How to Troubleshoot an M1 Garand Rifle

Chamber Is Empty

• 1

  Keep the muzzle pointed in a safe direction. Wait 10 seconds in case the cartridge was equipped with a faulty primer that takes more time to ignite the powder. This is known as a "hang-fire," and your rifle may still fire after several seconds.

• 2

  Observe the bolt. If the bolt is closed, pull it back slowly to see if a cartridge is in the chamber. If no cartridge is in the chamber, your problem was a failure to feed. This means the bolt failed to pull a fresh round from the clip and slide it into the magazine.

• 3

  Close the bolt again. Then pull back on the operating rod handle just far enough to see if a round was chambered. If a cartridge is in the chamber, your gun is ready to be fired. If not, make sure your clip is properly inserted and try again.

• 4

  Replace the clip if your ammunition continues to fail to feed. If this does not solve the problem, your Garand should be serviced by a knowledgeable gunsmith.

Cartridge in the Chamber

• 5

  Hold the operating rod handle back. If you open the bolt and discover a cartridge in the chamber, keep the bolt at the rear of the action. If it slides forward it may take another round from the clip and drive it into the primer of the chambered round, causing it to explode.

• 6

  Eject the clip. Switch the safety on and remove the clip from the rifle. Then allow the bolt to slide quickly forward against the chambered round.

• 7

  Remove the cartridge. Pull back on the operating rod handle and see if the chambered cartridge is extracted by the bolt. If not, lock the bolt open again and use a screwdriver to lever the cartridge rim and withdraw it from the chamber.

• 8

  Insert a cleaning rod into the barrel. If a screwdriver is unable to remove the cartridge, put a cleaning rod down the barrel through the muzzle and push the cartridge out into the open action.

• 9

  Inspect the extractor and chamber. Clean both thoroughly, then try firing your weapon again. If the problem persists, take the gun to a qualified gunsmith.

Unfired Cartridge Is Ejected

• 10

  Lock the bolt back. This will prevent any unintended movement of the gun's firing action.

• 11

  Inspect the primer on the cartridge. If the indentation made by the firing pin is only superficial, the bolt was likely not fully closed when you pulled the trigger. If the indentation is profound, then the primer is faulty. Discard this ammunition.

• 12

  Release the bolt. This will chamber another cartridge. Point the muzzle in a safe direction and check to see if the bolt is charged fully forward. If not, lock back the bolt and inspect your ammunition and the chamber. If the chamber is dirty, or if your cartridges are improperly fitted, your bolt will not close properly.

Fired Cartridge Is Ejected, But No Bullet Leaves the Barrel

• 13

  Pull back on the operating rod handle and lock the bolt open.

• 14

  Remove the clip. The bullet is lodged in your barrel, and it is important that no other cartridges are fired before clearing the obstruction.

• 15

  Clear the barrel. Insert a cleaning rod or wooden dowel down the barrel and clear the bullet which is lodged in the barrel. If you are unsure how to clear the barrel, or if this problem persists, take your rifle to a gunsmith for inspection.