m1 Garand help!

[AK Gun Man 88]

Tried to shoot my M1 today. Couldn't get the bolt to go all the way to the rear. Took it back apart (took out trigger group, removed op rod spring, then op rod catch, bullet guide and follower arm). Put it back together and still having problems. As I pull the charging handle to the rear i noticed the following.

As soon as the bolt clears the follower assembly it comes shooting up and locks the bolt from forward movement. At this point the op rod catch has no more play in it and is preventing the op rod for going further back. If I push on the follower assembly (down) I can finish pulling the bolt all the way to the rear. Then take my thumb off the follower and everything locks like it should.

What is going on? Ive tried pulling slowly and also tried pulling it as fast and as hard as I can.

 

[AK Gun Man 88]

Disregard. Fixed it. My own stupidity. I put the follower assembly in backwards. I know...everybody point and laugh. Chock it up to another learning lesson.

 

[jr_roosa]

Yep, there are about 3 or 4 parts that can go in backwards or upside down, look totally normal, and mess up the whole thing.

You're not alone.

-J.

 

[HKGuns]

You aren't the first and likely won't be the last to do that....easy mistake to make as far as I'm concerned.

 

[foghornl]

Well, at least you didn't report getting "M1 Thumb" while trying to figure it out.

That WOULD be adding insult to injury...

Never mind HOW I know...I just know.


point snicker