Trouble loading first round

[m1 novice]

I have a CMP M1 Garand. when loading a clip when the bolt closes it only closes part way if i give it a push it closes and operates just fine for the rest of the clip. Then next clip same problem I have field stripped the weapon and cleaned bot problem continues.
I would appreciate any help or suggestions.

Information

Warning: This is a relatively older thread This discussion is older than 360 days. Some information contained in it may no longer be current.

[Singer B]

A lot of Garands do that and from what I hear, it is normal. Mine does it also. Just tap the op rod lever and it should go right into battery. I kind of like it since it cuts down on my "M1 Thumb" incidents

[Bob Womack]

You even saw John Cantius Garand do it in his demonstration of the M1 rifle. Call it "forward assist."


Bob

[browningautorifle]

Agreed, some need a boost and some don't. Nothing out of the ordinary.

[Wineman]

Watch Gran Torino with Clint Eastwood. He puts in a clip but has to give the rifle just a nudge to seat the bolt. Mine always goes home, but I have had later rounds misfeed in rapid fire. Had one at the Western Games, mangled the bullet, but the shot was a 9 at 3:00. Go figure.

Dave

[Patrick Chadwick]

I had this trouble a couple of days ago with an apparently unused clip. I think it is just excessive spring pressure from the clip, so I'm going to take the offending clip and deliberately ease it out.

[Ovidio]

I think it is a great help. It saves you from the Garand Thumb.
Mine does it "almost" always. The problem is the "almost"...
She "almost" caught me once! Little B...tch

[browningautorifle]

I think it is just excessive spring pressure from the clip

Maybe...a little scotchbrite or emery paper and oil on the inside flats. It could be parkerizing, specially if they're "Greek black"... Smoother and almost finish removed makes them run easier sometimes.

[ed skeels]

I ran the clips that I use for Match's through my tumbler with walnut media. Slicks them up pretty good.

[m1 novice]

Thank you I had thought it was saving my thumb.

---------- Post added at 04:16 PM ---------- Previous post was at 04:11 PM ----------

Thank you all for taking your time to help. Every thing tells you watch out for your thumb but doesn't say the b0lt may stick. Thank you for easing my mind.