M1 Garand trigger group help

[wyofool]

Just got a new CMP Garand (it really does look new) Decided to strip, clean, grease it before shooting it. All went well until the last step, putting the trigger group back in. It goes this far then won't budge.


By itself it closes just fine


Without the stock it will close fine.



Any suggestions?, would hate bend or break something.

 

[wyofool]

Some close ups of the stock may help.

 

[Reloadron]

Assuming it is correctly aligned take the palm of your hand and whack that trigger guard. Rest assured it will snap into place. Don't be bashful with it.

What you see on your rifle and below is normal. Just use your palm and smack the trigger guard down. It will snap and lock. You look to have new wood so it will be tight, the way you want it.



Ron

 

[rcmodel]

+1

If it was IN when you got it???

It will be back in when you Smack it hard enough.

Might help to put some grease on the hooks and studs it pulls on too.

rc

 

[wyofool]

rc, it was all together when I got it and it was tight to get off. I just didn't want to break or bend anything.
Thanks to you both, I'll give it a try after dinner.

 

[cfullgraf]

Don't be bashful with it.

Yes this is the key, especially if the stock is new and you are using your hand to close the trigger guard.

A soft face or rawhide mallet can also help.

Resist the urge to trim the stock. Over time the stock will compress and the latch up will be easier.

 

[wyofool]

Two whacks with the palm did it. Thanks to all for the help.

 

[Orlando]

I do see a problem with your stock fit ( which is unrelated to tight trigger guard fit) . If you look in your pic the angled area is dented with a imprint of the end of your trigger housing. You need to releave this area so contact isnt being made
These new commercial stocks someimes need alot of modifications to be made right

 

[wyofool]

Orlando, I did notice the dented area but wasn't sure if I should take it down a bit.
The stock is new, stamped Mar 22, 2013 on the inside.
What sort of finish should I use on the wood?
I remember many years ago (50 maybe) my dad and I using Linseed oil on the stocks of all our rifles. Would that still be good to use?

 

[1KPerDay]

I remember many years ago (50 maybe) my dad and I using Linseed oil on the stocks of all our rifles. Would that still be good to use?

Yes. Rub small amounts of Boiled Linseed Oil in by hand, warming up the wood with friction, until the oil is "absorbed." Let it dry overnight. 8 or 10 or 20 coats works very nice. And you can add more if necessary.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oiOUXOpN7DA
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E7NcDR7-i6Y

Pure tung oil is also a popular choice.

In addition to BLO or PTO you might also consider some Tom's 1/3 wax:

http://www.thegunstockdoctor.com/