M1 Garand accuracy/ extractor problems

[3584ELK]

Howdy  

So, a few questions, and one comment for you guys.  I bought a "Tanker" Garand a couple of years back, and it has been fun.  Of course, accuracy is horrible compared to my bolt action sporters.  However, I can bust the gong (18") at 250 yds offhand, which is great fun.  

The last time I had it out, it suddenly stopped extracting cases.  A tap of the butt on the ground would allow the brass to fall free, so it wasn't a bad load/ case issue.  After disassembly, I found nothing unusual with the extractor, nor any other parts.  It extracts loaded rounds just fine.  Odd...so, while I had it apart, I looked at the muzzle crown, and it was horrible!  I re- crowned the muzzle and am anxious to see if it helped.  Now, how loose is "normal" play in the barrel?  I can take the front sight and rotate the barrel about .100" back and forth.  Does someone like Fulton Armory make washers to take up the barrel play?  

BTW, my load is W-W case, Rem 9 1/2M primer, 46.0 grains H4895, and a 147 gr. FMJBT.

[Fireball 57]

Banging the rifle butt to extract the round is not normal.  I would have that checked. While you are at it, ask the gunsmith what's the cost of "glassbedding" that action.  You might find the accuracy more to your liking.  OR, check Brownells for their glassbedding kits, do it yourself.  Those gents at the Colorado School of Trades in Denver would probably check the rifle out for ya.  Regards :-)

[3584ELK]

I should have clarified; the butt banging  :lol:  is used only after the extractor failed me.  Obviously, one does not want to run around doing that after each round.  :grin:

The cases come out fine, except for the ding in one area of the rim.  I am guessing this is normal for a Garand.  My handloads are pretty sane, just enough to make the rifle cycle properly.  I have not tried factory loads, which is a good idea.

I don't have small base dies, but the same dies are used to load for a Remington 760 pump.  There has never been any problems in that rifle, so I am thinking between that and the sloppy chamber in the Garand- no problem, right?

[John Traveler1]

3484elk,

That M1 tanker you described definitely needs some qualified gunsmith attention:

The sudden loss of extraction could mean that your extractor spring (in it's bolt recess) is weak, broken, or gummed up with dirt and firing residue.  LOTS of surplus M1 Garands have weak or worn extractors.  Statistically, the things most likely to fail on the M1 Garand design are ejectors, extractors, and their springs.

That loose barel is UNACCEPTABLE.  US Military specifications require that a properly headspaced M1 barrel will not unscrew with 100 lb-ft of torque.  You can have a sunsmith make up some washers to restore proper indexing and barrel tightness.  Headspace is no doubt incorrect too.
Continued firing with that loose barrel will damage the barrel and receiver threads.  It's probably related to your poor accuracy too.

As you may know, the M1 "Tanker" was never Government issue.  All the exisiting specimens were commercially cobbled up from surplus M1 Garand parts and an 18" barrel.  As such, you will encounter the entire spectrum of good quality M1 parts to junk non-spec rejects used to build up these guns.  

And yes, it is fine to use standard-base .30-06 loading dies.  The M1 chamber is slightly oversize for more reliable function, and standard dies have always worked fine for the M1 rifles I've serviced.

[cooper]

3584elk - do you really mean that the BARREL moves .1" or do you mean that the front sight on the barrel moves .1"?

[lefty o]

i'd venture to guess that your gas cylinder is loose on the barrel, not a loose barrel. it can be fixed.