how do I find what Korean War rifle was issued?

[Guest PapaB]

My father gave the ultimate sacrifice during the Korean War.

"Sergeant Browne was a member of the 17th Infantry Regiment, 7th Infantry Division. He was Killed in Action while fighting the enemy in South Korea on March 7, 1951"

I would like to find out what type rifle he would have used. I'd like to buy one like it for shooting and eventually give to my grandson. I've googled several times and, after reading many dozens of pages, haven't found anything helpful.

Does anyone here know how to find out which rifle the 17th Infantry Regiment, 7th Infantry Division would have been issued in 1950, the year he went overseas? I've seen statements about how the Army used this or that but it seems to change with each group within the Army. I'd like something more specific.

Thanks to all in advance.

[Photoguy67]

I would suggest trying here. Home | 17thinfantry

Hope it helps.

Billy

[TripleDigitRide]

I'm not sure if this will help, but I found a couple links that may head you in the right direction.

The Legacy of Custer's 7th U.S ... - Google Books

Korean War Project Looking For

[Guest HexHead]

Standard US battle rifle in the Korean War was the M1 Garand. If you dad was a Sgt., he may have carried a Thompson or M3 sub-machine gun.

[TripleDigitRide]

This is just about the same info as the first link I posted, only much easier to read.

Principal Infantry Weapons of the Korean War

[R1100R]

A lot of it had to do with what type of unit and what your job was. Not all assigned

to a Infantry Regiment were foot soldiers.

[DaveTN]

Without finding someone from that unit I’m not sure how you would find out for sure. The standard battle rifle in 1950 was the M1 Garand. He could have carried some specialty small arm like a BAR, M1 Carbine, Thompson, etc. But as a unit; I don’t see how it could be anything other than the Garand.

We appreciate your Fathers service; it is terrible that you did not get to know him. Good luck with your search.

[R1100R]

CMP Sales

The basic weapon was the Garand. The link above you can buy a Garand or a Carbine for a good price. All soldiers during that time period would have to at least

quailify on the Garand. If he was in a job where he carried a pistol only there are a lot of 1911 remakes. Auto Ordnance makes the Thompson these days. The M3 Sub "Grease Gun" was mainly a Armor "Tanker" issued weapon.

Edited July 26, 2009 by R1100R