M1 Garand op rod problems

[USMC_2674]

I am picking up a CAI garand.

Currently when it is fired, the op rod pops off of the track.

Any idea what might be the problem and how it could be fixed? Common problem?

How much would this rifle be worth?

Thanks!

 

[ocabj]

Most likely an oprod with worn lugs. If you want a known good oprod, it may set you back a $100 or so. You can always go the eBay route if you have faith in the claims by the sellers. But most of those guys, including myself, don't know how to properly gauge all of the dimensions on the oprod. You don't just measure the piston and tab. There are also the lugs themselves and the degree of the bends, among other things.

I understand there is a guy that specializes in rebuilding oprods. You may want to post on the CMP forum or Jousters to get the name and phone number.

You could also see if Dean's Gun Restorations will sell you an oprod for cash and trade in of your old one. He has rebuilt ones.

After that, you can try Orion 7 or The Garand Guy to see what they have.

 

[USMC_2674]

Any idea what a fair price is for the CAI garand? Stock is dinged a bit, but pretty. I will need to refinish the metal as it has a new non-matching gas.

Thanks in advance.

Semper Fidelis,

Kent

 

[Amish_Bill]

I have a CIA Garand with the same dang problem.

I had a buddy build up the lugs in his welding shop. I really need ot take it out and see if it works.

ps.. I think I paid $350 for mine.

 

[ocabj]

I honestly couldn't tell you. I wouldn't give too much for it, considering you already know it needs a new oprod. Personally, I'd give maybe $350, give or take depending on the condition on the barrel (assuming the rest of the parts are good)

 

[Marion Cobretti]

$350 seems steep.
You can get an authentic Springfield Armory Garand that functions fine from the CMP for just a bit over $350.

 

[ocabj]

$350 seems steep.
You can get an authentic Springfield Armory Garand that functions fine from the CMP for just a bit over $350.

Assuming the barrel gauges good, $350 is about right. I wouldn't go more. He could use the oprod issue to get it down to $300.

I've had oprods on field grades that had excessively worn lugs.

 

[Grump]

If you tweak/bend the oprod to NM specs, it should not pop out. This is often caused by an oprod that "wants" to go up and out of the track. One that's fitted properly will be at least neutral, and at best with a small amount of downward and inward pressure in the track.

Get out the to lead ingots to prop the rod on, a small sledgehammer, and another lead block to take the impacts.

 

[Amish_Bill]

Can you elaborate on "NM spec" bending?

 

[Tankcommander]

Mine cracked around the piston and I bought a replacement at Sarcos. They also sell on line. I paid around $30 it looked like surplus and was unused.

TC

 

[chestnut ridge]

I think the problem might be the CIA receiver. "Run, Forrest, Run."

 

[Amish_Bill]

I know my problem was the rod, not the Century receiver. I measured the lugs and they were signifigantly worn down.

I really wish I could find the dimensioned tech drawings someone sent me a while back... :banghead: