A Test of U.S. Rifle, Caliber .30, M1

To evaluate functioning performance of weapons, after exposure to desert heat and blowing sand, when prepared with standard and experimental lubricants. Two U.S. Rifles, Caliber .30, M1, were tested with lubricants which were manufactured under MIL-L-644A and NRL E-51 specifications. The Lubricant developed under the NRL E-51 specification was definitely unsatisfactory for the M1 rifle under desert conditions. It is concluded that the lubricant which meets the NRL E-51 specification should not be used on the M1 rifle when desert conditions exist. It is recommended that the lubricant meeting specification MIL-L-644A be used on the U.S. Rifle, caliber .30, M1 for desert operation.