M1 Garand issues, please help!

[rmbstyle17]

I just got an M1 Garand from my father that dates back to WWII from the cerial numbers. I tried loading it with a clip of 30-06 Springfield, and realized it is too big, and wont fit. I know some M1's are cambered for .308, so I loaded the clip with that, and it still wont fit. Im not sure if something is wrong with the bolt/chamber, cause it dosent feel like its going back all the way. I not very familiar with the M1 Garand, so I dont know.
PICS:

Thanks!

 

[jjbduke2004]

The bolt's not all the way back. It's caught on the magazine follower.

 

[clandestine]

Either the above, or someone put the gun together wrong (Feed Parts), or something is broken/worn.

 

[BlackBart]

The bolt's not all the way back. It's caught on the magazine follower.

Yup, it's got another inch to go.

Take the heel of your hand, slam it home. PULL back hard on the bolt, it will and should go.....otherwise you might have a bent op rod or broken spring but I doubt it.

 

[Lou45]

Yup, it's got another inch to go.

Take the heel of your hand, slam it home. PULL back hard on the bolt, it will and should go.....otherwise you might have a bent op rod or broken spring but I doubt it.

Until you learn something about the M1 Garand, DON'T go sticking your finger, thumb, or any other body part in the action unless you want to loose a piece of that particular body part. Always hold the charging handle securely to the rear with one hand while attempting to do anything with the other hand in the area of bolt travel.

 

[gdubyacobb]

As previously stated, the bolt isn't all the way back.
Do some reading about the M1. That action will break a finger before you know it. Also, commercial 30.06 is a no no ( for the most part. but you'll learn that as you go)

 

[BlackBart]

Until you learn something about the M1 Garand, DON'T go sticking your finger, thumb, or any other body part in the action unless you want to loose a piece of that particular body part. Always hold the charging handle securely to the rear with one hand while attempting to do anything with the other hand in the area of bolt travel.

Yes, as I was taught in boot camp 100 years ago........"The M1 Thumb". Never got it but the instructor scared the shit out of us with the possibility.
NOW you made me look, they have everything on youtube. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zANFR_AwAA8

 

[gdubyacobb]

Also, they can slam fire so be careful about " lock and load" in doors.

 

[Drmsparks]

The bolt's not all the way back. It's caught on the magazine follower.

Either the above, or someone put the gun together wrong (Feed Parts), or something is broken/worn.

These.

Tear it down, put it back together than try.

 

[kalister1]

You will need to get someone to show you or get a good book or video. There is a part inside that can be put back together wrong, and doing it wrong causes what you have right now. I know, I did wrong a few times.
Don't try to force anything, it needs to be field stripped and put back together correctly.

 

[ProShooter]

I just got an M1 Garand from my father...

I tried loading it with a clip of 30-06 Springfield

I know some M1's are cambered for .308, so I loaded the clip with that...

I not very familiar with the M1 Garand, so I dont know.

Your last statement that I highlighted above is the true problem here. If you don't know how a firearm operates, you shouldn't be handling it, period. You ESPECIALLY should not be handling it with live ammo if you don't know how it operates.

 

[kalister1]

http://www.springfield-armory.com/armory.php?clicktype=1911

Look at the bottom of this page. There is a link to a PDF manual for an M1 Garand. You can download the manual.

 

[rch184]

I LOVE YOUTUBE!

 

[Markp]

Your last statement that I highlighted above is the true problem here. If you don't know how a firearm operates, you shouldn't be handling it, period. You ESPECIALLY should not be handling it with live ammo if you don't know how it operates.

Thank you for stating the obvious!

 

[Nanook]

+ a lot, on no live ammo due to slam fires, once you are rock-solid on how it works.

Where are you? You come here/one of us would be willing to swing by to help you out.

http://www.civilianmarksmanship.com/ and chase through their M-1 links to get started by yourself.

 

[falconguy]

+1 for the responses about no live ammo if you don't know the rifle.

Here's what it's supposed to look like when loading your Garand. Also, I agree with keeping your fingers out of the chamber area. If the bolt slams on a thumb or finger it'll bring tears to your eyes. Good luck with your Garand.

 

[BlackBart]

+1 for the responses about no live ammo if you don't know the rifle.

Here's what it's supposed to look like when loading your Garand. Also, I agree with keeping your fingers out of the chamber area. If the bolt slams on a thumb or finger it'll bring tears to your eyes. Good luck with your Garand.

Just curious, are they factory loads with the SP ammo or handloads? Modern factory ammunition will contain powder that burns too slowly and you may damage your operating rod or worse. Military ball or handloads with faster powder will serve you better........

 

[kalister1]

Look closely at these two pictures. Can you see what is wrong?
The "Ammo Follower" ? is in backwards.
Try to get together with somoene who knows the M1 Garand rifle to get it back together correctly.

 

[falconguy]

Nice catch kalister1! I didn't even notice that in rmbstyle17's picture. I do not shoot SP ammo in my Garand. I'm out of ammo, I have a box of these that I've had forever. I just used them for the pictures. I don't shoot SP ammo in any of my rifles.

 

[Drew1340]

someone stated that you shouldnt use commercial ammo in the garand? why is this? hotter load or what? i figured 150 gr 30-06 is the same if not better now then the old surplus...
I see someone has stated it can damage the op rod, why is this and as a person who doesnt reload or really shop for old military ball ammo that has corrosive issues, is there a way to shoot factory ammo as long as the gun is cleaned well or am i just out of luck?