U.S. M1 Carbine Questions

[Freebird76]

I have 2 carbine reassembly questions:

1. When sliding the trigger housing back onto the bottom of the receiver, the retaining pin enters from the right side (same side as the safety and mag release) correct? That's how I do it. This time, for some reason, there is a little wobbliness where the trigger housing and receiver meet and I can't figure out why. I've heard that some tolerances are by design, and help with reliability and interchangeability. I wanted to know if this was one of those cases or should I take some other measures to tighten it up?


2. When tightening the screw on a type 3 barrel band with bayonet lug, should the threads be showing through on the left side of the band about a 1/4 inch when fully tightened? It seems incorrect, like the end of the screw could easily get hung up on something.

If anyone has any information they could share, I would really appreciate it.

[Spiggy]

1. wobbliness is normal

2. yes. Though you don't have to. Also, Did you know you can also use the rim of a .30carbine case? that's why the screw is funny shaped

[Milsurp Collector]

A loose fit between the triggerhousing and receiver is OK and makes it easier to disassemble the carbine. If it is too loose for your liking you can tighten it by peening the triggerhousing lugs, but never do anything to the receiver lugs because it can ruin the receiver.

From the carbine techinical manual TM9-1276

e. TRIGGER HOUSING LOOSE ON RECEIVER. (1) If T-shaped lug
on rear end of trigger housing becomes worn so it becomes a loose
fit in retaining L-shaped lugs on rear end of receiver, peen lightly to
spread lug, then file to fit.
(2) The forward lugs of trigger housing may be similarly treated
to attain close fit.
Caution: Do not peen or squeeze in the lugs on the receiver as they
are hardened. Any attempt at tightening should be done by peening
of trigger housing lugs when necessary.

[Freebird76]

Thanks Spiggy and Milsurp collector. I appreciate your replies. I will probably just take the carbine and fire it at the range in its current state. If it gives me any trouble I'll peen the trigger housing lugs. If no trouble, I'll just leave it alone.