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4/25/2007 5:51:24 AM EDT
I bought an M1 Garand yesterday from a good friend who, for financial reasons, had to part with it.  I discovered today that the bolt will not go all the way to the rear.  Right now it is impossible to load.  

I field stripped it, and cannnot find anything obviously wrong with it.  I was wondering if you folks could help a new Garand owner out.  I am looking forward to shooting this fine piece of American history.

Thank you in advance to all who take the time to reply.
Medicguy
4/25/2007 5:54:51 AM EDT
[#1]
How far back can you get the bolt?  On my Winchester, after having it reparkerized, its tough to pull it back all the way.  I think it has something to do with the ammount of wear on the track the op-rod follows.
4/25/2007 6:01:00 AM EDT
[#2]
I can pull the bolt back about three quareters of the distance needed to load a en bloc clip into the rifle.

Medicguy
4/25/2007 6:13:32 AM EDT
[#3]
Was the rifle functioning before you go it?  Does it have a fresh parkerizing job?  Does the hammer cock when the bolt is moved back?  
Take the rifle apart,  and see if the hammer will latch back on the sear hooks.  Pulling the triggerguard down and forward will pull the hammer back.  If the hammer is being caught on the sear hooks like it is supposed to, take the spring outof the op rod and try to cycle the bolt.  
Eliminate one thing at a time, and check the funtion.  If
4/25/2007 12:30:23 PM EDT
[#4]
I found out the problem.  The charging handle was out of its groove on the reciever.  Once I realized this and corrected it, the rifle appears to be functioning fine.  

I have not fired yet.  Last ngiht and early this morning I was battling a migraine headache, so I decided to delay shooting it for now.

Gentlemen, THANK YOU for your assisstance.

Medicguy
4/25/2007 12:42:37 PM EDT
[#5]

Quoted:
I found out the problem.  The charging handle was out of its groove on the reciever.  Once I realized this and corrected it, the rifle appears to be functioning fine.  

I have not fired yet.  Last ngiht and early this morning I was battling a migraine headache, so I decided to delay shooting it for now.

Gentlemen, THANK YOU for your assisstance.

Medicguy


Sometimes if you're not careful to pull the op rod handle STRAIGHT back it will do that.  A little outward pull is all it takes.

good luck with the new rifle

sos
4/26/2007 3:30:50 AM EDT
[#6]
medic,

For best function make sure you have the rifle properly lubed as well...

Remember, for the M1 rifle the necessary lube is GREASE, not oil.  Oil is a metal preservative but grease keeps the parts moving.

A field manual can give you all the points to hit, but it's basically any where you see the parker finish worn away.... apply a thin film of grease.

best,
Swampy

Garands forever
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