Loading my M1 Garand

[mousegun]

If the rifle is correctly loaded with the thumb on a full clip as the training manuals and films demonstrate, the bolt will not close until the thumb pressure is released and no injury to the thumb occurs. Most Garand thumbs occur when performing inspection arms with an empty clip well, or when a newbie messes with a new CMP rifle without reading the book.
Just sayin'.

[OldShooter32]

I was always taught to load the en bloc clip so the top round was on the right in order to give better purchase when shoving down on it to load. It will shoot either way, but I noticed the Yutube guy had his "wrong." I am not sure if it matters all that much, but I load mine 'top right' anyway.

[Lifeon2whls]

When I was a kid and buying my first rifle, my father was telling me about "Garand Thumb" as he was in the Army during the Korean war. This scaredme off of the Garands as a kid and now that I want to buy a couple from the CMP he laughs and has showed me how they were trained to load their rifles.

[Orlando]

Loading first rd on right or left is nothing more than personal preference, it has nothing to do with the bolt closing on its own.
Personally I pay no attention to it, just however they happen to fall into the enbloc is how I load them

[ShooterDK]

Yep, that's normal. Google "Garand thumb".

After you done it the first time you probably won't do it again.

[Merc1138]

I was always taught to load the en bloc clip so the top round was on the right in order to give better purchase when shoving down on it to load. It will shoot either way, but I noticed the Yutube guy had his "wrong." I am not sure if it matters all that much, but I load mine 'top right' anyway.

Not sure how he had his "wrong" since it doesn't make a difference. It's simply personal preference for which side you want the round on when you're pushing it down. Some people care, others don't.

[finloq]

Yep, normal. You become quick, or end up with a very flat thumb. Actually if you keep your hand flat against the stock, and press against the bolt while pushing the en bloc down with your thumb, you should be fine. There are some vids on you tube that show this. Good luck with your Garand.

100%.