M1 "Garand," U.S. Rifle caliber.30 The first gas-operated, semi-automatic service rifle adopted by the U.S. to replace the M1903 Springfield bolt action Rifle, and chambered for the same.30-06 cartridge. Developed by John Garand at Springfield Armory in Massachusetts, the M1 was approved in 1935, but regular production began in 1937.