uncut op rod

[garandfan1974]

While reading Jim Thompsons book he stated that firing a Garand with a uncut op rod is dangerous. Is this true? I thought that the cut modification was for grenade firing. TIA

Information

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[Devil Dog]

Un-cut rods are completely safe to shoot.

[RCS]

the action on the M1 rifle will not eject the grenade cartridge when firing a
rifle grenade or signal/smoke grenade. The type of op rod is not effected by using rifle grenades

[jmoore]

Mostly dangerous if it breaks on the battlefield, leaving the operator w/ a more or less useless weapon!

Could be a bit exciting if you shoot LH, otherwise it just hurts the pocketbook and collector's feelings. If you're worried, get a late or modded op rod for shooting, and save the uncut for display. Or sell/ trade it for a "working" rod plus some boot!

ETA The radius cut was incorporated to extend the service life of the op rod, as the sharp corner acted as a "stress concentrator" leading to "fatigue failures" at that point. W/ the cut, the rod lasted longer, generally, moving the failure point upwards and toward less catastrophic life ending events (for the rod) such as cam slot or tab wear.

[RCS]

photos show the early gas cylinder lock screw (unmarked) which when installed, a stud on the M7 launcher will open the valve, which then allows
some of the gas behind the bullet to bleed off. With the lower gas pressure, the action of the rifle will not eject the empty garenade cartridge. The op rod is not affected.

[Devil Dog]

What happens when a grenade launcher is used with the earlier non-poppet lock screw?

[garandfan1974]

I think the older type screws wont accept the launcher.

[Bob Seijas]

"Thompsons book stated that firing a Garand with a uncut op rod is dangerous"

That will come as news to the millions of GI's who fought WWII with uncut rods

[garandfan1974]

Am I the only one who read this book? I was pretty sure this was b.s. but who knows?

[Bill Ricca]

What happens when a grenade launcher is used with the earlier non-poppet lock screw?

Can not happen. The M7 Grenade Launcher will not fit the Solid Lock Screw.