ORIGINAL: Whitehorn
I am not knocking the Garand, I just think the "best combat rifle made" claim is alittle much.
The M1 Garand Rifle is best known for its role as the United States Armed Forces' main battle rifle during World War Two and Korea. The M1 also saw service in Vietnam, especially during the early years, until it was replaced by the M14 and the M16. Indeed the ruggedness and 'real' appearance of the Garand Rifle made it a favorite of many soldiers and even 40 plus years after it was replaced, many still consider the M1 superior to the 'plastic fantastic' guns that supplanted it.
And to top it off, John C. Garand was Canadian!