Should I Replace My Op Rod?

[kar98k]

hey guys,

i just noticed my M1's op rod has some pretty sizable chips just below the piston. i've yet to fire this rifle, and am now wondering if i should get a new op rod before i do?

Information

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[mdoerner]

You might want to have Jim Swartz repair it. $30 or $35 last time I checked. email him w/ your pics at jswartz280@
aol.com

Mike D

[Punch The Clown]

Looks exactly like op rods I've seen after the pistons were replaced.

[mschnittker]

I can't see the chips but in any case doubt it will make any real performance difference. I second MDOERNER's recommendation of Jim Swartz as the guy to replace the piston, he's done thousands I'll bet.

[kar98k]

thanks for the responses.

[purple]

As long as the piston is solid on the end of the rod and it measures .525 or better in diameter, it is good to go as is. You should also do the "tilt test" to verify that the op rod fits correctly. To do this remove stock and strip the rifle of the following parts-op rod spring and follower rod, follower,follower arm,op rod catch,and bullet guide. Next with the rifle in a horizontal position and bolt and op rod in place raise and lower the rifle to/from a 60 deg angle. If the weight of the op rod cycles the bolt open and closed without any binding of parts,then the op rod fits OK.