I feel like an idiot. Been around guns all my life but I can't for the life of me figure out how to load the clip of an M1. I ordered one from CMP for my Dad's birthday and got it today. Even with the instructions that came with it, I can't figure out how to get cartridges into the clip nor how the empty clip goes into the magazine. Maybe the clip is bent or something. I think I see how the first shell goes in but the next one doesn't seem to want to slide down next to it. Does it require alot of force? I see the cutouts where projections on the clip are supposed to fit into the gun but it sure doesn't seem to want to fit in there! Anybody got any tips for me? I hate to give him the gun on his birthday and not be able to explain how to work it. Please, keep in mind, I own a number of modern firearms and understand safety and functioning. Just don't get this one.

Thanks

NoCAL

NoCal,

Go to this site, much info on care and feeding of the Garand.

hth

http://www.memorableplaces.com/m1garand/

NoCal,

Unless it has been modified you have to insert a loaded clip into the rifle, you can’t insert an empty clip and then try to load it with loose rounds.

Watch your fingers and thumbs when playing with it until you figure out and become comfortable with the bolt release system.

That sight helped. I got it figured out. Thanks for your responses.

NoCAL

And watch out for "M1 Thumb". It happens when you are pushing the loaded clip down into the rifle, release the bolt and fail to get said thumb out of the way. The old guys in the rifle club said that everyone gets it eventually.

Amen Sputster, can testify to the M1-Thumb on a first hand basis. I had just disassambled and reassembled my DCM M-1 (boy was that fun, like a 9 1/2 pound wristwatch) and was closing and opening the bolt to see if I had it right. I was so impressed with my gun know-how I wasnt paying attention and WHAM....caught like a bear in a trap. Took a couple days for the swelling to go down, nothing broken but my pride.

good luck and good shooting,
Eterry

quote:

Originally posted by sputster:
And watch out for "M1 Thumb". It happens when you are pushing the loaded clip down into the rifle, release the bolt and fail to get said thumb out of the way. The old guys in the rifle club said that everyone gets it eventually.

Sure prevention for M1 thumb: Push the clip down - hard - with the thumb (or the release if closing on an empty chamber) while holding the heel of the hand in front of the operating handle. Bolt flies forward, catches on the heel of the hand and you do a hand salute as it goes completely home with your thumb now safely out of the way.
An old Marine Gunny taught this young sailor this little trick many years ago and I have never forgotten it. Still have my thumb intact.

I'm giving the gun to my dad for his birthday. But I did try loading it once. The clip went in just fine. Didn't have any problems but I was being real careful loading the thing in my garage. I will tell my dad to be careful when in the heat of the moment ie charging targets he forgets and leaves a thumb where it shouldn't be.

Thanks all for your advice. Hope he enjoys his present.

NoCAL

Just for your reference, you can remove the Accelerator (a small and easily removed part) and totally eliminate the auto-bolt closing feature on M1’s. After removal everything still functions as it did except you have to manually release the bolt like on an M14/M1A...and no more M1 thumb to worry about.