VFW M-1 repair

[kcw]

From time to time folks have posted questions regarding the maintainance/repair of VFW/Legion M-1 rifles. I seem to recall that someone suggested that a rubber "o" ring be installed on the barrel, between the forward handguard and the rear of the gas cylinder. This was suppose to provide some benefit as regards the use of the BFD. Anyone recall what that modification was all about?

Thanks,

KCW

Information

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[U.S.G.I.]

The O ring is used for accuracy it take out the movement in the front handguard.

[Joe W]

I never heard of that, it would seem to me that a "rubber" O ring on the barrel wouldn't survive the heat. Like to hear a bit more about this.

[RED]

There are lots of o rings under the hood of your car that are subjected to a lot of heat and still survive. $.02

[U.S.G.I.]

I never heard of that, it would seem to me that a "rubber" O ring on the barrel wouldn't survive the heat. Like to hear a bit more about this.

Joe you need to use a high temperature o ring not a standard one off the shelf.

Jeff

[Neal Myers]

Per Tom Whitten, we are NOT to install parts on these guns; if cleaning & lube are not sufficient, they are to be returned for replacement.

[Mike Haas]

Per Tom Whitten, we are NOT to install parts on these guns; if cleaning & lube are not sufficient, they are to be returned for replacement.

When did that policy change? I emailed Tommy about 18 months ago requesting replacement Op Rod and hammer springs (5 each) for my VFW Post.
Tommy mailed them direct to the Post Quartermaster and we installed the parts correcting our function problems.

[Neal Myers]

Well, it's been > 2 years since I was told that. Maybe the policy has changed, or maybe he knows for sure that Mike know what he is doing when it comes to fixing M1's.

[Ramboueille]

Per Tom Whitten, we are NOT to install parts on these guns; if cleaning & lube are not sufficient, they are to be returned for replacement.

Whitten has not been around long enough to know of all the VFW/American Legion post rifles privately converted in the 1970's to live fire at the insistance of post commanders. After checking headspace and function, parts were replaced when and where needed. These rifles are still being live fired at ranges today without malfunction or safety issues.

[Calif-Steve]

VFW rifles were "privately converted" and are "still being live fired at ranges today"? I thought these rifles were and are US Army property. They are for use as Drill and Ceremoney Rifles, not "live fired at ranges". First I have heard of this.