How is the gas piston assembly attached to the Garand barrel?

[1KPerDay]

Is it a press-fit?

 

[S.P.E.C.T.R.E.]

I don't know off the top of my head, but at www.surplusrifle.com they tell you how to remove it.

 

[MechAg94]

The gas cylinder has rings that slide over the barrel and it rests just under. The gas cylinder lock and lock screw lock it down. #30 and #31.

 

[1KPerDay]

Thank you... so is it possible to improperly assemble it (29 in the pic above)and have the front sight canted one way or the other? Or is it always centered properly when assembled?

 

[dfariswheel]

It's not possible to assemble the gas system with the front sight off to one side.

If the sight is off-set, it's very possible the barrel itself is not properly installed.

See a gunsmith.

 

[1KPerDay]

Thanks.

 

[Steve in PA]

Yes, it is not possible to put the gas cylinder on crooked. There are splines on the barrel that mate with their opposite in the cylinder.

As the other poster stated, if things are crooked, then the barrel is indexed wrong.

 

[Onmilo]

The gas cylinder front sight mating boss may have been damaged too.
If the rifle had been dropped and landed on the front sight it is possible to bend the sight off center.

To check if it is a bent sight or and incorrect index, install another gas cylinder on the barrel and use bench levels to see if that cylinder is also canting the front sight.

If you don't have a spare gas cylinder find a gunsmith who is familiar with the M1 and let them check your rifle out.

 

[30Cal]

Thank you... so is it possible to improperly assemble it (29 in the pic above)and have the front sight canted one way or the other? Or is it always centered properly when assembled?

If someone botched the barrel installation, then the sight will be canted.

 

[1KPerDay]

Well I took the piston assembly of my T-26 replica apart and I can't see any other damage to the mating boss or the grooves in the front of the barrel, so I'm assuming the barrel wasn't indexed properly. I doubt it will be reliable (I haven't shot it yet) since the alignment of the op-rod depends on the alignment of the piston assembly (right?) but if it is I guess I'll leave well enough alone. It's just slightly canted, only enough that you notice it if you're really looking. Guess I got myself a project gun.

Maybe I'll send it to http://www.warbirdscustomguns.com/M1 Garand.htm and have them install a magazine conversion. Has anyone here used their services?