Rifle Scabbard

horse · Posted: Wed Jan 22, 2025 5:35 am Post subject: Rifle Scabbard

After looking at an article on the Forum the Gent posted a site D +L Bensinger who have many parts for the M38.
I noticed they have a repro of the Scabbard which is the same as mine Page 23.
After looking at many photos and reading posts I am unable to find what the mini Hat Channel is for that is attached to the top flat side of the Scabbard.
I thought it would slide onto a carrier on the Jeep, any info appreciated.
Horse
_________________
1952 M38

RonD2 · Posted: Wed Jan 22, 2025 6:11 am Post subject:

Hello Horse,
The rifle rack isn't unique to the M38 --- it was also used on several other trucks.
They don't all mount horizontally to the windshield frame like the M38.
Some mount vertically, sitting rifle butt down on the floor and bolted to the dash.

I believe that "hat channel" is used to mount the rack on a different truck other than the M38.
_________________
Ron D.
1951 M38 Unknown Serial Number
1951 M100 Dunbar Kapple 01169903 dod 5-51

“The only good sports car that America ever made was the Jeep."
--- Enzo Ferrari

horse · Posted: Wed Jan 22, 2025 7:00 am Post subject:

Hi RonD.
Thanks for the prompt reply.
I will carry on using the leather straps.
Still be good to know which truck the fixing was used for, might be able to adapt it for the M38 in some shape or form.
Cheers.
Horse
_________________
1952 M38

RonD2 · Posted: Wed Jan 22, 2025 8:15 am Post subject:

Horse,
Now I'm confused........leather straps?
The rack is bolted to the M38 windshield via 3 metal brackets, shown here: http://willysmjeeps.com/v2/modules.php?name=Forums&file=viewtopic&t=8583&highlight=rifle+rack

Those brackets are commonly available. MWM keeps them in stock.

Nevermind.......disregard all above.
I guessed you're asking about the all-leather WW2 scabbard and not the all metal variety (used WW2 and post WW2).

As far as I'm aware, the all-leather scabbard wasn't used by the Army after WW2.
I've never seen any reference to the leather scabbard being used on the M38 or any other post WW2 truck.
_________________
Ron D.
1951 M38 Unknown Serial Number
1951 M100 Dunbar Kapple 01169903 dod 5-51

“The only good sports car that America ever made was the Jeep."
--- Enzo Ferrari

4x4M38 · Posted: Wed Jan 22, 2025 9:36 am Post subject:

It says in the description “with brass bolt guard…”

Looks like it is a painted brass piece to protect the leather from the rifle bolt as it is inserted and removed from the scabbard.

Not an issue with lever type rifles….

IMHO.
_________________
Brian
1950 M38
MC11481
http://www.willysmjeeps.com/v2/modules.php?set_albumName=album372&op=modload&name=gallery&file=index&include=view_album.php

horse · Posted: Wed Jan 22, 2025 12:50 pm Post subject:

The plot thickens.
On the D+ L Bensinger site he has a photo of the Scabbard on an M38, not saying its the correct item for the Jeep.
I see other similar leather Scabbards with the metal hat channel of different lengths. Maybe to protect different types of rifle bolts?
Well spotted 4x4M38.
Horse
_________________
1952 M38

horse · Posted: Wed Jan 22, 2025 12:59 pm Post subject:

Just found another description of the brass plate.
"A short brass U shaped plate on the R.H.S allows for the cocking lever on the carbine"
Horse
_________________
1952 M38

horse · Posted: Wed Jan 22, 2025 1:11 pm Post subject:

More.
Designed for Horses Jeeps motorcycles.
Leather straps for use with the McClellan Horse saddle paired with the M1 Grand, a .30 caliber semi-automatic rifle.
Army use 1858 to 1943.
Again mentions "cocking lever guard.
Horse
_________________
1952 M38


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