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Thought I'd try to make a little video on "Garand Thumb" ... after some discussions where people were absolutely adamant that you get it when loading a full clip into a Garand.
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Thanks for making that video. I've been trying inform guys that it's impossible to get one's thumb crushed while loading a full clip but many don't believe me. No sense giving the M1 a bad rap (pun not intended) that it doesn't deserve.
---------- Post added at 12:03 PM ---------- Previous post was at 11:59 AM ----------
To add to this, a worn or weak Enbloc will surely allow a cartridge to slip allot easier and snag your thumb as has happened. It happens at Perry during the matches and on the line while loading. I have personally seen it and those who shoot the Garand regularly and didn't just buy there 1st Garand 5 months ago can tell you this. Your spamming every forum with this false information and it isn't right. Rick B
John Holbrook makes a very nice device but it will not save the thumbs of anyone loading full clips. Those thumbs are safe. Loading partial clips is another matter and it could save a thumb perhaps.
It happens at Perry during the matches and on the line while loading. I have personally seen it and those who shoot the Garand regularly and didn't just buy there 1st Garand 5 months ago can tell you this.
You may have seen it happen while loading but they weren't loading full clips as that would be impossible. The bolt would have to override the top round to crush your thumb. That's not possible with the Garand design. If it was, then guys would be be loading a full 8 round clip and putting an extra round in the chamber to give them 9 rounds total. Can't be done.
Your spamming every forum with this false information and it isn't right. Rick B
Trying to correct a largely held misconception about a great rifle design is no easy feat.
Pick up an M1 and study the relationship of the bolt and a full clip of dummy rounds. Try to get the bolt to over ride the top round. You'll see what I mean.
You honestly are saying you cannot get your fingers snipped in anyway with a full clip?? No one ever said you had to put your thumb all the way in to get it bit and splitting hairs it a bit for this issue. Also the lug cannot pinch your thumb either? I have seen it done and arguing it as not possible is a bit much. Also are you basing this on a large thumb as we know everyone's thumb is the same size. Honestly to even think it is not possible is unfair and unfounded. Rick B
The edge of the bolt can pinch the thumb. I've done it. I've got big hands but it is still very possible to pinch it. Yes, at the time I had no idea what I was doing and let it drag a little too long and got it. No, it didn't rip my thumb off but it did catch my attention. If the spring is very heavy it makes it more likely. It is not something that will happen very much either and if you know what you're doing it will never happen.
I spent quite a bit of time during the late 60's early 70's putting rounds downrange over NM courses through Navy 7.62 Garands on various teams and never experienced an M1 Thumb. AND I AM LEFT HANDED! I also ran my Dad's for a while (before it was stolen) during the early 60's and did the high school & college ROTC bit (they had free ammunition for team members!!) including a summer at Ft. Polk, LA without ever having a problem. So in my mind, it is a nonexistent issue.
Just my .02 YMMV
Thumb" ... after some discussions where people were absolutely adamant that you get it when loading a full clip into a Garand.
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