M-38A1 AXE

1952 - 1968, M38A1, M170, questions, discussions, regarding anything related to the M38a1 series.
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Joe Gopan
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M-38A1 AXE

Post by Joe Gopan » Fri Jun 25, 2010 11:31 am

There is onlly one Axe for use with the M-38A1 Jeep. It is the Standard GI 41-A-1277, 4# Single Bit with 36" Handle.
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Cuz
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Re: M-38A1 AXE

Post by Cuz » Fri Jun 25, 2010 12:27 pm

Yep, the M38A1 won't run if you mount any other axe! :lol:

Of course there are a dozen or more other axes that will fit. But then the jeep won't run! :wink:
41-A-1277, 4# Single Bit with 36" Handle
You should also tell the folks the names of all the axe manufacturers that supplied this spec axe to the Army for those several decades? Perhaps even list the subtle differences between each brand. :wink:
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Re: M-38A1 AXE

Post by Joe Gopan » Sat Jun 26, 2010 5:59 am

There was no short handled axe for the M-38A1 Jeeps, there is ample room for the end of the 36" handle to rest betrween the passenger seat and the RH Side of the Body.
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raymond
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Re: M-38A1 AXE

Post by raymond » Sat Jun 26, 2010 6:36 am

I have a friend here in town who was a motorpool mechanic in the mid 1960's. He said they often sourced axes and shovels and other tools (which had a habit of walking off) from the local hardware store when an important inspection was coming up. He said it was easier and faster than going through the official procurement channels. So don't be surprised by the types of axes and shovels actually seen in use.

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Re: M-38A1 AXE

Post by Cuz » Sat Jun 26, 2010 9:30 am

All the services dabbled in "Local Purchase" options at one time or another as a cost cutting measure. The part still had to meet the assigned spec but the brand names could really vary a lot.
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Re: M-38A1 AXE

Post by Joe Gopan » Sat Jun 26, 2010 10:17 am

GI Contract 4# Axes since the late 70's that I have in my NOS collection are Woodings Verona, True Temper, and BARCO. Barco is by far the best looking and very similar to WWII appearance, expecially the handle. All fit the M-38A1 stowage set up perfectly.
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HONOR GRAD-WHEELED VEHICLE MECHANIC SCHOOL 1960 - US ARMY ORDNANCE SCHOOL(MACHINIST) ABERDEEN PG 1962 - O-1 BIRD DOG CREWCHIEF - 300,000+TROUBLE FREE M-38A1 MILES
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Re: M-38A1 AXE

Post by Joe Gopan » Sun Jun 27, 2010 4:51 am

We sold NOS GI Issue Parts thru Local Purchase to Dow Field, Local Purchase is a "Standard Operating Procedure" at all miliitary bases and not always the most economical option.
2011 MVPA PIONEER AWARD - MVPA #1064
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Re: M-38A1 AXE

Post by Joe Gopan » Tue Jun 29, 2010 7:26 pm

Still looking for the ficticious 4# Axe with 28" Handle made especially for the M-38A1
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Marty, SoCal
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Re: M-38A1 AXE

Post by Marty, SoCal » Wed Jun 30, 2010 7:41 am

In my Marine reserve Tank unit, we frequently went to Sears to get Craftsman tools or Home depot (Husky) to replenish the missing/broken items in our tank's tool kits, including axes and shovels. We went through alot of sledgehammer handles! Snap-On, Easco, Mac, etc. were usually purchased through the supply system.
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Re: M-38A1 AXE

Post by Joe Gopan » Wed Jun 30, 2010 8:46 am

Yes, but the Army stocked standard issue items in their system, the Standard Axe issued for combat vehicles was the 4# Axe with 36" handle, it has not changed since pre WWII days. Am waiting to see the "Official U.S. Army Issue 4# Axe" with the 28" handle some claim that was stocked just for the M-38A1.
Am sure it will be a long wait. :wink:
2011 MVPA PIONEER AWARD - MVPA #1064
HONOR GRAD-WHEELED VEHICLE MECHANIC SCHOOL 1960 - US ARMY ORDNANCE SCHOOL(MACHINIST) ABERDEEN PG 1962 - O-1 BIRD DOG CREWCHIEF - 300,000+TROUBLE FREE M-38A1 MILES
LIFE MEMBER AM LEGION-40/8-DAV
7 MIL SPEC MAINTAINED MV'S
COL. BRUNO BROOKS (ARMY MOTORS) IS MY HERO

Joe Gopan
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Re: M-38A1 AXE

Post by Joe Gopan » Thu Feb 18, 2021 8:33 am

A GI Issue short Handle Axe made for the M-38A1 JEEP never existed. There is plenty of room for the Standard 36" 4Lb GI Issue Axe, no need to modify anything.
2011 MVPA PIONEER AWARD - MVPA #1064
HONOR GRAD-WHEELED VEHICLE MECHANIC SCHOOL 1960 - US ARMY ORDNANCE SCHOOL(MACHINIST) ABERDEEN PG 1962 - O-1 BIRD DOG CREWCHIEF - 300,000+TROUBLE FREE M-38A1 MILES
LIFE MEMBER AM LEGION-40/8-DAV
7 MIL SPEC MAINTAINED MV'S
COL. BRUNO BROOKS (ARMY MOTORS) IS MY HERO


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