[Sgilzow]

I purchased an old M1 Garand. It feeds the first round on the right, but the second round coming from the left jams. I does not chamber. I am using Mil. spec ammo and am hand feeding. Any ideas?

[1KPerDay]

What do you mean "hand feeding"

If you're cycling live ammo please don't unless you're on the range. The firing pin floats and has been known to cause firing as the bolt slams home, particularly with softer commercial primers.

Try putting the top round in the clip on the left and see if that fixes it. When you're at the range, of course.

Or use dummy rounds.

[Sgilzow]

I will try it. I am not using commercial ammo.
Thanks.

[1KPerDay]

If it doesn't help, do a really good strip down/clean/grease. If that doesn't help, try replacing the recoil spring. Are you using USGI clips or Greek clips? The latter have been known to cause trouble in some rifles.

That's about the limit of my knowledge. :D

[Sgilzow]

I tried feeding the first one from the left and it help some. Only one round hung when hand cycling. As you can tell I am new to these rifles. I have ordered a book / manual to help me out. You mentioned grease, I oiled it up - should I be using something different?

The ammo I am using is Lake City, that comes already in the clip. The clips have no markings.

[1KPerDay]

I oiled it up - should I be using something different?
Yes. Garands like grease. Any moly based chassis lube is fine, but there are those who like the pricey stuff. Get a manual, STAT.

You can watch this vid to help you out a bit. Don't be scared... they come apart and go back together like a cool puzzle. Watch the vid a couple of times.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x4v6ptrjeHE

Grease here:

http://pnwbands.com/m1garand/greasepoints.html

[1KPerDay]

Also, are you riding the bolt with your hand when cycling? I still say you should use dummy rounds... But when you're actually loading, don't follow the op rod/bolt with your hand. Let it slam forward from fully rearward. That may help.

You may not have a problem at all... you'll find out when you actually fire it. Make sure it's cleaned and greased first. :)

[Sgilzow]

Thanks for all of your help. I have put the rifle up until I get it properly lubricated. I have also found a gunsmith that knows about the M1. I am going to have him check it out. I will also be investing in some dummy rounds.

I am determined to get it in proper operating condition and to learn all I can about this weapon. I have known for a long time that this was the rifle that we used in WWII, Korea and Vietnam. I have gained an even greater respect for the soldiers that carried it.

[MountainBear]

Don't let these problems scare you away from the platform. Most of the time they shoot great and are all kind of fun to shoot.