Problem loading Enbloc clip in M1 Garand

[gln]

I just bought my 1st M1 Garand (used) and am having a problem loading the clip. Instructions say to press the clip into the receiver until it "clicks". That is the problem. It does not click into place to where I can push the rod forward to load the 1st round. I have to work the clip, rod and bolt into place to load the round. I've removed the trigger group and stock to get my bearings on how things work and don't see what would look like any damage or parts not fitting right or binding, but then again I have not looked a new one either. Just wanted to throw this out and see what comes back before I take it to a gunsmith. Thanks,

gln

 

[30Cal]

Check the clip latch, oprod catch for wear. Probably never a bad idea to replace the clip latch spring too.

Ty

 

[gln]

Thanks Ty,

The op rod catch, oprod, bullet guide, follower all look "newer". The clip latch feels pretty good with no play in the clip latch spring. It does seem to require a greater effort to pull back the oprod. Since my original post I can see where the oprod catch "just about" clears the oprod hook but just can't quite do it. I have verified the follower bottoms out. From what I see now it seems there is too much resistace against the oprod to get the oprod catch to clear the oprod hook until I pull it back just a tad bit more to get the oprod catch to clear the oprod hook. I don't see where the the oprod itself is binding. It is a bit dry in there, but do you think the oprod spring could come into play here? I am familiar with springs getting weaker when they get older but this appears different.

gln

 

[robmkivseries70]

Loading an M1

gln,
Make sure all the cartridges are fully seated in the clip. I have had one slip up just a little and the clip won't seat properly. i.e. All the cases should be touching the back of the clip. HTH
Best,
Rob

 

[Jim K]

One possible cause of that is a bent follower arm. Believe it or not, I got a rifle from CMP that had a follower arm that had been bent and then rather crudely worked on; the signs of the vise jaws were quite clear. I did it right, but then bought a new follower arm because I didn't trust one that had been worked on.

Jim

 

[Sunray]

Hi. Do you have grease in the proper places? If so, it's normal to have to pull the op handle back a bit when loading. Do this with the edge of your hand. Thumb on top of the clip with your hand facing forward, all other fingers outside the action along side the rifle. Push the clip down then pull the op handle back a bit with the rest of your hand and let go. Do not push the clip down and hold it. If the rifle's parts are working properly, the action will close loading the rifle. As it closes, it'll push your thumb up and out.

 

[tranch]

I just got my first Garand a few months ago and had the same problem. It's just that I was not used to loading the Garand. The more I worked with it the better I got.

 

[Sistema1927]

If there are no mechanical problems with your Garand, it may be that you are a bit tentative in loading, not wanting to experience the infamous "M1 Thumb".

Load the clip smartly into the weapon, and once it is seated and pressure is released the bolt should come forward. Sometimes it takes a little nudge on the op rod handle, but most of the time the bolt should close once you get your thumb out of the way.

 

[WT]

FWIW, you might want to make sure that the top round in the clip is on the right side. That might help leverage.

Keep the right thumb on the clip and your other 4 fingers 'bladed'. As the clip sets into place, rotate the hand which should remove the thumb from the area where all the activity takes place. The fleshy part of the hand should just glance off the follower.

That said, everyone needs to experience an M-1 thumb once or twice in their life.

 

[MNgoldenbear]

That said, everyone needs to experience an M-1 thumb once or twice in their life.

Uh, WHY??!! I figure once you've gotten your instructions on how to keep it out of the way, slamming it in there is just Darwin at work.