Bent op rod help

[Sarge1998]

All, I trimmed down the spring a bit and everything feels a lot better. I'm going to take it a gunsmith before I hit the range, but I think all it needed was a shortened spring. I dont know where the previous owner got the spring. Thanks for your input.- Eric

Minimum uncompressed length according to Nichlaus and Associates is 19", maximum 20.5", while Milsurps member Dave Waits has submitted 19.5" and 20.5" as the min/max uncompressed lengths. Just a guideline, there are other things that may cause a spring to under-perform. Go with Orion for peace of mind.

[browningautorifle]

I don't know why you're dicking around with the spring. I'd have the rifle looked at and don't be trimming springs down. You could be buying into trouble.

[boatbod]

I don't know why you're dicking around with the spring. I'd have the rifle looked at and don't be trimming springs down. You could be buying into trouble.

I agree. A spring that was a little on the long side wouldn't cause the op rod to jump off it's track.

The reason I asked for photos earlier was to see if you might be dealing with a reweld or if there was some damage other than a bent rod that might cause things not to operate smoothly. Without more information, all our suggestions are just guesses at best.

[Snafu]

I had a wolff spring that produced slam fires - changed it to Orion 7 spring and never had one again

You Did?

[jdrindak]

I have read that the operating rod has a manufactured bend or curve. I am awaiting my first Garand and only have a limited knowledge. Find someone who is familiar with your gun and get a hands on opinion. If the operating rod cycles the bolt and a round into the chamber you are probably good to go but get some good advise before firing the gun. Best of luck.

[fredsbar1]

Just got my first M-1 Garand home and when I stripped to grease and oil it before going to shoot this weekend I found my Op rod is bent not horrible and I can see it has been fired lots with the bend (right at the point it enters the gas tube can see where it has rubbed for about an inch in the gas tube as well as on the rod) also after reading this thread I did measure the spring and it is aprox 20.6 inch uncompressed. I am guessing probably was fired with too hot a load. so I am asking and hoping someone in Canada or willing to ship one to Canada has a spare around or can point me to someone that does. please any help would be great . Or to tell it is supposed to go this way?
Thanks In advance

[browningautorifle]

Fredsbar1, I wouldn't worry about your op rod unless your rifle doesn't work. Did you shoot it? Try it first. The radical bend is normal and I can't tell if there's any other side bend. You may be able to get a spare op rod here in Canada by advertising but try your rifle first. The spring is probably OK too. You can call Brownells for a replacement but make sure you get Military spec not upgraded.

[E.Hall 43 m1]

I've been trying to date the parts of my gun and so far all the numbers point to april of 1943, with the exception of the op rod. It reads 6535382 HRA. Are the first numbers serial numbers or drawing numbers, or something else? If it is a serial number it seems a little late? just curious. Also I bought and old gun from some radom guy in the sticks so I could "dick with it" but i appreciate everyones concer for my well being. thanks -Eric

[browningautorifle]

The number indicates an H&R part from the early 50's probably. There should be a letter there too. Either first or under it. It just means the part was added for some reason, likely availability at the time. It'll work just fine.

[E.Hall 43 m1]

Well I just performed the tilt test (as advised) and it doesnt look good. It was more like the tilt and shake test. I tried just the op rod without the bolt and there seems to be a lot of binding against the barrel. I guess my heart was hoping it was just a spring. I got a number to a local gunsmith that a friend has used with great sucsess. I'm going to contact him monday.
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