From your post, I took it you live in Raleigh, NC. You might want to consider driving up to the Richmond, VA gunshow next weekend, January 9 & 10. Gus Fisher (Gus's Garands) can do an inspection on it and let you know if something is really out of kilter. I think he only charges something like $25 to $30 for a very detailed inspection, not exactly sure, it has been a while since he did one of mine. He can fix most problems right at the show, unless it needs barrel work. He was the USMC chief armorer for the NM M14icon rifle team when he was at Quantico. He really knows Garands, carbines, M14's, and just about any millitary rifle / pistol. Best to get to the show early because the work piles up early for people wanting Gus to work on their rifles.