M1 Garand slamfires have been discussed in many threads, but how many have heard of using a SLED to single load the Garand?
Most know that the free floating firing pin strikes the primer when the bolt slams into battery. That is why GI ammo uses a bit harder/thicker primer than most civilian primers. The Garand receiver provides a stop for the firing pin to prevent contact with the primer until bolt is fully in battery if receiver and firing pin are within spec. Below, the tail of firing pin is restricted until bolt turns into battery; even so the firing pin will still mark the primer as the bolt slams home, thus the harder primer cups.
It is common practice for competitors and casual shooters to single load their Garands by dropping the round into chamber and releasing bolt to slam home. Letting bolt fly, as opposed to easing it down is recommended to assure rifle going into battery, but this practice allows the bolt to slam harder when not slowed by friction of the round being stripped from the clip. IF you choose to single load, it is not advisable to let bolt slam forward full force. I usually drop round in, ease bolt shut and, using heel of right hand bump op rod handle to assure rifle is completely in battery. Or, you can use a SLED (Single Loading Enhancement Device) which provides the required friction to slow bolt travel velocity:
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While you're at it, you can make reduced round clips to comply with local game laws. TX does not restrict magazine capacity, but just for kicks, I made a 2 round clip that some service rifle competitors like. I tried it but found it easier to just drop the clip in the magazine well and insert the two rounds into clip. That is not an option for hunters, however so here's a picture of reduced round clip if you're interested.
No discussion of the M1 is complete without the mention of loading the Garand to avoid the dreaded M1 thumb. Using the blade of right hand on op rod handle to restrict forward travel of bolt while pushing loaded clip down with thumb pointed toward the muzzle of the rifle insures the shooter's thumb will not become the mouse.
Most know that the free floating firing pin strikes the primer when the bolt slams into battery. That is why GI ammo uses a bit harder/thicker primer than most civilian primers. The Garand receiver provides a stop for the firing pin to prevent contact with the primer until bolt is fully in battery if receiver and firing pin are within spec. Below, the tail of firing pin is restricted until bolt turns into battery; even so the firing pin will still mark the primer as the bolt slams home, thus the harder primer cups.
It is common practice for competitors and casual shooters to single load their Garands by dropping the round into chamber and releasing bolt to slam home. Letting bolt fly, as opposed to easing it down is recommended to assure rifle going into battery, but this practice allows the bolt to slam harder when not slowed by friction of the round being stripped from the clip. IF you choose to single load, it is not advisable to let bolt slam forward full force. I usually drop round in, ease bolt shut and, using heel of right hand bump op rod handle to assure rifle is completely in battery. Or, you can use a SLED (Single Loading Enhancement Device) which provides the required friction to slow bolt travel velocity:
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These are available for around ten bucks, or you can make your own from a regular clip using a hacksaw or a Dremel cut off tool:
While you're at it, you can make reduced round clips to comply with local game laws. TX does not restrict magazine capacity, but just for kicks, I made a 2 round clip that some service rifle competitors like. I tried it but found it easier to just drop the clip in the magazine well and insert the two rounds into clip. That is not an option for hunters, however so here's a picture of reduced round clip if you're interested.
No discussion of the M1 is complete without the mention of loading the Garand to avoid the dreaded M1 thumb. Using the blade of right hand on op rod handle to restrict forward travel of bolt while pushing loaded clip down with thumb pointed toward the muzzle of the rifle insures the shooter's thumb will not become the mouse.