Plainfield Upper Hand Guard

[rocky321]

Just received my Plainfield M1 And the upper hand guard is rattling all over. Very loose. I assume this is NG!??

Information

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[imarangemaster]

Actually, though it is irritating, it effects nothing. Is it front to rear rattle, or up and down. Several ways to easily fix either.

[rocky321]

Actually, though it is irritating, it effects nothing. Is it front to rear rattle, or up and down. Several ways to easily fix either.

More up and down, rocks side to side.

[imarangemaster]

You can tighten the rear by bending the corners up a little on the metal flange that engages the lip on the front of the receiver ring. If it is 2 rivet, be careful when you do it so as not to pop a rivet loose. Easiest way is to use a small brass hammer from the side and bottom, a little at a time. It will surprise you how well it works. I have done it on several carbines through the years.

[Harlan (Deceased)]

Rocky,
Loose hand guards are common on M1 carbines, and as imarangemaster said, they don't effect accuracy.
(I cannot stand for them to be loose either)

I've also used IMR's technique, except I reform (bend) the corners inward slightly, as if to reduce the circumference of the upside down 'U' slightly.
Hold the flange with a small pair of regular pliers and 'slightly' bend the corners inward with another small pair of pliers or needle nosed pliers.
He's correct - Do not put any force on the rivets, as they're easy to pull out, or make loose themselves.
It only takes a slight reform to tighten the hand guard right up. (Quick and easy 'fix')

[imarangemaster]

CAFDFW, I think I like your method more! Thanks,

[Harlan (Deceased)]

Thank you! - (I think we're just doing exactly the same thing completely differently)

I really do appreciate members such as yourself and all the others who take the time to share their hard earned knowledge here, and on the other boards and sites.
There's no telling how many people have been helped, in so many different ways, so they don't become discouraged and miss out the fun and satisfaction of collecting 'old guns'.
- From preventing the ruin of a collector quality gun by making an uneducated decision, to preventing someone from being taken to the bank by unscrupulous parts and gun sellers; knowledge is power.

Education and camaraderie is the key to happy collecting!

Thanks again!
~ Harlan

[painter777]

Put so well Harlan......
You running for office?

;-)
Charlie

[Harlan (Deceased)]

No Charlie, I'm just trying to get 'Badger' to give me a pay raise!

PS,
You're one of the main culprits, er, contributors.
Thanks for all you do!

I remember when you were the 'new guy' who asked a simple question about a stock marking years ago (on a gun forum far, far away)
and the resident 'experts' back then took turns slamming you for asking such a 'dumb' question. (Heck, I almost felt sorry for you!)
I'm SO glad those days are over!

Today you're the carbine stock 'Go-To' guru! (Among so many other areas of expertise)
Thanks again for sharing knowledge so freely, being a good friend to everyone, and helping so many people Charlie; here on the forum and via PM's and emails.

~ Harlan

PPS -
Hope I didn't make you blush buddy.
("Don't mess with the Bull")