’03 Springfield vs. Enfield vs. Garand Shoot-out with the “Gunny”
Here’s a fun and entertaining video feature from our Daily Bulletin archives. In this USA vs. UK smackdown, “Gunny” Ermey pits his m1903 Springfield and M1 Garand against a British Lee-Enfield. Watch the video to see who comes out on top.
In this entertaining video, retired Marine Gunnery Sergeant and popular TV host R. Lee Ermey, challenges Gary Archer, a British ex-pat, to a shoot-off with classic military rifles. In Round One, Ermey employs a Springfield m1903 while his opponent shoots the British 1907 Lee-Enfield No. 1, MK III. The quick-cycling bolt of the .303-caliber Enfield, and its larger internal magazine, give the Brit an advantage and Archer beats Ermey decisively.
But the Gunny doesn’t give up. For Round Two, Ermey replaces his 1903 with an M1 Garand. The Gunny then proceeds to show why the .30-06 Garand was a superior combat weapon. Gary Archer protests that it’s “hardly sporting” to pit a bolt-gun against a semi-auto like the Garand, but Ermey quashes that complaint saying: “Hey, Churchill, it’s my show. Besides… this is war, I love my M1 Garand… and all’s fair in love and war.”
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Tags: .30-06, .303, Britain, Enfield, Garand, Gunny, M1, R. Lee Ermey
Got to give it to the Gunny, he is a dyed in the wool Gyrene (said with true affection for the Corps).
One question on the write up above, in a true test of accuracy, how would the Enfield’s larger internal magazine be an advantage? If it is a timed fire exercise and ten rounds were required (so that a mag change was necessary), it would seem to me that both rifles are capable of very good accuracy, but then the nut behind the buttplate is truely the variable in question…
The SMLE has a 10 round mag. Big advantage for a 10 round rapid match.
As an aside, the cock on closing bolt is quicker, especially when taught to operate the bolt with thumb and forefinger, and fire with the middle finger. Ask the German army circa 1914.
Can’t imagine that the Gunny ever handled a M1 in active service. He doesn’t even load it correctly. The rifle should have smashed his thumb, so he does it the right way in future. Otherwise fun to watch.
It was a true pleasure to be able to shoot with Gunny. He is a great bloke both on and off the camera.
Truth be told he only beat me in the 2nd round by 2 plates. The director thought that it was too close so they set up 4 more plates after we had finished !!!
It wouldn’t have looked too good to have nearly tied in a shootout with a S/A vs Bolt rifle !!
But as I said before, a wonderful day with a wonderful fellow gun enthusiast.
The Gunny was on Parris Island same time I was in the mid 60’s, me, a boot, him, a DI. We used M14’s in boot camp but were issued M1 Garands at Camp Geiger for infantry training ITR. A lot of guys use odd ways of closing the bolt, Southpaws especially. So he loads sloppy, he shoots gold medals at the nationals. Go figure. It’s a win. I just envy him the variety of firearms he gets to play with. I need my own show. Sponsors line up on the right please.
Gunny you just said the 30 06 was the first smokless powedr cartridge. I think you will find it was the 30/30 called the 30 WCF back then http://www.leverguns.com/articles/3030history.htm
Why is the Pom wearing a Aussie Slouch hat with RSB and 2/14 colour patch?