Image: T20E2 Garand Prototype Rifle

Description: U.S. RIFLE T20E2 .30 SN# 57 Manufactured by Springfield Armory, Springfield, Ma. in March, 1945 - Experimental gas-operated, selective fire rifle - slightly longer receiver than M1 and 20-round magazine feed. Bolt has hold open device on rear receiver bridge. Muzzle velocity 2760 fps. Cyclic rate of fire 700 rpm. Select device similar to M14 selector. Full automatic fire was achieved by a connector assembly which was actuated by the operating rod handle. This, in turn, actuated a sear release or trip which, with the trigger held to the rear, disengaged the sear from the hammer lugs immediately after the bolt was locked. When the connector assemble was disengaged, the rifle could only be fired semiautomatically and functioned in a manner similar to the M1 rifle. Machined and tapped on left side of receiver for scope mount. Complete with rifle grenade launcher. Weapon has an overall length of 48 1/4", a barrel length of 24", and weighs 9.61 lbs. without accessories and 12.5 lbs. with bipod and empty magazine. Designated as limited procurement in May, 1945. Due to cessation of hostilities with Japan, number for manufacture was reduced to 100. Project was terminated in March 1948.
Title: T20E2 Garand Prototype Rifle
Credit: http://www.museum.nps.gov/spar/vfpcgi.exe?IDCFile=/spar/DETAILM.IDC,SPECIFIC=10912,DATABASE=70617575,
Author: Springfield Armory National Historic Site
Usage Terms: Public domain
License: Public domain
Attribution Required?: No