HELP Reassemble M1A Bolt

[Jughead]

I had a firing pin spring installed protecting against slamfires with some work I had done. Recently took apart the bolt and discovered my CMP M1 Garand bolt reassembly tool will not work on the M1A bolt as it is shorter than Garand bolt. The slamfire spring also seems to complicate things. Where can I get a M1A bolt reassembly tool that will work to reassemble the bolt? THANKS

Information

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[Jughead]

Just noticed that Brownells sells a two position reassembly tool for use with the M1 and M1A. My CMP tool is only one position tool for the M1 Garand. Does CMP sell a 2 position tool?

[emmagee1917]

Does the M10 handle not work on the M14 ?
Chris

[gsp2007]

You don't really need a "tool" just some patience. Take a 30-06 case, shorten the neck about 1/4 inch, place bolt into rifle and chamber the 30-06 case (empty, of course!), push the bolt closed (with or without op-rod spring on rifle), and push extractor back in. The case will hold the firing pin spring and the ejector spring in the correct position. You will have to push in the little spring-loaded pin to slide the extractor all the way down. The "tool" makes it a bit easier (but really just replaces the pressure on the bolt provided by "chambering" the 30-06 case

[Charlie59]

Does the M10 handle not work on the M14 ?
Chris

The problem is the ejector spring is a lot stiffer in a M1A bolt.

[Mark in Rochester]

is there a way to install with the m10 tool - think I found it check this out

M1 Garand Bolt Disassembly and Reassembly:
Disassembly:
The Garand bolt (and I suspect the m14) can be disassembled using the Combination tool, M10 (also known as the cleaning rod handle!). You need the real deal with the 1/8" thick 'blade' in one end. Insert the SMOOTH end of the M10 (the screwdriver end; it will shoulder on the waist so it will not scratch the chamber) into the chamber, and insert a section of cleaning rod into the unthreaded hole on the M10.

Engage the blade below the lip of the extractor and GENTLY twist the M10 receiver-up using the handle. The extractor should come loose in a controlled manner. Decreasing tension on the op rod handle will let the pieces fall loose.

Reassembly:
To reassemble, install the extractor plunger and spring, and the ejector and spring, and close tightly on the previously installed M10 (holding the tongue just "so"). While pressing the bolt in the closed direction, drop the extractor into its boss, and tap home. VOILA!

I learned this at a CMP shoot. (Help, my bolt disassembled itself!)- a few of Walt's parts (NEW springs, et al) and I was on my way!

My 'old' bolt disassembled itself, so I had a new parts (springs, extractor, plungers) in my tool kit. A CMP shooter (member of Palmetto State Marksman's Association) from North Augusta SC did the trick. I wish I could find his name. When I do, I'll forward it for credit, too!

NOTE: the SMOOTH end of the M10 is actually the end that looks like a screwdriver. The notched end has the BLADE that sticks out from the side.

Information Provided by E.M. Dannemiller II (emdannemillerii@mindspring.com), used with permission.

You can also use the M3A1 tool for the same purpose. Place the chamber brush in the chamber, the back end of the brush acts the same way the M10 back end does. And you don't even have to use a cleaning rod section.

[Charlie59]

How far did he dissemble your rifle to do this? Thanks,

Charlie