Rifle Rack question

[Chris_M]

When I bought my truck, 2 years ago I noticed two canvas bags with metal zipper installed vertically at the outside frame of the driver and passenger seats.
After opening the zipper, it revealed this:



For reenactment I'd like to purchase a repro weapon (non functional) that fits this rack.
Now my question. Is this rack generic for both the M1 Garand rifle and the M1 carbine or only for one of them? If so, which one?

Regards,

Chris

[Bill_Wolf]

Chris,

Those racks were made to hold most all the "long guns" frequently used in service including the Carbine, Garand, and M-1903.

If that weapons rack is equipped with the "loop" about 4-5 inches down from the top turn latch it will also hold the Thompson Sub machine gun.

I do not have a BAR so I have not tried it. Anyone know?

I have purchased a Resin Garand for under $100 USD which I leave in the truck all the time. It passes the 10 foot test and since it is a plastic composite will not rust. With it being a fake it has less tendency to grow legs and does not antagonize the Law Enforcement community like a real one would.

Here is one supplier of these visual props http://www.armycarsusa.com/resingunsforsale.html

Bill

[Chris_M]

Thank you Bill. Now the only thing I have to do is choosing the right gun.
I wonder if the carbine was standard issue to truck drivers in WWII or if they used the Garand like a normal infantry soldier. I think the Thompson was more seen with an NCO or officer.

Regards,

Chris

PS: I remember the time I spent as a truck driver in the German Army, 20 years ago. We used the same guns (Heckler & Koch G3 Assault Rifles) as other soldiers. Only our motorcyclists had smaller guns (UZI with folding stock)

[33rdsignal]

I know in the 33rd Signal Construction Battalion during WW2, all the drivers were issued Thompson Submachine Guns. 103 total in a battalion of 581 men. The rest were issued Carbines

[Karoshi]

Carbines for truck drivers.

[Bill_Wolf]

Chevy Fire Trucks had a gun rack mounted vertically to the dash directly in front of the co-driver. The weapon specified was a M-1 Carbine.

Bill

Below is a picture of the Resin Garand in my Chevy Fire Truck. The mounting leaves lot's of room for the co-driver to get in and out.

[Fernando Mendes]

[Chris_M]

Yes Fernando. Your photograph shows exactly the way the racks are installed at my truck. Mine are completely covered with canvas bags.

Regards,

Chris

[Chris_M]

There is a 10 Minute sequence from the movie "Red Ball Express" in youtube and, surprise, all actors representing truck drivers had M1 Carbines.

Regards,

Chris

[Karoshi]

Its a long time after the event, but I've just realised that the Armycarsusa resin carbine has a bayonet lug.

Now us WWii re-enactors wouldn't want to be seen with a post war carbine.... would we.