Problems

[Father Ted]

Purchased a 42 Springfield m1 with correct barrel (still has some life left) from a local transaction. It was a recent CMP purchase (one of those guys that buys a bunch then sells them for a little more, anyway I'm in Californiastan and couldn't get my paper work together before our cutoff date where they won't ship to front door).
I stripped the rifle down, cleaned off the oil then greased appropriate areas. The rifle functioned on first clip, except for loading. When I insert clip bolt won't engage, I usually have to manually drive it home or it won't move forward at all, I have to pull back on oprod handle while pressing clip down then manually push forward. I'm using 3 different GI clips; all the same. I'm using hxp and lake city m2 ammo.
Now for the short stroking. (I know, I've tried searching before bringing it up here). As I said first clip was fine second clip it short stroked a couple. 3rd and 4th it was a bolt action.
I brought it home, did a bunch of research both here and in troubleshooting section of owners manual. It passes all the tilt tests fine. Gas cylinder seemed a bit sloppy so I peened upper spline and tightened it up. Cleaned piston and inside of gas cylinder. I measured both piston and gas cylinder with my calipers (wouldn't trust that readings were correct as they aren't the greatest but seemed to be in spec and piston doesn't appear to have flat spots), cleaned the gas port hole in barrel and tightened down gas plug (no cracks that I could see on plug) with 1/4 ratchet and greased it back up and took it out again today.
Still having the same loading issues but first clip had one short stroke, second ran smooth, third was about half short strokes and fourth was bad. 2 short strokes then third was a dry fire did not eject the live round when I pulled back bolt and was ready to send another to chamber so pulled op back and ejected the clip and called it a day.
Is this definitely a gas issue? In going to order s spring from Orion just because it wouldn't hurt, and in thinking of ordering some of those gas cyl gauges from garand gear to test that as I trust my calipers more with outer dimensions rather than inner.
Any input from the pros here on both the cycling and loading would be greatly appreciated. I purchase this a month ago and cmp tag was very recent, was hoping for decent functioning rifle but... Guess the quickest way to get familiar with a certain model is to have trouble and try to fix it.
Cheers

Information

Warning: This is a relatively older thread This discussion is older than 360 days. Some information contained in it may no longer be current.

[stonecutter2]

The new spring is worth a shot.

It worsens as you shoot it, which is interesting. Maybe as things warm up something is binding?

Might be an out of spec part, but easiest fix is a new spring or at least a usgi spring to try to rule that out.

[Bill Hollinger]

Check to make sure the gas lock is tight. I've seen this happen more than once. Also, if it is tight, check that the gas port is open and the op-rod functions without resistance. Keep us posted

[Mark in Rochester]

The gas cylinder lock screw may have the valve face cracked

[ROCK]

When I insert clip bolt won't engage, I usually have to manually drive it home or it won't move forward at all, I have to pull back on oprod handle while pressing clip down then manually push forward.

That is a timing issue. A bullet guide with a higher fulcrum will correct it.

Is this definitely a gas issue?

Could be. It also could be caused by friction. Assemble the rifle without the op rod spring and cycle the op rod back and forth by hand. It should slide back and forth very smoothly. If not, check for rubbing against the stock or the stock ferrule.

[Claven2]

If you have another gas clinker screw, also try swapping it. The valves on them sometimes leak and cause short-stroking if there is anything built up in there.

[Father Ted]

Passes all tilt tests. Ordered a spring kit from Orion, also picked up a bullet guide and single slot gas screw (why not they look cool and correct) just to try and rule out any of those easy to swap parts, also may come in handy for future purchases. Gas plug was tight and not crackdd thst i could see. Also picked up gas cylinder pin style gauges. All this stuff came today but I'm goin out of town for a few but should be able to try again this weekend. Will update Sunday or Monday.
Cheers

[browningautorifle]

And...we'll be waiting.

[Father Ted]

Update: replaced and greased new spring from Orion. Replaced bullet guide to see if it would help with timing- feeding issue (didn't by the way), replaced gas plug. Tested gas cylinder with pin guages, and it is in spec. Greased rifle. Drove to shooting spot. First clip- no issues. Second clip- no issues. Took a satisfied break and shot 10 rds through an Enfield i recently acquired.
Third clip- short stroke on every round except eight as it ejected clip with last round in it. Didn't bother wasting anymore ammo. Tried to tighten gas plug with m1 combo tool and actually bent the shaft of screwdriver so I'm sure it didn't come loose.
Any input on said problems would be greatly appreciated.
Cheers

[browningautorifle]

I can only say "Ammo" once again. Not knowing exactly what ammo you have, other than the thumbnail description...I'd try new factory ammo. Maybe some of the Fed ammo made for M1s. (American Eagle?)