Dumb beginner M-1 Garand question (really!)

[husky]

I just bought my first (non.22) rifle-an M 1 Garand. I acquired a clip of inert rounds to practice loading it.  I loaded the first clip and cycled the first round in and it ejected fine. Now the operating rod/bolt is stuck closed (on the second inert round). It feels like the bolt is being held by something, it won't budge, pull back or rotate. There is one inert round in the breech and 6 rounds in the clip. Any assistance would be gratefully received. I did remove the trigger group and couldn't see any obstructions.

[John Traveler]

Husky,

The stuck bolt situation you described happens all the time with dented or damaged cartridges.  The M1 operating rod offers little mechanical advantage when worked manually.

If loaded with live ammo, put safety on, CAREFULLY point rifle in safe direction, and smack the operating rod handle with a soft hammer (leather, lead, or copper), block of wood, or your boot heel.  That should free it.  You need to be careful when doing this of course, because of possiblity of the semi-auto firing as it slams shut.

If you can, press the clip release as you hold the operating rod and bolt back and release the clip and cartridges.

Strip the rifle and look for burrs and obvious friction points where the operating rod rubs against the receiver, bolt, and magazine follower.  Apply grease (automotive white lithium grease is good) to the cam groove, receiver groove, bolt, etc.

Examine your cartridges.  If dented or obvious damaged, don't use them again.

Good shooting to you!

John

[husky]

John: Thank you. That did the trick. Husky