The M1 Garand is a semi-automatic rifle chambered for the .30-06 Springfield cartridge. It was the first standard-issue semi-automatic rifle. The M1 gave U.S. forces a distinct advantage in firefights against their Axis enemies, as their standard-issue rifles were slower-firing bolt-action rifles. The M1 continued to be used in significant numbers until the Vietnam war. Among the rest, the iconic rifle is characterized by a distinct "ping" sound, which occurred when the last of the eight bullets were fired.