CAI receiver problem > M1 / M14 / M1 Carbine

Posted: 4/24/2006 8:24:52 PM EDT

As the title says, my Garand has a brand new CAI receiver in it. I've fired maybe 200 live rounds through it without a problem and have maintained it well. So far it has performed flawlessly. Upon last disassembly I noticed a small (less than 1 mm) spot of fresh, shiny metal on the inside back of the receiver where the bolt had made contact. It is right near the angle in the reciever. I have spotted no cracks. The recoil doesn't seem to be excessive compared to GI Garands I've fired. My question is should the bolt be making contact with the receiver as it recoils? Is this bad? Thanks for any replies, I don't want this thing breaking my face.
Will Edit: Also, I've heard good things and bad things about CAI receivers. I was told to keep it well maintained and nothing serious should come up. Your thoughts?

Posted: 4/24/2006 8:32:58 PM EDT

[#1]

I have fired about 1 thousand rounds through my CAI M1. It doesn't have any marks like you said yours has. It has performed great without any malfunctions. IIRC the bolt does make contact with the very rear of the receiver during normal operating cycle. I am not for sure though. Maybe someone with more expertise in this field will chime in.

Posted: 4/25/2006 4:19:05 AM EDT

[#2]

Quoted:
I was told to keep it well maintained and nothing serious should come up. Your thoughts?

The problem with these cast receivers is not a matter of maintance but more with how well it was made and to what tolerances it was kept. You either have a bad one or a good one, for the most part. Some of the worse ones are serious and can have safety issues with it.

In your case, it might pay to have a *competent* M1 smith take a look at it and be sure. That sure is a lot of pressure, etc. right there in front of your face.

Posted: 4/25/2006 4:37:41 AM EDT

[#3]

Quoted:
Quoted:
I was told to keep it well maintained and nothing serious should come up. Your thoughts?

The problem with these cast receivers is not a matter of maintance but more with how well it was made and to what tolerances it was kept. You either have a bad one or a good one, for the most part. Some of the worse ones are serious and can have safety issues with it.

In your case, it might pay to have a *competent* M1 smith take a look at it and be sure. That sure is a lot of pressure, etc. right there in front of your face.

AFAIK, the CAI Garand receivers are made by Lithgow in Australia, the same people who make them for Springfield Armory, Inc. I could easily be wrong but I believe I read that.

Posted: 4/25/2006 4:42:44 AM EDT

[#4]

Quoted:

AFAIK, the CAI Garand receivers are made by Lithgow in Australia, the same people who make them for Springfield Armory, Inc. I could easily be wrong but I believe I read that.

They sure are made by Lithgow.

However, go over to Fulton Armory's web site and go to the Garand FAQ page. There are two of these receivers that they inspected.

I would not buy one.

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[ARCHIVED THREAD] - CAI receiver problem

[ARCHIVED THREAD] - CAI receiver problem