First Time Garand Owner

[TheBest]

So, when my SG Garand arrives in forever, I plan on doing this:

• http://www.garandgear.com/how-to-per...your-m1-garand
• http://www.garandgear.com/detailed-c...your-m1-garand
• http://www.garandgear.com/inspecting-your-m1-garand

I don't feel equipped for some of the steps such as cleaning and inspection. I feel like I can take it apart and put it together, and at least field strip.

Should I just have a gunsmith inspect it instead?

[Lone_Gunman]

Naah, do it yourself. It's really not that hard, and it gives you a real appreciation for the design of the rifle.

[ThemBastards]

Naah, do it yourself. It's really not that hard, and it gives you a real appreciation for the design of the rifle.

This^. There are also videos on youtube.

[Paltik]

I'm not skilled at gunsmithing or anything, but I did this by myself with my Garand. Had a bunch of Zep Citrus Degreaser and some brushes, and detail stripped the Garand, stripped the grease, then re-assembled everything. I had to run out for a punch at one point with a stuck clip release pin, had to do the trigger assembly twice as the first time I had a pin in from the wrong side, and the whole process took way to long (a good 6 hours) but I was glad I did it.

[TMB 1]

I agree do it yourself. Milsurps forum has some youtube videos in their M1 Garand section that are good for beginners.

[Enfield47]

It's actually pretty easy to disassemble, clean and reassemble. Watch the videos and post questions here if you get stuck. I had some trouble with the trigger assembly reinstallation, the trigger guard didn't want to lock in place. I had to put my weight onto it to get it snap back in. I was afraid I was going to bend or break something, but I learned from others here that they are meant to be tight and that I could even use a mallet to whack it into place if necessary.

Have you ordered a new op rod spring yet? If not, they are cheap and worth picking up. I like buying local when I can so I got mine from Garand Gear along with some enclips. You should also check out their ported gas plug so you can shoot commercial ammo in your Garand.

[ditchdigger]

If you are going to disassemble/reassemble the bolt I suggest putting it in a large, clear plastic bag. It will contain springs in case anything slips out of place.

The CMP sells a bolt disassembly/assembly tool. This is different than the M1 tool that is stored in the butt stock. It is a hand held press. Put the bolt in it and squeeze and it is disassembled. Line up all the pieces and put the bolt in it and squeeze and it is assembled. No chance of springs flying. It's great for those of us with bad eyes or fat fingers.

[JelloSF]

I'm currently going through the whole disassembly process. Everything is taken apart on my table right now except for the bolt. Since I didnt plan ahead (whoops!) I don't have the CMP or the regular M1 tool to disassemble it.

I know the smart move would be order the part and be patient, but you can imagine that with my excitement of cleaning, oiling, greasing and reassembling, patience is hard to come by right now.

A few questions regarding my options:
1. Can I disassemble the bolt by hand without a tool?
2. Is there something else I can use?
3. Can I degrease it and oil it without disassembling it?
4. Do I need to disassemble and degrease the bolt or can I just oil it and reassemble it?
5. Should I just order the part and wait?

If everyone recommends #5, I guess I could start degreasing and oiling all the other parts and put them back together and just stop assembly once I get to the bolt. I could also start working on getting all the cosmo off the stock.

Thanks everyone!

Here's a picture of where I'm at

[JelloSF]

Disregard. Found a youtube video (gotta love youtube) that showed be a good way of doing it by hand.

For those in the same boat, here it is:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qYM8JnI2CJg

[kurac]

the only thing that is a pain to put back together is the trigger group, everything else is pretty strait forward.

[TMB 1]

The same guy that made bolt video made one for trigger group. It's simple.

[19K]

yea the trigger group is probably the hardest out of everything to reassemble. the bolt you can do it with a punch.

[bruceflinch]

So Simple, even a Soldier can do it...

[Bodlfed66]

Just got my garand 2-3 weeks ago. AWESOME. I shot most of my ammo and little bit of another calgunner that was nice enough to bring his and meet me at the range for my first time with it. You are going to love it.

[rifle pimp]

Why can't you shoot modern ammo through a cmp special garand?