[gunsmithgirl]

I was contacted by a vetrans hall who are looking for someone to service their m1 garands that they use for the 21 gun salute at funerals. I know the m1 very well but have no experience working on guns that fire blanks. Is there anything special I should know? Any infromation about blanks would be appreciated.
Thanks

[rcmodel]

Just clean & lube them like any other M-1 Garand.

The only important thing is, if the barrels have been bushed down to get them to function, I don't know how you will get a cleaning rod through them.

GI issue blanks are just normal 30-06 cases loaded with about 12 grains of very fast burning blank powder. They are capped with a red lacquer sealed cardboard wad in the neck of the case.

Don't try to reload them, and you can't get the correct powder anyway.

http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j219/rcmodel/KTOG/1224.gif
rcmodel

[Sunray]

"...GI issue blanks are just normal 30-06 cases loaded..." No they aren't. There's a crimp that replaces the bullet. Said crimp comes in different styles. Some are an integral brass crimp that looks and is shaped similar to a bullet. Some are just a bit of integral brass that is roll crimped over a wee plug inside the case. There are also grenade launching blanks that are much more powerful that a regular training blank. These are NOT to be used with a BFA.
Blanks do use a special powder. Black powder it ain't. Reloading them isn't worth the time and effort. Although it can be done, depending on the type of crimp.
Blanks won't cycle the action unless a BFA(Blank Firing Attachment) is used. That can be an issue BFA or a set screw that has been fitted into the muzzle. The Vets likely haven't done either. No need for semi-auto fire for them anyway. Blanks tend to jam relatively easily too. (Only jam with an M1 in good condition I've ever seen was with a blank.)
Other than that, cleaning is all you'll ever need to do. There are no bullet weight issues nor much of anything else. You'll likely find your first job will be a thorough cleaning. Most VFW etc Honour Guard rifles haven't been cleaned for eons.