup | |
 | IHC Gas Trap Garand: Trigger Group (note the concentric circles around the rear hole of the trigger guard) | |
 | IHC Gas Trap Garand: Rear Handguard (note the grooved rear handguard clip) | |
 | IHC Gas Trap Garand: Lower Band (note the grooved and numbered lower band) | |
 | IHC Gas Trap Garand: Compare the Gas Trap gas cylinder and front sight with the gas port cylinder below |
A Gas Trap Speaks Again!
The First John Garand Memorial Match
8 August 1998, Camp Perry, Ohio.
