Fed Ord M-1 Tanker

[duke133]

Well, the blast from the muzzle is a little different, if memory serves, than my Garands. I never really liked the rifle but I couldn't dump it until my collection or her vision of firearms "matured". In other words, once I had (to her) a lot of guns, I knew I could eventually dump this tanker. It's just taken me a few more years to get there. If I want to shoot an M1, I'll shoot one of my real M1's.
Thanks all for your input. Good discussion.

[coastie]

Once upon a time, before the internet, before cell phones, you went and bought was in front of you. Evan if it was 9pm something in the back of a boatshed from a guy who needed to pay a boat repair before leaving Kemah, on Galveston Bay.
"Santa Fe.." Two groove barrel. Tanker Garand. Have you heard of those?
Yeah, '03 Springfield barrel "grafted" to base of an M1 barrel cut.
More careful exam.....slight difference front and rear of receiver. Operating rod looked like "metal peckers" had been at it.
So, it is a "safe queen".
And a prime example of bring a flashlight and be more aware of what you are looking at.

[dryheat]

Back when Fed Ord was a going concern I returned one of their "tankers". The oprod was jumping out of the track. I don't know what they did but it was better when I got it back. I sold it shortly thereafter. I own a tanker now. Works like a charm. My buddy has one too, but he is a tech guy who likes to build them. They are cool and fun. On Gunbroker they go for a little more than the average Garand. Here's a post from the past- Kind of long...

had told me about your father and you along with your interest in the T26 rifle. First, let me say that even though I did not know him, I was saddened to hear of the death of your father who was one of our own. As to the rifle, it is of the greatest interest to me, because I had the early experience with it, and especially because of my great love for the M1 (Garand) Rifle.
There is very little that I can tell you other than the information you received from John Lindgren (article on page 101 of Duff's book). As far as I can remember, Major Alexander came to us on Noemfoor Island, New Guinea, in order to have his weapon test. He was newly arrived from "stateside".
I did not know that anyone in our outfit ever acquired the converted M1. As I remember, Army Ordnance had converted the weapon which Alexander carried. It was my impression that this relatively simple conversion of the M1 was done in an ordnance shop in the U.S. In fact I did not know until later that Alexander remained in the Southwest Pacific being assigned to 6th Army Headquarters.
Major Alexander was convinced that he had the perfect parachutist's weapon. After the test committee submitted a negative report he was quite disappointed and questioned the reliability of the nine-Lieutenant-platoon leader-committee. Evidently he took his case on to senior officers including General MacArthur. These nine lieutenants had just concluded a successful operation destroying the Japanese force on Noemfoor. The committee had been selected because of their leadership and ability displayed during the campaign. I feel our attitude toward the M1 rifle was the same. This was that the M1 was the ultimate rifleman's weapon. We loved it. Most of us disliked the carbine and felt it was too light in its hitting power. Many, like me, carried M1's rather than the TO&E prescribed carbine. We would have been overjoyed to accept any suitable conversion of the M1. Unfortunately the great muzzle blast of the cut down model ruled this weapon out.
This is a prime example of how the troops are sometimes denied the best weapons. Some high ranking officers in their infinite wisdom over rule subordinate's decisions.
Lt. Col. Alexander should be able to give you much information if you are able to contact him. John Lindgren is an expert at locating retired officers, if Alexander is a retired officer. If he left the Army after WWII he might be found by going through the VA. A friend of mine found me after almost forty years through the VA.
I'm sorry I have no more information on the T26. I hope to learn more in the future. If I do I will certainly pass it on to you. I hope you will do the same for me.
Good luck in your quest.
Sincerely,
Bill

I tried contacting Lt Col Alexander but was unsuccessful in my attempt. John Lindgren has since passed away. I don't know about Bill but am sure he's probably gone now as well. The only thing I remember my father saying about the T26 was that the barrel was only 18" long and that he had one.
I hope this sheds at least a little light on the subject of the T26 and puts to rest the myth that the T26's never existed.

[duke133]

dryheat,
Thanks for the post from the past and insight.