Light Primer Strike on my Garand

[DennisCA]

I was on the range last Saturday and every so often, I would have a light primer strike. I was PPU 150 grain ammo, been using the same stuff I have used for years never had an issue with it. My rifle is one I bought from CMP a few years ago (I think CMP called it a RMCSPECIAL).
My guess the bolt needs to be taken apart and given a given a good cleaning.
(While I am at it, I'll take the rifle apart and give it a detailed cleaning as well - can't hurt)

Your thoughts?

[stevie]

Trade your bolt with 1990Husky? Good cleaning maybe in order or another hammer spring.

[smle-man]

Perhaps the bolt wasn't fully closed and the hammer finished closing it. This will give the appearance of a light primer strike. The rifle won't fire without the bolt fully rotated.

[19K]

Is your rifle properly greased? Sounds like it was out of battery, you fired and the hammer put the bolt into battery and gave it an appearance of a light strike

[kendog4570]

......The rifle won't fire without the bolt fully rotated.

Oh yes it will. Not supposed to, but it can happen. Partial battery fires can wreck the M1 in short order.


OP check this particular lot of ammo with a chamber gauge. Measure the head also and compare with the print or known good ammo like US M2 Ball. Quality control on ammo just ain't what it used to be.
Also check the chamber for crud. If it was working fine and all of a sudden this started happening these are the first places to look.

[Sailormilan2]

[smoothy8500]

Floating firing pin sometimes (often) leaves a dimple on the primer as the bolt slams home. Looks like a light strike.