Garand clip

[Guderian3rd]

I recently purchased an M1 Garand SN 1505184. I have always wanted to own one and jumped at the chance to buy one when it came up; however, aside from knowing that it was probably the best gun used in WW II, I don't know anything about them.
It came with 5 clips, and the problem I'm having with it, is that none of the clips will lock into place when they are pushed down. I have to hold down the clip and release the bolt carefully in order to chamber a round. The gun has also jammed twice while feeding a new round. On both occasions this deformed the fresh round, bending it sideways. Also when I am firing the gun I can feel a vibration in the stock. It feels as though there is a spring vibrating back a forth. Is this normal?
Aside from these problems the gun is in excellent shape and a joy to shoot when it doesn't jam. Any information would be appreciated, thanks.

Information

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[gulliver62]

The gun has a timing problem which sounds worse than it is. There are several pieces that play a part in holding and releasing the clip.
I would suggest buying at least one book on Garand assembly/dis-assembly so you can become familiar with the parts.
You likely need a new clip latch spring. It is also possible that some combination of the op-rod spring, op-rod catch, bullet guide are not playing well together.
You might start with fresh springs and go from there.

How is the lock-up? By that, I mean that the trigger group locks the receiver to the buttstock. This can be loose. It should take a reasonable amount of pressure to lock the trigger guard into place. If it is loose, that could be some of the vibration you feel.

[Guderian3rd]

Thanks for the response, I will pick up a manual on the Garand.
In regards to the lock-up, I can remove the trigger assembly without much difficulty, either with the bolt in the open postion or in the locked position.

[gulliver62]

I usually swap stocks or trigger groups for lock-up. But, you can shim by adding thin strips of wood along the bottom of the stock where the trigger group fits into the stock. It's the back edges of the area. You can add wood and then sand down till pretty tight or experiment with some shims that are not affixed.

The Walt Kuleck Garand Complete Assembly Guide is a nice book and the Duff Owners Guide. If you really want to get serious get a copy of Kuhnhausen's shop manual.

[Guderian3rd]

Thank you, I've already ordered Walt Kuleck Complete Assembly Guide, and will look for Kuhnausen's shop manual.

[Rick H.]

Thank you, I've already ordered Walt Kuleck Complete Assembly Guide, and will look for Kuhnausen's shop manual.

Both books are great resourse manuals. The Kuhnausen book is really detailed and can be a little too informative. I would strongly suggest that you try to latch on to someone in your area that is very familar with the Garand and have them give you a run down on the rifle. Books are books and no book can give you the "hands on" experience that a person well versed in this rifle can.
Rick

[Guderian3rd]

Garands seem to be pretty scarce in Canada. I've only come across two, the second I bought. I haven't attended any gun shows so I'm not sure if many would appear there. Not sure if there would be anybody around who knew much about them. Aside from the clip problem the gun is in excellent shape. The only thing that does not look original is the very forward top piece of wood before the exposed barrel and site. This wood looks a bit lighter than the rest, and may not be original. Would you know of a site or forum where I could find a value for the gun? I'm not interested in selling it, just currious as to it's value. Thanks.

[Rick B]

I have seen this on Tankers when the spring is to long also but doubt it is your issues unless you put a newly manufactured spring in and it is made incorrectly?? Always a possibility but the timing issue is most probably going to be it.. Rick B

[big bear]

Garands seem to be pretty scarce in Canada. I've only come across two, the second I bought. I haven't attended any gun shows so I'm not sure if many would appear there. Not sure if there would be anybody around who knew much about them. Aside from the clip problem the gun is in excellent shape. The only thing that does not look original is the very forward top piece of wood before the exposed barrel and site. This wood looks a bit lighter than the rest, and may not be original. Would you know of a site or forum where I could find a value for the gun? I'm not interested in selling it, just currious as to it's value. Thanks.

Actually, I think there are a fair number of garands here in Canada. I've had 10 of them over the years and have 5 in the vault right now It has been my impression that the ones we have here are frequently in great shape. My assumption being they are not fired much (not used in Service rifle matches,M2 ball ammo hard to come by, not popular for hunting/bush guns due to length and weight).Go to Canadian Gunnutz site and you will find a bunch of kindred spirits and get info on garand stuff. Current prices for garands run from $800Cdn up! Since I bought my M1D with scope for $800 I think the prices are abit steep, but I guess I've done got old.Cheers!

[browningautorifle]

I tend to agree with Big bear, I have two M1s in the rack right now. It's just location, you may not have many in your area. Don't get too worried about the feel of the rifle recoiling and don't assume it's too loose until you can get someone else to look at it. I haven't seen too many here in Canada that are out of shape. Most have been arsenal overhauled before release and I'll bet it's just unfamiliarity with the rifle that's causing your concerns. The timing thing is real though and again, what ammo are you using? What's your firing position and hold like? I get the odd stoppage with my 7.62 Garand and I just don't worry about it. Can you post pics? There's a sticky here about posting pics and they would answer a lot about condition.