M1 Garand throws op rod when fired

[USMC_2674]

Anybody know how to fix an op rod that comes out of the groove when the weapon is fired?

Cheap, easy fix available?

I know NOTHING about these firearms, but have the opportunity to buy it cheap. But don't want to invest the money if it is expensive to fix.

Thanks in advance!

 

[ocabj]

Buy 'new' known good oprod. Or you can your old one rebuilt. You can probably find a place that will do a cash and trade on your old oprod.

Dean's Gun Restorations, Warbird, The Garand Guy, Orion 7, etc.

 

[10X]

Assuming it is a US GI rifle, the most likely cause is a bent operating rod.

You previously got the right advice suggesting you find a "new" operating rod.

In days past I have used a hand press to bend these back into the proper shape, but you have to know what you are doing.

 

[Tokugawa]

I am no garand expert, but the first thing I would is make sure you do not have a rewelded reciever.

 

[ocabj]

Assuming it is a US GI rifle, the most likely cause is a bent operating rod.

You previously got the right advice suggesting you find a "new" operating rod.

In days past I have used a hand press to bend these back into the proper shape, but you have to know what you are doing.

If you can bend Garand oprods back into the proper dimensions, you should go into business, because very very very few can.

But in this case, it's most likely worn lugs on the oprod.

There's a great 4 page article in Volume 20, Issue 1 (Winter 2005) of the Garand Collectors Association Journal on Repairing Oprods. Check Volume 19, Issue 4 (Fall 2005) for another article regarding inspection/gauging the oprod.

 

[10X]

Has anyone suggested doing the test to see if the op rod is binding?

Take the barrel and receiver group out of the stock. Take out the recoil spring. Tilt the muzzle up slowly about 30 degrees. The weight of the op rod should smoothly open the bolt to full rearward movement. If it does not, the rod is bent. Likewise from full open, tilt the barrel down about 30 degrees from level. The bolt should close smoothly, without binding.

If there is no binding, I would agree the rod is worn and should be replaced.

In any event, new op rod time.

 

[Tombstone Arms]

In any event, new op rod time.

You do not need to replace the operating rod.
Jim Swartz (mentioned above from the GCA Journal) can repair them.
He'll reform the rod for $15.
Most likely your problem is in the guide lugs, and he will rebuild the lugs for $30.
Contact him at [email protected]