Clip Won't Seat Right With 8 Rounds

Good evening! I am the queen of lurkers on this forum, but I am having an issue I hope someone can advise me on.

OK, took my Garand to the range today for the first time (it was purchased last weekend). It was a real good time and shot real well, except for one issue that had everyone stumped. The clip won't seat if there is 8 rounds in there (had 6 of them with me, same issue on all).

I would push the clip in and have to force the bolt forward to get it to shoot. Once the bolt was forced forward, it shot fine, but this shouldn't have to be done. Also, the release could not be used to eject the clip, it didn't seem to ever engage. And if I pulled the bolt back while the clip was in there, it would automatically eject the entire thing (learned the good value of safety glasses that way today).

Several folks (2 Garand owners and one Marine who used one when he served) at the range came to my aid when it became apparent there was something not working right, and no one could figure out the issue. We even had the gun taken apart right there at the shooting bench, and no one could figure out the issue.

With 7 rounds, the struggle wasn't as bad, but still a minor struggle.

Otherwise, the gun functioned well. I had one stovepipe that did real number on the round. But the gun was doing well otherwise.

Any ideas? Thanks!

Many clips are made by questionable manufacturers and they just aren't right. I had a number that came from China a few years ago and they wouldn't hold the round staggered with the result you describe. If you can get some US issue, I'll bet your problems are past. Here's a website to help you identify the manufacturer of the clips.

http://members.bellatlantic.net/~wol...ips/clips.html

As Jim stated the en blocs are first suspect, what manufacturer(s) do you have? I would also check and replace the clip ejector, if still no good you may have a problem with your bullet guide/follower arm. Also of note, it is not unusual having to use your palm and smack the bolt closed, some rifles strip the first round without an assist, others need an assist.

I used that list and it appears mine are German. I can't read the numbers (my eyes just aren't that good anymore), but they have the triangle the German ones have. I'll take a look at the clip ejector and all.

It's less of a smack and more of a grab and forcefully shove. I was more tired out closing that than firing the gun.

Try some US clips before changing a bunch of parts. Less expensive.

Well I went to the range today and what did I have problems with(?), you bet, en blocs. I was using my 43' SA M1 which is a CMP Special, I used this rifle for five years with only no problems that were not my fault (i.e. loose front sight, loose gas lock screw). Insert the en bloc, strike the rear of the op rod to strip the 1st round, fire 7 and malfunction, the last round hasn't fed correctly.

I had this happen again and checked the en bloc, a L&H 77 (Italian or Danish). Tried a 3rd en bloc with same maker, same malfunction. Looked for and found a loaded AEC 3, tried that and success. Tried another AEC 3 and it worked, tried an MBZ and WEP and they worked.

Like Jim stated in the post above the en bloc should be first suspect. Additionally the L&H en blocs all required a significant smack to load the first round, the AEC's stripped with no assist, as well as one of the others I can't recall which right now.

Irony, coincidence, I actually chuckled to myself when this occurred due to the posts above.
Also note that I replaced the clip latch spring over the winter, the good en blocs ejected just fine, it took about two en blocs to dial in this year with the problems not helping matters. And to top my day off my stupid spotting scope broke, a lens came loose and is rattling around (Burris).:banghead:

It's a matter of time and progress , if I remember correctly.
The US 30-06 was made with a narrow extraction groove. We went to a better , wide groove with the .308 / 7.62 Nato.
When they set up to produce thier 30-06 , they had the case formers for the .308 groove , so they used them to save $$$.
Later , when they set up to make en-block clips , they made them based on the new .308 groove they were using.
No problems until we try to put early 30-06 grooved ammo into clips made to clear the .308 groove and the '06 ammo does not set in all the way , distorting the enbloc slightly and "wedged" into the groove.
Chris

Returned to the range yesterday and had no malfunctions using GI only en blocs. I sorted through and have been removing the European makers, they may work for most users but I've sufficient supply of GI en blocs, besides I do check each round before leaving for the range, no harm in a little inspection of ammo that is 35 years and older.