Loading the M1 Garand En Bloc clip.

[Darkmind]

Well I don't know about you guys but I had a hard time looking up anything that showed how to load the En bloc clip. I googled this and I googled that but never came up with anything. Now that I think i know how to do it I thought it mite be a good idea to post up showing how to do it for anyone that wants/needs something to look at to see how to do it.

WARNING: This may not be the right way, but so far I have not had any problems with my M1.


When looking at these pics remember that pressure is kept on the rounds at all times otherwise they go flying.

 

[Darkmind]

After your all done just make sure that the rounds are all seated properly.

 

[dfariswheel]

Your technique is good, but you need to have the top round on the right side of the clip, instead of on the left as in your pictures.

While the rifle will usually feed that way just fine, it's easier for a right hander to load if the top round is on the right, and some rifles do have trouble with the round on the left.

 

[Darkmind]

Well right handed I am.

Your technique is good, but you need to have the top round on the right side of the clip, instead of on the left as in your pictures.

That I did not know. I'll try that next time I take her out.

 

[George S.]

Being left-handed, I load my clips with the top round on the left and I have never had a problem with the rifle chambering the first round. Even the CMP manual says left-handed shooters can load in this fashion.

 

[Pilgrim]

Works better with skinny fingers.

Pilgrim - with fat fingers.

 

[brian roberts]

Voila!!!!!

i am reBORN!!!!

 

[Kevlarman]

Wow, there is more than one way to load those clips? I usually just stuff 'em in there really fast before they get a chance to fall out.

 

[Darkmind]

I just thought that this would be a good visual reference for who ever wanted to see it.

 

[jefnvk]

That's about the best demonstration I've ever seen.

Top can go in left or right. Doesn't really matter, although a lefty will have better luck with it on the left, and vise versa for the righty.

 

[esskay]

Thanks for the pictorial Darkmind!

 

[landon74]

Nice pics, Good Job!

 

[Kor]

Another way to load M1 clips manually:

- Take about 4-5 loose rounds and stagger them in the clip, as seen in Darkmind's pics. They'll be loose, put the back of the clip in the heel of your hand and use your fingertips on the bullet noses to hold them in.

- Insert rounds 6, 7 & 8 by pressing them straight down through the slot in either side of the clip, in the same manner as you would load a double-stacked rifle magazine(i.e. M14, FAL, AK47, AR15, etc.) by pressing the rounds straight down past the feed lips...which the M1 clips are, basically.

- For good measure, gently but firmly press the bullet tips against a wood or padded surface to seat the rounds all the way into the clip.

I came up with this technique after playing around with my M1 for the first time, it works pretty quick and easy.

 

[shep854]

I pretty much do it Kor's way, except that I place the clip on its back on a hard surface. Once you get the hang of no.'s 7 and 8, it is pretty easy. I think Darkmind is making it harder than necessary.

 

[jsalcedo]

I loaded my first clip last week and at the time it occured to me I had no idea how.

So I loaded it just like an ordinary magazine.

I did have a problem with a round or two sticking out too far but adjusting the top round in the clip till it clicks all the way back usually re-aligns the rest.

If not I beat the rounds on a hard surface till they seat in the clip properly

 

[WhoKnowsWho]

I do it essentially the same as Kor, my fingers are fat and don't work as well as Darkmind can do it!

And yes, for right handers, round on the right, or the top of the clip hurts. That pain may make you forget about the bolt coming to chase for your thumb!

 

[cracked butt]

Kor does it pretty much the same way as I do also. First shell always goes into the bottom left position.

 

[Bridger]

Some of you mention pressing on the rounds to seat them fully after they are in the clip. You probably don't want to do this really, and the CMP manual advises agaisnt it, as you may cause the bullet to be set back too far in the case, which could be dangerous.

 

[molonlabe]

Just give them a sharp rap on your helmet to seat them.

 

[George S.]

Just give them a sharp rap on your helmet to seat them.

WARNING!! Do not try this without a helmet!

 

[Darkmind]

Some of you mention pressing on the rounds to seat them fully after they are in the clip. You probably don't want to do this really, and the CMP manual advises agaisnt it, as you may cause the bullet to be set back too far in the case, which could be dangerous.

Do it by hand, use your fingers and you shouldn't have any problems.

 

[Chipperman]

If you press on the neck rather than the tip of the bullet, they cannot get set-back anyway.

 

[MrKandiyohi]

I haven't loaded an enbloc clip for a while, but I don't remember it being that hard. I think I would first put in four rounds. Then I'd add three more to make it seven. The last one would require me to tip the cartridge so the rim was inside the clip. I'd then rotate the round up with some downwards pressure so it would fit into the clip. Then I'd push the round downwards so it would seat properly.

If I remember tonight, I'll try it again and see if if that works like I think it did.

 

[TexasRifleman]

Sidebar to this thread.... Anyone have a cheap source for en bloc clips in good condition?

 

[Darkmind]

Try www.cheaperthandirt.com and see what they have.