M1 Garand early eject

[dgdimick]

I'm a new M1 owner, picked one up about 2 months ago, so please forgive me if this has already been answered on THR.

I was out shooting my M1 today, I'd just replaced the sights with MN form Fulton Arms; wanted to make sure I was still on paper. After I'd shot a number of single shots, I decided to load up with some 8 rounds clips, using Greek HXP 77' and HXP 78'. After about 3 or 4 rounds the clip would auto-eject from the rifle, I tried everything I could think of and couldn't get it to stop.

The rifle had never done this in the past 200+ rounds using LC CMP ammo, however today it even did it with LC ammo. I'd just cleaned and lubed the rifle; using the little yellow pots of grease. I don't think I got lube on any of the wrong places, but I'm not sure.

Is there a way to put too much lube on the M1 and have it early eject clips, or is there something else wrong?

I've ordered a Heavy Duty Clip Latch Spring, and Bullet Guide, from Fulton tonight, but not sure if it's just over lubing. :banghead:

Thanks,

Denis

 

[nicholst55]

I seriously doubt that applying too much lube would cause this malfunction; much more likely it's just a worn part.

 

[ralfus]

Replace your clip latch spring. Its a coil spring under the clip release latch on the left side of the reciever. When they weaken the latch may release prematurely.

Remove the rifle from the stock and drive the clip latch pin forward. Easy stuff. The pin isn't even friction retained, just retained by the stock being in the way.

 

[Freedomv]

M-1 Garands are very complicated actions. Yours is probably, "out of time".

This is caused by the wearing of the engagement surfaces that operate the bullet/cartridge follower, timing it with the clip release latch.

Changing out the parts one unit at a time may fix your problem. (If you are fortunate)

Part of the problem exsist because spring followers were stamped steel and had rough edges that tend to wear off over a period of usage which changed the camming action of direct rear spring pressure to vertical lift to raise the cartridges.
It has been many years since I have worked on these rifles and I cannot recall the correct nomenclature of the parts with out looking them up.

I hand stoned all of the parts in my favorite M-1 match rifle because of this type of problem which usually occurred during a match. It took a long time to figure out the hows and whys of the action and make it work correctly and unfailingly. But it was worth it.

Vern

 

[10X]

I can tell you exactly what the problem is. The follower arm is bent or worn or the pin is bent or worn. Either one of these can cause the problem.

I see this same question a lot on this forum.

I used to shoot M1s in high power competition years ago and put a lot of wear on them. I never had to replace a clip latch, but did have to replace the follower arm and/or pin on occasion.

 

[dgdimick]

I'm not ruling anything out at this time, however, I'm leaning towards the Clip Spring, since all the other parts look good; the M1 looks like it's brand new inside. I've place an order with Fulton's and am also have them ship me Duff's book, so I guess I'll spend this weekend working on the M1 and seeing if I can fix it.

For a 50 years old rifle, it's still a lot of fun.

Thanks,

Denis

 

[XD9USER]

Once you get the parts you have ordered from Fulton-Armory replace the clip latch spring first. That will more than likely fix your problem. I have a CMP Garand that did the same thing. Replaced the spring and the problem was gone.

RWW

 

[dgdimick]

It feels like one of my kids just hurt themselves.

Well I went to replace the latch spring last night, and noticed that my stock had a crack in it. The cracks on the left hand-side and runs along the receiver. If I flex the stock, the crack opens up to about an 1/8". Looks like I'll be visiting the CMP site and buying a new stock.

If I didn't have bad luck, I'd have no luck at all.:banghead:

Thanks for all the help you guys posted,

Denis

 

[10X]

If you want to repair the stock, get some MicroBed from the local gun store.

This stuff makes the stock stronger than the orginal wood.

 

[dgdimick]

Thanks 10X, I'll have to give it a try, I figure it can't hurt.

Denis