Gas Trap M1 Garand Recreated with CMP | Faxon Firearms
Posted by Faxon Firearms Staff on Jan 26th 2026
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At SHOT Show 2026, Faxon Firearms sat down with ARFCOM (AR15.com) to discuss one of the most historically significant projects we’ve ever been part of: the faithful recreation of the Gas Trap M1 Garand, developed in close collaboration with the Civilian Marksmanship Program (CMP).
In this short interview, Bobby and Dustin provide a quick but meaningful overview of what makes the Gas Trap Garand so unique—and why this limited re-introduction matters to collectors, historians, and American firearms enthusiasts alike.
Watch the Interview with ARFCOM
What Is the Gas Trap M1 Garand?
The Gas Trap M1 Garand represents the earliest production configuration of John C. Garand’s legendary service rifle. Unlike later—and far more common—gas-port variants, the gas trap system captures expanding gases at the muzzle using an external assembly rather than a drilled gas port in the barrel.
This design was short-lived, making original Gas Trap Garands exceptionally rare today. As a result, surviving examples are primarily found in museum or archival collections—most notably within the CMP’s own historical holdings.
Studying the Originals: Blueprint-Level Accuracy
To recreate the Gas Trap Garand correctly, Faxon Firearms worked directly with the CMP, gaining access to:
- One of the original Gas Trap M1 Garands preserved by the CMP
- Archived original blueprints, including documentation signed by John Garand himself
This project was not about reinterpretation—it was about historical fidelity. Every decision was driven by original reference material, dimensional verification, and careful engineering review to ensure the recreated components match the original design intent as closely as possible.
Faxon’s Manufacturing Role in the Project
As part of this collaboration, Faxon Firearms is manufacturing several of the most critical components of the Gas Trap Garand system, including:
- The barrel
- The gas trap assembly
- The gas cylinder
- The front sight
All of these components are being produced with the same in-house manufacturing discipline that defines Faxon’s modern firearms and components—precision machining, material control, and repeatable quality—while honoring the historical requirements of the original design.
A Limited First Run: What to Expect
The CMP is planning to release 500 Gas Trap M1 Garands in this limited first run later this year. Due to the historical significance and complexity of the project, availability will be extremely limited.
Collectors and enthusiasts interested in this release are strongly encouraged to monitor both the CMP and Faxon Firearms websites for official announcements, availability details, and purchasing information as it becomes available.
Preserving American Firearms History
Projects like the Gas Trap M1 Garand are about more than manufacturing—they’re about preserving American firearms heritage. Faxon Firearms is honored to work alongside the CMP to help bring an important chapter of U.S. military history back to life, ensuring it can be appreciated by future generations rather than remaining locked away in archives.
For updates on this project and other heritage-driven initiatives, be sure to check back with FaxonFirearms.com and the CMP’s website.