“In my opinion, the M1 rifle is the greatest battle implement ever devised.”
George S. Patton

SAL WWII Anniversary Raffle

“We must be the great arsenal of democracy. For us this is an emergency as serious as war itself. We must apply ourselves to our task with the same resolution, the same sense of urgency, the same spirit of patriotism and sacrifice as we would show were we at war.”

The year 2025 marks the passing of eight decades since the Second World War ended in victory for the United States and her allies over the forces of Nazi Germany and Imperial Japan. It also marks the first decade of the existence of Squadron 90 of the Sons of the American Legion since it was reconvened in Ashland for the first time since the conflict began for our country in 1941.

In honor of this solemn but joyous anniversary, Squadron 90 is proud to announce this raffle that allows the winner to own a real piece of the conflict and the victory that was achieved by the Greatest Generation, as well as helping our organization to continue to further its mission to our local veterans past, present and future for decades more to come.

The Grand Prize

US RIFLE
CAL .30 M1
SPRINGFIELD
ARMORY
3303133

Produced by the famed Springfield Armory in 1944, just in time to have possibly seen some of the most vicious fighting of the war, from the Battle of the Bulge and Crossing the Rhine to the steaming jungles of Luzon and the black sands of Iwo Jima. This rifle was restored to like new condition by the expert armorers at the Civilian Marksmanship Program and sports a beautiful, brand new wood stock and a brand new, unfired barrel. All original components have been reconditioned to like new and this rifle is ready to serve again as a target rifle, hunting rifle or simple conversation piece. Included with the rifle is a custom fitted hard case, two en-block clips, manual, trigger lock and chamber flag. A reproduction M1 Bayonet and M1907 leather sling are also included, courtesy of our friends at World War Supply.

Second and Third Prizes

Tisas M1911A1 .45 Caliber Pistol

This is an accurate, fully functional replica of the famous “.45” automatic pistol that was carried by US servicemen for the bulk of the 20th century. With a dull grey finish and clearly marked with “UNITED STATES PROPERTY” and “M1911A1 U.S. ARMY” just like the originals, this new made version of the WWII icon is ready for target shooting, carry and more. The second and third place winners of our contest will receive one brand new, never fired pistol with its original factory hard case, cleaning rod and brush, manual, trigger lock and two magazines.

The second place winner will additionally receive an accurate replica of the original M1916 leather holster and canvas magazine pouch courtesy of our friends at World War Supply.

FAQs

TICKET PRICE - $50.00
200 Tickets Sold

Ticket Sales Begin January 8, 2025
Drawing 7 January 2025 or First Regular SAL Meeting following sale of last ticket.

  • The M1 Garand rifle with the included accessories has a current secondary market value of approximately $1,700.

    The Tisas M1911A1 US Army pistol has an MSRP of $419.99. The accessories included with the Second Prize selection have a MSRP of $50.00.

  • No. This contest is for the prizes listed on the tickets and on this webpage. Tickets may not be redeemed for cash value.

  • No. In order to redeem their ticket for the selected prize the identification information on the ticket stub MUST match that on their government issued photo ID. It is a criminal offense to purchase a firearm for anyone other than yourself.

    If you wish to purchase a raffle ticket as a gift please use the name and address of the intended recipient.

  • It is most important that your full legal name matches that on the ticket stub for our part of the process. All winners are required to complete and pass a Federal Firearms Background Check in order to claim their prize.

  • In compliance with the National Firearms Act of 1934 and its subsequent amendments and additions all winners Must complete and submit US BATFE Form 4473 administered by a Federal Firearms Licensee and pass the requisite National Instant Criminal Check System background check to determine eligibility to possess a firearm. An additional form may need to be completed for handgun transfer.

    The SAL has been in contact with a local Class 2 FFL holder to coordinate these background checks and transfers. Background checks are generally completed within an hour or less.

    Failure of any government background check or refusal to undertake such a check will result in automatic forfeiture of the prize and an alternative winner will be drawn.

    THERE ARE NO EXCEPTIONS TO THIS RULE

  • Shipping of prizes can be done to a licensed Class 2 FFL only. Any fees incurred for the shipping or transfer of prizes is the sole responsibility of the winner.

  • No! As long as you are in compliance with the official rules, you may purchase as many tickets as you like!


    THE PRICE PER TICKET IS SET AT $50.00.

    NO DISCOUNT PRICING EXISTS FOR PURCHASE OF MULTIPLE TICKETS OR OTHER FACTORS.

History of the M1 Garand

The US Rifle, Caliber .30, M1 was adopted as the standard service rifle of the United States in 1936. This rifle was a significant step forward in US martial arms history, replacing the older bolt action Springfield Rifle with a reliable, gas operated semi-automatic design. This would prove to be a significant force multiplier when the United States engaged in the Second World War, wherein the M1 was the only semi-automatic infantry rifle to achieve full standardization, doing so by 1943. The firepower advantage posed by the M1 rifle over its bolt action adversaries such as the German Kar98k Mauser or the Japanese Type 99 Arisaka were notable for the entirity of the war.

The M1 Garand remained the standard US issue rifle for another decade following the end of the Second World War, remaining standard throughout the Korean War before being replaced with its 7.62mm descendant the M14 in 1956. Despite this, it remained in service around the world for decades, with American allies around the world retaining them through the Cold War.

Today the M1 Garand remains an iconic weapon, and is prized for its history and accuracy. A common sight at rifle matches as well as ranges and hunting grounds, the Garand also lives on as a ceremonial weapon in the hands of various veteran’s organizations and military drill teams to this day.

SPECIFICATIONS - US Rifle, Caliber .30, M1 “Garand”

TYPE: Short Rifle
ACTION: Gas-Operated Semi-Automatic
OVERALL LENGTH: 43.5 Inches
BARREL LENGTH: 24 Inches
UNLOADED WEIGHT: 9.5 Pounds
CARTRIDGE: .30-06 Springfield
FEED SYSTEM: En-Bloc Clip
MAGAZINE CAPACITY: 8 Cartridges
DESIGNER: John Garand
YEAR OF INTRODUCTION: 1936
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: United States of America

SPECIFICATIONS - Automatic Pistol, Caliber .45, M1911A1

TYPE: Service Pistol
ACTION: Single Action Automatic
OVERALL LENGTH: 8.5 Inches
BARREL LENGTH: 5 Inches
UNLOADED WEIGHT: 2.5 Pounds
CARTRIDGE: .45 ACP
FEED SYSTEM: Detachable Magazine
MAGAZINE CAPACITY: 7 Cartridges
DESIGNER: John Browning
YEAR OF INTRODUCTION: 1924
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: United States of America