M1 Garand Loading Issue?

[FireBirdGuy]

Hi Everyone!

I just received an M1 Garand from the CMP yesterday. MY FIRST ONE!!--4-month wait was worth it! It is a 1965 LEAD rebuild with all SA parts. The barrel is crisp and clean and the stock is G.I.

The first thing I did with it was to apply grease in the wear points and inspected the parts for any issues. Lastly, I used dummy-rounds to test feed and function. The gun feeds properly and everything works fine BUT whenever I load an en-bloc, the clip never "clicks" in causing the bolt to move forward. I can push the en-bloc down as far as possible and nothing "clicks". However, it will load when I rest my hand on the op rod, pull the rod back slightly and insert the clip. Then it clicks and feeds the round.

It seems like all the parts are working smoothly and correctly. Any thoughts as to why this happens? Poor en-bloc clip condition? Clip latch?

Note: When I don't have an en bloc in the magazine, I can push my thumb into the magazine and hear the "click" from the catch, sending the bolt forward. This only happens when I put a loaded en bloc in the gun.

Information

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[FireBirdGuy]

UPDATE: I tried it with a full en bloc. Put the 5 dummy rounds in the top and three real ones on bottom. Loaded perfectly fine. Maybe its something to do with dummy rounds being an odd size or the weight of a full clip.

[Bob Seijas]

It should have come from CMP perfectly timed and ready to go, they check them all pretty well.

[FireBirdGuy]

Thank you Bob! That is comforting to hear. I wasn't sure if I was missing anything or having the wrong form. I have applied the grease, cleaned and oiled the barrel today, and also oiled all of the other tighter parts--the sights, trigger group, and springs.Is there anything else I need to do before I shoot it safely?

[browningautorifle]

Take it to the range and load with 8 rds of live. It'll work perfectly. The dummy rounds could be hammered...hard to see from here...

[us019255]

Do not over lube the M1 or you will be wearing oil/grease on your shooting glasses after firing.
Hope this helps, Steve

When I first started shooting an M1 with a DCM (before CMP) club, you could always tell when one particular member had been the one to clean the club rifle you were using by all the oil all over your face!

[FireBirdGuy]

Thank you all for the awesome input! I am very interested in this rifle--It seems that you can never know enough history about it. Everyone's M1 has a different past which adds to the mystique of collecting them.

When I greased the M1 I remember some videos saying that a light film is all that's needed. It is tough to tell how much a light film of grease is. But, for me, I use Mobil 1 Synthetic Grease (red colored) and I applied enough so I could see a little red tint. It looked more oiled with a light red fill. Is that appropriate?

I was happy to find out you will get a "click" with a full clip. I wanted to be able to experience that part of the rifle. The dummy rounds must cause an issue but I did find it interesting that you don't hear a click when loading less than 8 rounds.

It seems that my rifle is ready to shoot then! The only thing I think I should do is inspect the gas plug/chamber. I haven't been able to open that yet to clean it.

[browningautorifle]

I have a feeling it was shipped to you ready to roar. I wouldn't worry so much and just take it out. There's liability involved in them sending an unfit rifle to a consumer...

[FireBirdGuy]

That's good to hear! I have heard that the CMP has wonderful customer service and takes great care with the rifles they build. I am glad they don't rush through the process even though the wait is 4 months to receive a rifle. Quality > Quantity!

[Charlie303]

Agree;

Take it to the range and load with 8 rds of live. It'll work perfectly. The dummy rounds could be hammered

If the dummy rounds are fired rounds and haven't been re-sized, they will cause loading issues