Inland M1 Carbines At 2019 Army Best Ranger Competition

by
posted on April 18, 2019
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
inland-1.jpg
For the 75th anniversary of the Normandy Landings, the 2019 U.S. Army Best Ranger Competition featured period-correct M1 Carbines and M37 trench guns, courtesy of Inland Manufacturing. This year's event was held April 12-14 at Fort Benning, GA.

Dating back to 1982, Best Ranger Competitions (BRC) are usually conducted using modern military firearms. In order to properly commemorate the Omaha Beach landings, especially the incredible Ranger assault on Point du Hoc, the Army decided that this year's BRC will use some of the individual firearms that Rangers fielded on D-Day.

It makes sense that Inland Manufacturing was selected because the company makes some of the most historically accurate reproduction M1 Carbines and M37 trench guns available today. Notably, when Inland started making these guns they began the serial numbers at 9 million. This is to prevent any confusion with the original military carbines. That is how accurate they are.

M37 12-gauge trench gun
Inland model M37 12-gauge trench gun.

The U.S. Army Best Ranger Competition is one of the most difficult out of any in the armed forces today. The event features 55 two-man teams that; besides shooting, are running, marching (with full packs), navigating and more. Rangers competed using the two aforementioned WWII-era firearms at Fort Benning, as well as M1 Garands. Out of 55 this year, only 16 teams managed to cross the finish line.

Over the past 30 years, the BRC has evolved from a salute to the best "buddy" team from the Rangers at Fort Benning, to the present role as a determination of the best two-man team among the entire U.S. Armed Forces.

Two captains from the Army's 101st Airborne Division have earned first place at the 2019 BRC. Capt. John Bergman and Capt. Michael Rosetitle previously competed together and won back in 2014. The pair are the first to ever win this competition twice. As for second place, a team from the 173rd Airborne Brigade, consisting of Sgt. 1st Class Ryan Gerber and 1st Lt. Alastair Keys, earned that honor.

At the end of the match, the top two teams chose awards from one of Inland's commemorative 1911s, reproduction carbines or M37 trench guns.

Learn more about Inland Manufacturing at www.inland-mfg.com. And for more information about the U.S. Army Best Ranger Competition, visit www.bestrangercompetition.com.

Latest

1 Lede 2026 Newpistol Roundup
1 Lede 2026 Newpistol Roundup

New For 2026: Top Handguns

Eleven standout handguns—from race-ready steel to modular pistols and a modern revolver—highlight the biggest trends emerging from SHOT Show 2026.

New: Real Avid Master Collection for 1911

The 1911 Master Collection brings together tools, cleaning gear and chemicals in a single kit designed for straightforward at‑home maintenance of the classic handgun platform.

Collegiate Rifle: 2026 Patriot Rifle Conference Championship Results

Nebraska secures 2026 PRC Championship title in Fort Wayne with balanced scoring in both guns, topping Ole Miss and TCU for its first league title in two decades.

Kim Rhode Receives NSSF’s Top Honor at SHOT Show 2026

Olympic legend Kim Rhode is honored by NSSF for a career that reshaped competitive shooting and expanded its future.

NRA Announces 2026 America’s Rifle Challenge Match Director Summit

NRA launches the 2026 ARC Match Director Summit, a hands-on, three-day training experience designed to elevate competition leadership, safety and match quality nationwide.

How To Watch Milan Cortina Winter Olympics Biathlon Events

A complete viewer’s guide to Olympic biathlon at Milan Cortina 2026, including TV and streaming schedules, race formats, scoring rules and what makes each event unique.

Interests



Get the best of Shooting Sports USA delivered to your inbox.