America’s M1 Garand Dominated Axis Infantry With 5 Million Rifles Produced During World War II, the M1 Garand became the backbone of the U.S. infantry and a symbol of American industrial and military might. Designed by Canadian-born engineer John C. Garand, this semi-automatic rifle gave U.S. soldiers a decisive edge over Axis forces, who largely relied on slower bolt-action rifles. With a capacity of eight rounds, the M1 allowed rapid, accurate fire — often described by General George S. Patton