Why does my M-1 Garand do this?

[Yoda]

I have a fine-looking M-1 Garand that has one major problem: When I shoot it, it fires off the first three or so rounds just fine, but then it ejects the whole clip, along with whatever unfired rounds are still left in it.

And advice?

- - - Yoda

 

[offthepaper]

Sounds like you need to replace the clip latch spring. A cheap fix.

 

[Uncle Mike]

Replace the 'Follower Arm'...it could be the clip latch and or spring, but doubtful.

And, check your 'op rod spring' it can cause this phenomenon also.

 

[CZguy]

Yoda, please post whatever fixes it.

 

[soloban]

Try posting your question on the forums on the CMP website. The CMP armorer's frequent the website and can probably help.

 

[Sport45]

For tons of info about your M1 you can also lurk at or join Culver's Shooting Page.

 

[8mmman]

Replace the clip latch spring

replace the clip latch spring, Very common problem. Remember that spring is most likely 40 to 60 years old. I replace the clip latch and opererating rod springs on all my M1's. Really improves their cycling.

Do it for the guys at the gun club all the time.

 

[claiborne]

Nice tip

I have been experiencing the same thing with my rifle. I guess i'll try this.

 

[OFT]

Return it to the armorer. That's what I did in '62 with mine.

 

[nbkky71]

I just got back from Camp Perry and my hut-mate had the same issue with his M1, except it would release the clip at round #5 or #6.

After replacing various parts (including the clip latch & spring), it turned out that it was the op-rod itself causing the issue. The lugs on the bottom of the op-rod (near the spring tube) had become worn & were well rounded. Even the CMP armorer admitted he hadn't seen an issue like that in a while.

Try replacing the litte/inexpensive parts first, but be prepared to troubleshoot everything to get it running right. It cost my buddy $150 for another op-rod to remedy the issue.

 

[mshootnit]

If you replace the clip latch spring, bullet guide and op rod catch your problem will be fixed more than likely. The US Army fix for this is to replace the bullet guide and op rod catch but it also helps to replace the spring.

 

[Yoda]

Thanks to all

I had to put the rifle in storage fora while, about 400 miles from where I am right now, so it will be a while before I get a chance to try these fixes.

I wonder how many soldiers today would feel themselves better armed with an M-1 vice an M-16 or M-4?

- - - Yoda

 

[Orlando]

Most common fix for this is the clip latch spring, this fixes the isue 99% of the time. Try it first, then look at replacing other worn parts
Very common

 

[Sport45]

I wonder how many soldiers today would feel themselves better armed with an M-1 vice an M-16 or M-4?

Probably not many. I'm not a soldier, but I think I would prefer carrying todays lighter rifles with many more rounds of ammo. (Not to mention full-auto and 3-rnd burst capability. )

 

[madcratebuilder]

Probably not many. I'm not a soldier, but I think I would prefer carrying todays lighter rifles with many more rounds of ammo. (Not to mention full-auto and 3-rnd burst capability. )

Agreed. The M1's limited ammo capacity is the limiting factor compared to today's rifles. In their day they were up against rifles of similar capacity and ruled.

 

[Sam1911]

Moved to Gunsmithing for fairly obvious reasons.