There's another quirk of the M1 that you may be experiencing. I use the process outlined by Mikey, and I've noticed that there are typically two distinct points in loading the M1 that result in an audible click. As you are pushing the loaded en-bloc down into the receiver (using your thumb, with the blade of your hand in front of the op-rod handle as a precaution), it will get real tight and you experience the first 'click'. At this point, my SA's bolt will travel forward a very slight amount, perhaps 1/8" or so. Your first instinct of preservation of course is to remove your hand as fast as possible, but at this point, *keep the pressure on the en-bloc*. Only if you ease up will the bolt continue to slam forward. Otherwise it will only jump forward a slight amount. As you continue to push down on the en-bloc it will eventually lock in (the second point I referred to). At this point, as soon as you let up pressure on the en-bloc the bolt will most likely slam forward and load the top round. This is the moment you wish to jerk your thumb out of the hole. Occasionally my bolt will remain where it was, and I have to give the op-rod handle a tap with heel of my hand. Typically the bolt just slams shut. I'm sure others have experienced this phenomenon. It's detailed as well in the Loading section of the CMP M1 Garand Owners manual, pretty much exactly as I've described it. I just elaborated a bit. The manual actually says to merely use your thumb without referring to using the blade of your hand as a precautionary measure. I prefer to err on the side of caution. Never hurts. Good luck!
