Garand ejecting en-blocs before they are empty.

[Exposure]

My reproduction Springfield M1 has lately taken to randomly attempting to eject the en-bloc clip after 7 rounds have been fired.

I believe this is either the clip latch or the clip latch spring.

The rifle has about 1500 rounds through it and has been flawless until recently. It might exhibit this in 1 out of 10 clips.

I know I can send it back to Springfield as it has a lifetime warranty but I would prefer to fix the problem myself.

Can anyone give some input?

Thanks in advance!

 

[lacoochee]

Try ODCMP Forum, they will be able to answer your question and more.

 

[Dienekes]

Fulton Armory makes an extra strength clip latch spring. Have only had this problem on one (original SA) M1, and that was the cure.

If the tip of the clip latch were to be excessively worn that could do it, too. Suggest you try the HD spring @ approx $7.

 

[mustanger98]

I don't doubt the clip latch could be the cause, but in my rifle's case (2.3million SA Dane SG), it wasn't. My rifle needed a good cleaning and a new op rod spring (serves as the magazine follower spring and mainspring for the entire weapon). Also, I found I have to make sure the gas nut's tight. Before the new spring and being sure of the gas nut, my rifle would either short stroke, or eject a clip with two or three rounds left in it. Kinda wierd when it's compared to other poster's experiences. Now, my rifle runs like a Swiss watch.

 

[alucard0822]

its a good idea to take a close look at those clips too, sometimes a bent or worn clip can do that too. If you have put all those rounds through a half dozen clips, then try to see if it happens with one in particular, even so, the improved latch spring is cheap, simple, and works

 

[MechAg94]

I've had good luck with parts from www.sarcoinc.com. They have the new stainless op rod springs.

 

[Onmilo]

Unless the retaining tab has broken off, premature ejection is almost never caused by the clip latch.

More likely the bullet guide tab has worn down or the operating rod guide has become twisted or bent.
Springfield Inc will normally replace the defective parts under warranty or you can buy a post war high tab bullet guide and op rod guide and replace the parts yourself.

 

[Steve in PA]

In a new M1, I doubt it would be the clip latch and/or spring. On CMP Garands with this problem, replacing the clip latch and/or spring is the first fix and usually solves the problem.

 

[Sistema1927]

While you are in there you might want to investigate the use of a "Holbrook Device".

I installed one in my Garand several years ago and I haven't looked back. This $45 device eliminates "M1 Thumb" and also allows you to single load as many rounds as you like. You can switch back to the normal op rod catch at any time, but I have had mine installed for several years and don't plan on swapping it out anytime soon.

 

[10X]

I really haven't had a problem with clip latches. I have found that the follower arms do bend and need to be replaced to solve this type of problem.

 

[jimbob1911]

what exactly is "m1 thumb"? I have heard conflicting definitions

1) that it is when the bolt slams down on thumb after loading a clip (which in my opinion can't happen if you load correctly)

2) that it is caused from firing the m1 so much that the thumb goes numb from the bolt repeatedly being slammed rearward and the shock goes through the wood and into the thumb.

I have experienced the latter and can say that my thumb was quite numb and tingley for a good few minutes after fireing a few clips.

 

[RecoilRob]

M1 Thumb....

Trying to close an empty action by pressing down on the cartridge lifter....without holding the op-rod with the heel of your hand.

Most people aren't fast enough to poke and get the thumb out of the way of the crashing bolt.

I've never received the Order of the Bashed Thumb. But, I was properly trained in the operation of the M1. I'd imagine it hurts pretty badly though....

 

[hps1]

I really haven't had a problem with clip latches. I have found that the follower arms do bend and need to be replaced to solve this type of problem.

10X is spot on. Replace the follower arm and your problem will go away.

I maintained 8 M1' s issued to our club by the DCM. We completely shot out the barrels on three which had to be replaced and shot thousands of rounds through the others. Replaced or "hammer adjusted" quite a few followers due to the heavy use these rifles received.

Follower arms wear in the hole for pin that holds bullet guide, follower arm and op-rod catch to the receiver and throws it out of time, allowing clip ejection on 7th round; severe wear can cause clip ejection on 6th round.

This can be corrected by bending the follower arm using a vice or a simple tool you can make (see pics), a brass punch and 2 or 3# hammer and a machinist's rule:

Place the worn follower in between vice jaws (not tight; just close enough together to use as an anvil against the cross pins) after marking near center as shown and measure distance from your jig (or vice) to top of follower @ mark.

Place your brass punch (suggest a bit larger than the one show) at your mark and tap briskly w/hammer; check measurement and repeat until you have bent the follower about 1/32" at the mark. Assemble rifle and test fire.
If still ejects prematurely, repeat above.

Suggest you have a new follower on hand in event you get carried away and bend it a bit too far, but I have yet to need the new one.

Over the years, replaced follower arms, op rod springs, firing pins, ejectors, extractors in that order, but considering the thousands of rounds fired, breakage was very light. Never replaced a clip latch or clip latch spring, though. The Garand is a very sturdy and dependable rifle!

Regards,
hps

PS If you haven't seen it before, check out the M1 Feeding Animation @:

http://http://www.garandflash.com/feeding.html