Issued to prevent debris from entering the weapon via the barrel, the Cover, Canvas, Muzzle consisted of a canvas hood and a strap with two fasteners (“snaps”) in order to adjust the fit for compatibility with Rifles M-1 and 1903A3, and Carbine M-1. Material culture observed ink-stamped by 26 manufacturers carrying 1943 and 1944 dates, with the preponderance of surviving examples dated 1944. Described in Quartermaster Supply Catalog Circular No. 4 August 1943) as “a small piece of webbing” which “…fits over the end of the carbine or rifle to keep out dirt and snow”, this canvas muzzle cover by 1945 was “LIMITED STANDARD-To be issued until (supply) exhausted”, being replaced in the supply chain by “TAPE, CELLULOSE, MUZZLE-COVER”, Stock No. 53-T-1085, Specification Jersey City Quartermaster Depot (JCQD) No. 1017. Two pieces of tape were used in lieu of the canvas cover, one length “placed over the muzzle and a second…wrapped around the barrel to anchor the first one. It adheres to damp surfaces and may be fired through” (Quartermaster Supply Catalog QM 3-1, May 1946, page 40). With the added benefit of retarding moisture in humid climates, it is suspected this tape was developed in conjunction with the operational planning for Operation Downfall, the amphibious landings on the home islands of Japan planned for November 1945, and canceled by virtue of the Japanese surrender earlier that September.
Just picked up a standard m1 carbine…your videos have been a life saver
Awesome! Enjoy your new to you piece of history. Glad your videos were useful.
Straightforward explanation.
Thanks! Pretty straight forward accessory.
Thank you for posting. I've never seen the muzzle cover before. Very interesting.
You are welcome!
When did they issue these muzzle covers?
WWII Era
Roughly 1943, but almost all M1 muzzle covers are dated 1944
Issued to prevent debris from entering the weapon via the barrel, the Cover, Canvas, Muzzle consisted of a canvas hood and a strap with two fasteners (“snaps”) in order to adjust the fit for compatibility with Rifles M-1 and 1903A3, and Carbine M-1. Material culture observed ink-stamped by 26 manufacturers carrying 1943 and 1944 dates, with the preponderance of surviving examples dated 1944. Described in Quartermaster Supply Catalog Circular No. 4 August 1943) as “a small piece of webbing” which “…fits over the end of the carbine or rifle to keep out dirt and snow”, this canvas muzzle cover by 1945 was “LIMITED STANDARD-To be issued until (supply) exhausted”, being replaced in the supply chain by “TAPE, CELLULOSE, MUZZLE-COVER”, Stock No. 53-T-1085, Specification Jersey City Quartermaster Depot (JCQD) No. 1017. Two pieces of tape were used in lieu of the canvas cover, one length “placed over the muzzle and a second…wrapped around the barrel to anchor the first one. It adheres to damp surfaces and may be fired through” (Quartermaster Supply Catalog QM 3-1, May 1946, page 40). With the added benefit of retarding moisture in humid climates, it is suspected this tape was developed in conjunction with the operational planning for Operation Downfall, the amphibious landings on the home islands of Japan planned for November 1945, and canceled by virtue of the Japanese surrender earlier that September.