Garand Function Question

[cuervo]

For as much as I shoot an M1, there is something I've never quite figured out.

When loading a full clip, the clip locks into place as the full clip pushes the follower all the way down.

When shooting a high power match and loading just a clip of two rounds, you have to hold the clip and rounds in place while closing the bolt since it won't lock in with just two rounds. But, after the first round has fired, the clip stays in place when the second round loads. What is keeping the clip locked in after the bolt closes since only two rounds were loaded?

 

[heviarti]

once you have it down and latched, the rifle behaves as if you had loaded an 8 rounder and only have two left. when you load a partial clip you take the slack out of the clip on the follower, then press the whole thing down. the upward pressure on the follower holds the ammunition hard to 12:00. The clip latch holds the clip from flying out the top... at least 'til it's supposed to.

 

[rscalzo]

As a left handed shooter, I could never get the slack out. I left the bolt ride over the round and close, then chamber a round. A third hand would help.