My Garand doesn't cycle, and I think its the gas tube

[browningautorifle]

that gouge in the bore is normal

Yes.

One common problem is alignment of the gas cylinder with the gas port in the barrel.

That's what I was pointing out too.

I replaced the op rod spring with an Orion stainless steel spring

I could recommend using GI springs, the replacements don't always measure up correctly.

I have Lake City and some 3rd world NATO stuff

That's a possibility too. Use good source ammo or load your own.

US military original clips are best. They usually cause a different stoppage though, yours sounds like insufficient gas.