M1 empty clip doesn't eject

[mxetch]

Hey all,

I just got my CMP Garand; overall it's quite nice looking, with a beautiful stock. Shoots great. The only problem is that the empty clip hasn't been ejecting -- no characteristic M1 "ping"!

After the 8th round is fired, the bolt locks back and the clip just sits there. I have to pull it out manually. Now in a way this isn't so bad, since I don't have to go pick it up off the ground, but I'd rather have things functioning properly.

At home I did a little test. If I load up a full clip, cycle out the first round (using snap caps) and then hit the clip eject button, the clip goes flying out. But if I cycle the action on an empty clip, it doesn't fly. It does an anemic little hop, and the clip eject button goes inward, but it doesn't actually fly out of the gun.

Any idea what might be going on? Thanks!

 

[DaveInFloweryBranchGA]

Before you do anything else, call the CMP. They'll make it right. Your rifle needs repair and depending on the gunsmith, they may or may not have the tools to check the timing when the repair is done.

Regards,

Dave

 

[Geno]

Did you thoroughly clean the cosmoline out of the action? When I brought my M1 home from the CMP, there was considerable cosmoline. I broke the rifle down and cleaned and cleaned. It doesn't take much to gunk things up.

 

[Devonai]

You may need to replace the bullet guide and operating rod catch assembly. I did this to fix a premature ejection problem. Fortunately they are inexpensive.

Bullet Guide

Op Rod Catch Assembly

 

[Southern Raider]

Since the bolt locks back, the op rod catch is engaging the op rod, and should have been cammed into the proper position to eject the clip. If you look into the action, the op rod catch has a curved piece towards the magazine well that hits a ledge on the clip latch itself. Your problem is likely located at that interface of those two parts.

FWIW, the bullet guide has nothing to do with clip ejection. There is a nub on the forward nose of the clip guide that has everything to do with the bolt being released as a fresh clip is inserted.

 

[Onmilo]

Follower arm may be bent and binding against the bullet guide too.
Also possible that the operating rod spring is overcompressed or broken and needs to be replaced with a new one.

 

[Sunray]

Call the CMP first, but the clip ejector is weak or broken(replace It's in the trigger housing group), the clip itself is "dostorted" or the op rod catch is deformed or broken(replace).
There's a free .pdf Operator and Organizational TM available here. Note the need for the provided UN & PW. http://www.biggerhammer.net/manuals/
Hatcher's Book of the Garand has a troubleshooting chapter too. You'll want that book anyway. Your local gun shop or Amazon.