M1 Garand problem...

90irocjustin

90irocjustin

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Victoria, BC
So I have a 1943 M1 Garand, sometimes when im firing the Op Rod pops off the track leaving the bolt stuck in the receiver.. Same thing happens on occasion when i have to "bump" the op rod when loading as well.

Any thoughts?
 
Sounds like you have a worn or damaged oprod. I would swap out the oprod and see if it still happens. You could send your oprod to a smith and have him tig weld the worn area and reshape it into spec.
 
Problem: Operating rod disengages from the bolt while cycling.

Cause: 1) Operating rod lug is worn, or the operating rod spring is kinked.

solution is to 1) Replace the operating rod or spring.

Cause 2) Receiver guide rail for operating rod is excessively worn.

solution: 1) Replace the receiver, or rebuild the receiver's guide rail.
 
"...have to "bump" the op rod..." Prefectly normal. However, the op rod lugs or the rail they run in have excessive wear.
Replacing an op rod is an expensive proposition, but that's what you need. Marstar, for example, wants $99 for one, when they have any. They run over $100US from Gunparts, also when they have any. Likely cost as much to have a smithy, who has the talent, to weld.
Go here for free .pdf manuals. Note the need for the provided UN & PW.
http://www.biggerhammer.net/manuals/
 
Whether you like it or not you need to invest in a new op rod as this is the only solution. Invest in a new one straight away. About 10 years ago I replaced a worn op rod with another used op rod(from Gun Parts) and only got about 1,000 rds through the gun before I had to buy a 3rd op rod.
 
I had a 1943 Springfield that did the exact same thing. A fellow CNGer had some for sale, replaced it, and worked flawlessly. I would suggest a Shuster adjustable gas plug from Creedmoor Sports. It will save excessive wear and tear on your rifle, especially your Op-rod.
 
It's worth checking the condition of the return spring before replacing the rod. I knew of one with a kink which caused uneven pressure on the rod. Subsequently the rod would occasionally pop out.
 
Thanks for the input, I will pick up a new oprod or spring. As for the ammo question, all i use is 150 gr with it, i usually fire off the american eagle stuff or prvi fmj....
 
Was there any sign of the top of the op rod rubbing on the bottom of the barrel? I've seen that before and a little shaping with a dremel sanding drum worked great. The one I saw was rubbing more on one side than the other. And it was the side that would cause side loading on the op rod in the direction of going away from the receiver. Shaping a slight groove into the top of the op rod flat area worked.
 
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