Two puzzling Garand issues..your comment???

First.....I have a clip marked 'MW'. I had some considerable difficulty getting this clip into the rifle. Once it was just over half way in, there was no backing off, I finally was able to force it 'home'. All rounds fired normally. It refused to come out untill I disassembled the rifle and drove it down & out with a hammer & screwdriver. No amount of jiggling the clip release made any difference, felt like it was in a neutral spot, no resistance of any kind. Other clips I used worked normally........

Next..... I bought 3 new highly recommended SS recoil springs from an East coast concern. In firing my .308 Garand after firing the 30-06 one mentioned above, I felt a surprising increase in recoil. The new SS spring in it is now 2 1/2 inches shorter than another new one I have. I am comfortable with a spring taking a 'set' from new but 2 1/2"????? PJH

You sure it isn't NW? Northwest Metal - Seattle, WA. No matter how it is marked, it would never be used again if it were mine. Never hammer something into a rifle. Everything should fit correctly. If it doesn't, then it's time for the "oddity bag" or gets deep sixed. More than likely that clip is just defective - either from manufacture or from some type of abuse/alteration. Just don't use it anymore.

As far as .308, I don't know anything about them but I imagine that unless you have one of those shorter Italian rifles, the spring should be the same length as the 30 06 Garand. I'd contact the supplier and get their input. A new spring shouldn't set, no matter how much or little.

I second islandhopper's answer. I've got SS op rod springs (also from "an East coast concern") in all my shooting M1s, including a .308; never a lick of trouble with them, and they definitely haven't set 2 1/2 ". Getting ahold of the seller would be the best first step. There also might be issues with your rifle or ammo.