M1 garand Gas cylinder flying off

T

ToddHunt

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I just recently bought a m1 garand off the forum.
Barrel was filthy and I cleaned it up real good.
I tried shooting it today with m1 garand safe ammo and the gas cylinder flew off. Upon re-installing it I realized how weak the lock up was. I can just pull the entire gas cylinder assembly off.
I was going to try to order a new gas cylinder lock, but I imagine it could just as easily be the barrel threads are shot as well.
I just sold my other garand and I wish I had that cylinder lock to try out and see if it's tighter.
I was wondering if anyone has had this happen before and also if anyone thinks looking at the pictures it's likely the barrel threads are gone, or just the cylinder lock piece threads are no good. Thanks for any help in advance.
20230323_150803.jpg20230323_150411.jpg20230323_150510.jpg20230323_150459.jpg20230323_150445.jpg20230323_150411.jpg

20230323_150411.jpg
 
Barrel threads are 9/16-32-2A. Minimum major diameter is 0.5554”
Threads on the gas cylinder lock are same with minor diameter 0.5287+0.0034”
Gas plug same thread with major diameter 0.5625-0.006
 
In a lifetime of shooting the M1, that's the first I've ever heard of this happening.
I hope you get it figured out, worst case scenario is you'll need a new barrel.
 
Could be a combination of both. You can buy a replacement cylinder lock off Fulton Armory for pretty cheap:

Garand Cyl. Lock

I'd swap that out and peen the splines to tighten it down - then test. If that doesn't patch it up enough to shoot, reach out to CountrySide Gunsmithing (check the site sponsors sub-forum for contact info) about a re-barrel.
 
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Haha! Yah I reached out to Countryside already and already ordered a replacement cylinder lock . I think I can possibly fix it without rebarrel but we'll see.
The cylinder is definetly loose, I didn't consider if peening it would factor into the threads being no good. But I'll do that too if it might factor into the problem .
Appreciate the help/suggestions. The original owner/seller sure hasn't been offering any help.
East of Here said:
Could be a combination of both. You can buy a replacement cylinder lock off Fulton Armory for pretty cheap:

Garand Cyl. Lock

I'd swap that out and peen the splines to tighten it down - then test. If that doesn't patch it up enough to shoot, reach out to CountrySide Gunsmithing (check the site sponsors sub-forum for contact info) about a re-barrel.
Click to expand...
You think I should peen it down as well? It has left to right wobble that I noticed right away when looking at it to purchase.
I wasn't sure If that would make a difference in it sliding right off but I guess it can't hurt
 
ToddHunt said:
Haha! Yah I reached out to Countryside already and already ordered a replacement cylinder lock . I think I can possibly fix it without rebarrel but we'll see.
The cylinder is definetly loose, I didn't consider if peening it would factor into the threads being no good. But I'll do that too if it might factor into the problem .
Appreciate the help/suggestions. The original owner/seller sure hasn't been offering any help.

You think I should peen it down as well? It has left to right wobble that I noticed right away when looking at it to purchase.
I wasn't sure If that would make a difference in it sliding right off but I guess it can't hurt
Click to expand...
It certainly won't hurt. But even if it does not help this particular issue, that does not change the fact that if you can just pull the gas cylinder off by hand, it is too loose and needs to be peened. As you can see, if your gas cylinder is loose, so is your front sight. And if your front sight is loose, it is moving around from shot to shot and your rifle's accuracy is gonna suck.
 
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Peen the splines down. Grab a 12mm socket or so and lay it on the splines and give it a good wack. This is was a common method in the field, as the gas cylinder is removed/install it causes the splines to open up a hair.
While I've never seen one eject it self, I've seen them come close.
If you want to bring it by the shop, I can mic the threads. I love collecting these pieces of war history.
 
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