M1 Garand problem

[shotguntaz]

I just received my m1 garand "special" from the CMP. I took it out for the first time yesterday. It shot fine execpt for one problem.

When I insert a fully loaded en bloc clip and then release thumb pressure, the bolt does not close. I can feel the bolt release, but when I quickly move my thumb out of the way the bolt does not move. I can tap on handle and it will close and fire fine. It ejects the clip after the last round is fired just fine.

I have disassembled it, cleaned, oiled and greased it. I can't figure out what is going on.

I am using greek surplus ammo that is loaded on en bloc clips that I got from the CMP with the rifle.

The special is the one that has a new barrel, stock and any other parts not in perfect spec. are new.

Any suggestions?

P.S. I did not use the grease in the little pots. I obtained a can of lubriplate from Brownell's that is supposed to the mil spec grease for the m1 and m14.

 

[JAV8000]

Sounds like it just needs a few rounds through it to break in any components that were replaced.

 

[jpwilly]

Mine does the same thing and it's normal. Just slap the charging handle and she'll fly home. When you let go there's not enough momentum to strip the round from the enbloc.

 

[jr_roosa]

Find some old used clips. The parkerizing is worn on mine and they're a little more slippery.

Some people tumble them in their brass polisher.

Don't sweat it though. If you download copies of the old field manuals it says you need to bump the oprod to close on the first round. It's within the normal range for garands but it might get better with wear on the clips and rifle.

I got a special grade too. Isn't it awesome?

 

[FlyinBryan]

yep, normal, and your thumb should be thankful.

and lubriplate is perfect.

you have to be really careful selecting grease for the m1 garand. the trick is to use the slippery kind

 

[Doug S]

Mine is the same. I can insert the clip and it will stay open. I just tap it and it rides forward. It feeds fires and ejects perfectly.

 

[Trebor]

Don't worry about it. The M-1 bolt is *supposed* to fly forward on it's own when the clip bottoms up, but it is so very common for it to need a nudge that it is not generally considered to be a malfunction. This isn't just an "old rifle thing" either, as guys back in WWII often had to nudge the op-rod to get the rifle to close.

I do know some shooters will troubleshoot this and replace parts until they get the bolt to fly forward when the clip bottoms out just because they want the rifle to work exactly as designed. Most of us though just give the op-rod a tap as getting it to work exactly to spec can be a PITA.

 

[lipadj46]

P.S. I did not use the grease in the little pots. I obtained a can of lubriplate from Brownell's that is supposed to the mil spec grease for the m1 and m14.

Do not get sucked into buying specialty firearm grease. Go to the auto parts store and buy a good synthetic auto grease like green grease or mobile 1 or even the cheap lithium type 2 grease. A 14 oz tube will cost you a few bucks, $6 at most and you will have yourself a lifetime supply (or until the grease completely separates but that takes a while). Congrats on the fine rifle.

 

[iamkris]

Watch the "Band of Brothers" series sometime...they show very accurate gun handling. And the grunts often slap their charging handles to close the action.

You should be thankful...your thumb will certainly be.

The top one is my "CMP Special"
The middle one is a 1944 Springfield Armory
The bottom one is a 1939 Springfield Armory

 

[krs]

I hold the handle back while inserting a clip, push the clip enough to feel the bolt start forward and then let it fly. Saves the almost inevitable "M1 thumb" that you get using the 'bump after loading technique when the one time that the bolt slams shut unexpectedly.

 

[GRIZ22]

Some people tumble them in their brass polisher.


Some people also take the roughness off the Greek clips with Scotch Brite.

Any grease will work on a Garand. Some people swear by their preferences. I used to use wheel beraing grease and now use Mobil 1 automotive grease.

 

[offthepaper]

A little bump on the bolt to load the 1st round.

perfectly normal.

Enjoy the experience.

 

[shotguntaz]

Thank's to all the replies. I feel much better. And yes the m1 specials are awesome! I look forward to may days at the range with it and as many John C. Garand match's that I attend. This is my first garand and I have been wanting one for about the past 30 years!