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Posted: 8/29/2002 6:24:40 AM EDT
| I just picked up a real nice Winchester M1 garand (July 1943) at a gun show last week. I took it out and shot it last weekend. I put the first four shots in the ten ring with it and it functions perfect while firing. I have one problem. When I shove a full clip in, the bolt usually only moves about and 1/8 or 1/4 of and inch and I have to nudge it and then it strips the first round out of the clip into the chamber. The bolt may actually close maybe 1 out of 10 times correctly upon clip insertion. I thought maybe some lubrication might help so I completely field strip her lubricated all the correct places and reassembled, still not much better. I then even put in three different op rod springs hoping that might help, still no luck. Anybody have another idea, or is this a common occurrence with the M1 ?? |
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Right. It's not a problem to worry about. Actually, I think this is more common with newer parts and self-closing is more common with parts that have been used. It seems my rifle needs this more now after I've rebuilt it with newer parts in better condition. My hypothesis could be full of $h!t though. |
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bowhunter, What you describe is normal for most Garands. Even though the rifle is DESIGNED to close on insertion, it seems to be one of those little annoying bugs that was never completely ironed out. JohnnieGTyler is on the right track.... I also tend to think that part of the problem lies with the clips used. A new parkerized clip gives a lot of resistance to the bolts attempt to strip the top cartridge and needs a bump on the op-rod handle to get it started. A well worn and used clip seems to want to strip a lot easier and will sometimes go home without the assist. Best regards, Swampy |
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Thanks for the info guy's I though that might be the case as I talk to a couple of local M1 guys at my club, and they also confirmed its common to have to nudge the op rod. I am going to try and break in some of my clips better. The rifle is in excellent shape and is tight. I would assume that with a little wear in the problem might improve some. If anybody else has anything to add I would be glad for any more advice!! Joe Kuhn |
| I thought that with an M1A I wouldn't need to worry about "M1 Thumb," however, at a recent match I learned my lesson. In slow fire prone, I had a round not feed properly, so I pulled the bolt back and reinserted the round into the top of the magazine. The bolt was being held back by the mag and not the bolt stop, so when I reinserted the round, the bolt slid free and "OW" I suffered my first case of M1A thumb. |
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Yes the lack of M1 thumb with my garand is a plus !!! I don't mind nudging the op rod to get her to chamber a round. After getting use to inserting the clips for match reloading parctice I am getting pretty good at it!!!! Up until now all my highpower shooting has been with my AR-15's. Joe Kuhn |
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