[Oleg Volk]

A while back, I asked if easy disassembly (to the point of being doable inadvertantly) of the op-rod was normal. Comparing three rifles, it seemed that my Polytech was a bit loose. Today, I bought a Springfield-made op-rod and installed it.

The fit is so snug that the rod binds half-way through the racking process. I am trying to decide between taking the rod off and simply firing a dozen rounds to loosen it. Not sure if I would end up damaging my receiver in the process, so I'd like to ask for opinions first.

[11xray]

Oleg, I definitely would not fire it with the op-rod binding. It may not damage anything, but then again, it may. A trip to the gunsmith is in order here.

Good Luck.

[Gewehr98]

Were built on a metric standard, and you put a USGI oprod in it, yeah, I'd have it checked out. Parts interchangeability between the two manufacturers is NOT 100%. :(

[tankertom]

I would check with the guys at Fulton armory. They specialize in M1 Garands and M14 clones.

www.fulton-armory.com

[Kaylee]

1. No dig at the guys at Fulton, but I'd be more inclined (if one were to go to a national shop) to go to Smith Enterprises. Given the reviews on both websites, I'd suspect you'ld get less trash-talking and more help.

2. Is the Springfield Inc. a newly made part, or an old GI? If the former, it may be a manufacturing issue. (You can tell by looking at the op rod handle outside face, on the opposite side of where the bolt roller cut out is. If there's a little notch there for the connector rod, it's prolly USGI. If it looks like an M1 oprod there, it's likely new make.)

That said, where exactly is it binding? Is it a spring issue inside, or is the oprod binding on the guide under the barrel, or is the op rod handle binding on the track? Will it manually cycle all the way, albeit with difficulty, or does it lock up too much to move?

Finally, I agree with the advice not to shoot it loose. Sounds like one of them Bad Ideas.

-K

[Oleg Volk]

Thanks all. Traded it for plinking ammo, took a small loss.