No more excuses, gonna try to fix the Garand!

[Podmonkey]

So my beautiful CMP Special Grade Garand has, for years now, had an issue with failures to extract. Can't even get through a single clip without the poor thing trying to ram a live round up the ass of an empty case still in the chamber. Internet says to clean the chamber, and I had very thoroughly done so. No dice. I'm wondering if replacing the extractor would solve the problem? Recent shade tree gunsmithing on the AR has given me the confidence and courage to try this myself. Doesn't seem very difficult actually. But is the extactor the likely culprit here? I wanna get that puppy back in action!

 

[Darth]

Does the extractor look damaged?

 

[Jsmegs77]

How does the chamber look? Pitting from corrosive ammo can cause extraction problems, as the brass basically fire-forms into the pits and then sticks. Just spitballing here...

 

[Podmonkey]

Does the extractor look damaged?

Nothing seemed out of the ordinary when last I checked. Its been years since I did anything beyond squirting oil in it though.

How does the chamber look? Pitting from corrosive ammo can cause extraction problems, as the brass basically fire-forms into the pits and then sticks. Just spitballing here...

Nah, chamber looks mirror smooth from what I remember. Its got the new Criterion barrel CMP puts on the specials and its only had Greek HXP surplus through it. I belive that is non corrosive stuff. Could the extractor simply be out of spec? Do M1 parts have total interchangeability? Or is the Garand like the Lee Enfield in that some of the parts need to be hand fitted?


When it ran this rifle was an amazing shooter.

 

[Jsmegs77]

Any chance the surplus you're shooting is lacquered? It's been years since I touched a Garand, and I was in my early teens at the time (shootin' with grandpa, then disassembling and cleaning, or more accurately, watching him do it).

 

[Podmonkey]

Any chance the surplus you're shooting is lacquered? It's been years since I touched a Garand, and I was in my early teens at the time (shootin' with grandpa, then disassembling and cleaning, or more accurately, watching him do it).

HXP brass is not lacquered, its supposed to be on par with Lake City ammo.

 

[GUNSICK]

You should really check out the chamber with a bore scope before screwing around with anything else.

 

[Podmonkey]

You should really check out the chamber with a bore scope before screwing around with anything else.

Don't have one of those.
Can a pitted chamber be rehabbed?

 

[Darth]

Hmm, lots of comments seem to be pointing towards hesitation. Is replacing the extractor really that hard on a Garand?

 

[Jsmegs77]

They're inexpensive enough, probably wouldn't hurt to replace. Brownell's lists them for $22.50.

 

[Podmonkey]

Hmm, lots of comments seem to be pointing towards hesitation. Is replacing the extractor really that hard on a Garand?

I looked it up, seems pretty simple. Biggest thing seems to be minding that the ejector doesn't go flying.

 

[Podmonkey]

They're inexpensive enough, probably wouldn't hurt to replace. Brownell's lists them for $22.50.

I was just thinking about getting a bolt refurb kit.

 

[Plater1]

You should really check out the chamber with a bore scope before screwing around with anything else.

If it has a new barrel then the chamber should be fine.

 

[GUNSICK]

If it has a new barrel then the chamber should be fine.

Just assuming it's not new since it's from the CMP.

 

[Plater1]

Just assuming it's not new since it's from the CMP.

Podmonkey says it has the new Criterion barrel installed by the cmp. Post #4.

 

[Podmonkey]

Just assuming it's not new since it's from the CMP.

its a special grade rifle. New barrel and stock on reciever with a mix of refurbished GI and new commercial parts. Looks like a factory new gun.

 

[GOYABEAN]

 

[Podmonkey]

CMP SPECIAL: (EXCELLENT)
CMP's new grade of M1 Garand. This rifle consists of a new production stock and handguard set with CMP cartouche, a new production barrel and new web sling. Receiver and most other parts are refinished USGI, but some parts may be new manufacture. Receiver may have pitting (as seen in the picture below). See item for details.

(Taken from the CMP website)

 

[Plater1]

Here you go $95 for the whole bolt: http://www.gunpartscorp.com/ad/547310.htm#547300

 

[Podmonkey]

Here you go $95 for the whole bolt: http://www.gunpartscorp.com/ad/547310.htm#547300

I think the bolt itself is fine. The rifle hasn't got more than 500 rounds through it since CMP fixed it up.

 

[Plater1]

I think the bolt itself is fine. The rifle hasn't got more than 500 rounds through it since CMP fixed it up.

In case you didn't want to attempt the extractor replacement.

 

[Podmonkey]

There she is up top there.

 

[Podmonkey]

In case you didn't want to attempt the extractor replacement.

Nah, I can do it.
But can Garand bolts be swapped around like that?

 

[Plater1]

Nah, I can do it.
But can Garand bolts be swapped around like that?

maybe not with used bolts but no problem with new ones. It should work well with the new barrel. Garands are a fine example of part interchangeability, they were massed produced by the million and made up of parts from dozens of subcontractors. It also goes without saying a true kick ass rifle.

 

[ProgSpear]

If not the extractor then maybe a bad/weak op rod spring? A weak spring might make it cycle too hard, overpowering the extractor? Just a guess...
G98a, Spring Kit
for $28 bucks it might be worth a try.

 

[Podmonkey]

If not the extractor then maybe a bad/weak op rod spring? Just a guess...
G98a, Spring Kit
for $28 bucks it might be worth a try.

How would a bad op rod spring affect extraction? The action sure feels firm, still takes a healthy yank to lock it back.

 

[ProgSpear]

My initial guess would be a bad extractor claw, but if the spring was weak it could contribute to the issue. I didn't even stay in a holiday inn express when it comes to Garand's, but I've read a few times that op rod springs are a replacement item for a reason. What does the FTE brass look like? Is there evidence the extractor tore the rim, e.g. the case was seriously stuck in the bore when it tried to extract? Is there a possibility the bore is a little tight?

 

[Podmonkey]

My initial guess would be a bad extractor claw, but if the spring was weak it could contribute to the issue. I didn't even stay in a holiday inn express when it comes to Garand's, but I've read a few times that op rod springs are a replacement item for a reason. What does the FTE brass look like? Is there evidence the extractor tore the rim, e.g. the case was seriously stuck in the bore when it tried to extract? Is there a possibility the bore is a little tight?

Brass looks normal, rim unblemished on FTEs. They usually pry out with little effort.

 

[ProgSpear]

Bad extractor spring? If you hand extract a round does it really throw it, or just kind of "phffft"? (technical gun term for fart)
Using snap caps of course, in case the liberal safety nazi stasi are lurking.

 

[Podmonkey]

Bad extractor spring? If you hand extract a round does it really throw it, or just kind of "phffft"? (technical gun term for fart)
Using snap caps of course, in case the liberal safety nazi stasi are lurking.

Not sure. But the ejection pattern has always been erratic.