Springfield Armory M1 Garand 18” 30-06 “Tanker” T26 Build By Fulton Armory
SOLD FOR: $1,510.00
LSB#: WY24121MJ075
Make: Springfield Armory
Model: M1 Garand “TANKER”
Serial Number: 1597871
Year of Manufacture: Receiver May 1943, Barrel is modern.
Caliber: .30-06
Action Type: Semi Auto, En Bloc Clip Fed
Markings:
Receiver: “U.S. RIFLE / CAL. .30 M1 / SPRINGFIELD / ARMORY / 1597871”
Trigger Group: “D28290-14-SA”
Hammer: “C46008-2 SA”
Safety: Unmarked
Follower: Unmarked
Receiver bottom: Unmarked
Receiver Leg: “0 32 / D 28291 27 YY”
Op Rod: “D35382 9 SA”
Barrel: “6”
Bolt: “D28287-2SA RE4E”
Stock: Unmarked.
Barrel Length: 18” 19.5” with the Smith Enterprises muzzle device.
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a blade set between two protective wings. The rear sight is a fully adjustable aperture sight set between two protective wings. The windage knob is marked “LEFT arrow” twice and “WRIGHT”. The elevation knob is marked from “2-11”.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The hardwood stock has a traditional grip, metal nose caps, a stacking loop, two sling loops and a metal buttplate with hinged door for storage in the butt. The LOP measures 13.25” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The wood on this stock has been lightly sanded and refinished. The wood shows minor handling wear with small lines and compressions. The right flank by the op rod end has a small scuff. The toe of the heel has a small chip. The shortened forend has some chips in the rear edge from where it was cut down. There are no visible cracks. The metal buttplate retains its finish and shows only very minor handling wear. Overall the furniture is in Very Good+ to Excellent condition.
Type of Finish: Parkerized
Finish Originality: Refinished.
Bore Condition: The bore is semi dull and the rifling is defined. The last two thirds of the bore show moderate erosion. In this writer’s opinion the bore rate 6.75/10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 99% of its metal finish. This rifle has been heavily refinished. The metal underneath the refinish shows pitting. The markings are mostly clear and the screw heads are sharp. Overall this rifle is in Very Good condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this rifle. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This rifle includes the work order from Fulton Armory.
Our Assessment: This rifle is modeled after an experimental M1 Garand developed towards the end of WWII. The T26 later known as the “Tanker” Garand is a shortened version of the classic M1 Garand rifle, designed to offer a more compact and maneuverable option for troops. Originally designated the T26 by the U.S. Army during WWII, this version was developed in response to the need for a powerful yet portable rifle suitable for particularly jungle environments like the Pacific theater. Although it retains the semi-automatic functionality and the powerful .30-06 Springfield cartridge of the standard M1 Garand, the T26 features a shortened 18-inch barrel (compared to the standard 24-inch), significantly reducing the rifle’s overall length and weight, which made it easier to handle in confined spaces.
Despite being ordered by the Pacific Warboard, the T26 Tanker Garand never saw mass production or widespread use during WWII, as the war concluded before any substantial deployment. Reports from testing revealed mixed results; the shorter barrel created increased recoil and muzzle blast and the accuracy was not up to the standard they hoped for. This unique configuration, while not without drawbacks, has nonetheless captured the interest of firearms collectors and enthusiasts.
In the years since, a number of reproductions and civilian versions have been produced aiming to replicate the T26’s compact design and WWII origins. This rifle is an example of that exact goal by Fulton Armory. To Quote Bruce Canfield “A good rule to follow regarding the “Tanker” Garand is, “If it’s not in the Springfield Armory Museum It’s not a real T26 Garand””. This is good advice, however I would argue that if it looks like a T26 and functions like a T26 would have, had they gone into production, owning a T26 “clone” that you can shoot instead of just look at in a Museum is a much more fun option. To better understand this T26 Garand clone please see our high quality photos via the link and best of luck with your bidding!!!-R.L.
