27 Oct 2022 Garand Picture of the Day - 92nd Inf Div

[eb in oregon]

Can you explain what you mean in relation to the top cover not having been closed, please?

It has been already addressed I think in the video, but if the top cover isn't in place (not fully closed) the gun cannot fire. It will not cycle and without the top cover being in place I'm quite sure the bolt, even if released, will not strip a round from the belt. So, if the top cover isn't in place the gun is staged (ready to complete loading) with ammo but not capable of firing as with the cloth belt the round must be extracted from the belt and then positioned to feed and fire. That ain't happening without the top cover locked. At least to my thinking. And I'd bet money the bolt was forward and not charged.