Iver-Johnson M1 Catastrophic Failure

Gin

Gin

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I recently sold an IJ M1 copy to a fellow CGN'er. I received the rifle in trade, and never shot it myself - only cleaned/lubed before sending it out.

Upon receiving the rifle, the new owner fired several 5-round magazines, then had a catastrophic failure. Pictures are below...








As you can see, there was extensive damage to the bolt, stock, and magazine catch.


Thoughts?
 
wow, and OUCH..... what ammo was he using??
never owned one of those but looks to be in good condition otherwise, too bad and hope the shooter didn't suffer too bad.
 
I have had issues in 1 of my firearms with Sellier and Bellot ammo. (1911 .45auto)
Perhaps that is the cause?
Is it possible that a euro measurement makes the casing a slightly different size when converted to a North American cartridge or perhaps any other type of measurement standard crossover issue?
Of course I have no proof and nothing this drastic has happend to me but it's worth questioning.
 
Fortunately the receiver didn't fail. I wouldn't necessarily put this down to the ammo. It appears to have been an out of battery detonation or slamfire where the round detonated before the bolt was fully closed and locked in place. Some possible causes may have been below minimum chamber (insufficient headspace), firing pin broken or stuck forward, receiver safety bridge off spec, or hammer follow through (failed disconnect). Commercial M1 Carbines have been found with a variety of off spec components and metallurgical problems.

GI Carbines were made to rigorous specifications and will function reliably and safely if they are maintained within specifications and proper ammo is used.
 
RobertMcC said:
Sheet I got 600rds of .30 carbine.. Now I don't want to shoot mine. Any reason to what happened? overcharge?
Click to expand...

That's like saying that you don't want to shoot a .22 or a .308 because they have had catastrophic failures...

Chit happens, sometimes the fault of the shooter, sometimes the ammo, sometimes the gun, and in the odd case, all three were to blame.


Sucks about the gun for sure though.
 
Kevin M. said:
That's like saying that you don't want to shoot a .22 or a .308 because they have had catastrophic failures...

Chit happens, sometimes the fault of the shooter, sometimes the ammo, sometimes the gun, and in the odd case, all three were to blame.


Sucks about the gun for sure though.
Click to expand...

I got a 1942 Inland.
 
RobertMcC said:
I got a 1942 Inland.
Click to expand...

Understandable, but how many thousands or tens of thousands of guns did inland produce in that year, during the height of manufacturing of the M1? Plus, who knows how many countless rounds had already been through the gun in it's past service (maybe none, maybe thousands).

My point is that it is probably a one off occurrence and not worth worrying over.
 
45ACPKING said:
wow, and OUCH..... what ammo was he using??
never owned one of those but looks to be in good condition otherwise, too bad and hope the shooter didn't suffer too bad.
Click to expand...

The Sellier and Bellot pictured. I advised him to keep the box and remaining ammunition for when he contacts the manufacturer.
 
In my opinion purple has a good theory, out of battery, bolt not fully closed/engaged. A few times with my m1 carbine I have let the charging handle fly like one would but still had to give it an extra tap to fully close/engage although it roughly appeared to be all the way closed/engaged. I think firing slightly out of battery would cause similar damage as seen in the photos.
 
This is some info on universal but I.J bought them out later

Third Generation:
(Started between SN 176### and 187###, went until end of production)

The third generation included cost saving designs that started the company's reputation for poor quality. Changes included a slide lock lever by the rear sight, the trigger housing was made of aluminum, and several safety features were deleted to reduce costs. This resulted in the ability of the rifle to fire out of battery.

The highest serial number documented so far is 486###.
 
I purchased a head spaced gauge a few years ago and checked all of mine to ensure they were OK. Good investment as far as I'm concerned.
 
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