Springfield Armory M1 Garand Instructions Manual

							3.  Prepare the rifle for loading. Pull the operating rod handle to the
rear until the bolt is securely locked open. 
(See Figure 21-1).
Caution!Make sure the bolt is not simply resting against the follower. (See
Figure 21-2)
.If the bolt is not correctly locked back the bolt may
slam forward while you are loading the clip unexpectedly.
4. Loading a full clip. Grasp the rifle with your left hand just forward of
and under the receiver. Place the butt of the rifle on or against
something fairly solid such as your thigh, a table or the ground.
Using your right hand place the clip on the top center of the 
cartridge with your hand extended down the right side of the rifle 
so that your hand is just forward of the operating rod handle. Push
the clip down until it latches. The operating handle and bolt should
stay to the rear as long as downward pressure is maintained on
the top cartridge.
(See Figure 21-3).
Caution:Before pushing the clip down into the magazine you must keep in
mind that the bolt will slam forward immediately after the clip is
latched and you remove the downward force on the clip. So plan to
quickly move your right thumb and hand quickly up and to the right
to clear the bolt as it slams forward. If by chance you do this too
slowly the edge of your hand should catch the bolt and prevent it
from smashing your thumb. When loading a Garand clip the first
time and thereafter, visualize the entire process including the quick
removal of your thumb and hand before attempting it. Only by
concentrating on proper loading technique will you avoid an
“M1 - thumb.” If the prospect of having your thumb hit by the bolt is
unacceptable do not attempt to load your Garand.
21
Fig. 21-1Fig. 21-2
Fig. 21-3RightWrong
5. If the bolt fails to completely strip the first round from the clip it will be necessary to bump the operating rod handle
forward with the heel of your right hand to close the bolt.
6.  Loading a partial clip. Start by holding the rifle as you would when loading a full clip. (It may help if the rifle is
closer to horizontal for this.) Place an empty clip into the magazine and place one cartridge into the clip on either
side of the follower slide. Then remembering to keep your hand along the side of the rifle in front of the bolt handle
press the second cartridge down with your thumb until it snaps in place. Additional cartridges may be inserted in
this manner.
Caution:Always keep your hand in front of, not on the operating rod handle to catch the handle and prevent the bolt
from slamming forward if the bolt is inadvertently released. (Once attempting this procedure you will realize
the benefits of always loading a full clip.) When you have completed adding cartridges, carefully use the
edge of your hand to push back against the operating rod handle until the bolt is unlatched. When the bolt is
unlatched press the clip down with the right thumb and allow the bolt to start forward pushing the top
cartridge toward the chamber. Once this is done remove your right thumb and smartly flip your hand up and
to the right allowing the bolt to slam forward and close.
7.  It is not recommended that cartridges be loaded one at a time. However, a single loading device is available for
NRA competition where loading single rounds is required.
22 
						

							UNLOADING
1.  Point the muzzle in a safe direction.
2.  Put the safety “ON”
3.  Place the rifle butt against your hip or thigh or support the butt of
the stock on a table or bench. Place your right hand along the
receiver and using your right thumb over the operating rod
handle pull the bolt slowly to the rear. While doing this place your
left hand over the receiver to catch the cartridge as it is removed
from the chamber and ejected. (See Figure 23-1).
4.  Next pull the operating rod completely to the rear and hold it
there. It may be of assistance to grip the rifle with the right hand 
to hold the bolt completely back.
5.  Place the fingers or palm of your left hand over the clip and
depress the clip latch with your left thumb. (See Figure 23-2).
At this time the clip and cartridges will pop into your left hand.
Caution:Do not allow the bolt to move forward while unloading.
The top cartridge may get pushed forward and interfere
with the ejection of the clip.
23
Fig. 23-1
Fig. 23-2
How to have an empty chamber with cartridges in the magazine.
(This cannot be done with a full clip)
1.  Point the gun in a safe direction.
2.  Pull the operating rod handle to the rear to remove the cartridge from the chamber and hold the handle to the rear.
3.  Depress the top cartridge and slowly allow the bolt to move forward overthe top of the cartridge about an inch.
4.  Remove your thumb from the cartridge.
5.  Allow the bolt to move forward into the empty chamber.
Caution:If this procedure is not properly performed a cartridge may be chambered creating a dangerous
condition. To avoid this carefully observe the bolt as it closes to make sure that a cartridge is not
inadvertently chambered.
How to close the bolt with an empty rifle.
1.  Place your right hand along side of the open operating rod.
2.  Using the edge of your right hand, push the operating rod slightly to the rear and depress the follower with your
right thumb.
3.  Slowly allow the bolt to move forward overriding the follower.
4.  Remove your right thumb.
5.  Slowly allow the bolt to move forward until it is fully forward.
Caution:Allowing the bolt to slam forward on an empty chamber
is hard on the rifle. Avoid it whenever possible.
24
Always wear eye and ear protection when
using any firearm. Safety and instruction
manuals are available from Springfield, Inc. 
						

							FIRING THE RIFLE
WARNING: BEFORE AIMING AND FIRING YOUR RIFLE BE SURE IT IS SAFE TO DO SO. KNOW WHERE YOUR 
BULLET WILL BE STOPPED.
When the rifle is loaded and you intend to fire, aim at your target, move the safety to the off position and pull the 
trigger. Expect the gun to fire loudly and recoil. Do not drop the rifle. The M1 Garand will automatically chamber a
live round from the clip after each shot until the clip is empty. When the clip is empty it will automatically eject from
the rifle and the bolt will lock back. When through firing put the safety “ON” and unload the gun. Always keep the
muzzle pointed in a safe direction.
A rifle may be fired from various positions. (See illustrations at the back of the manual.) If you are unfamiliar with
shooting a rifle you should get instructions from a competent instructor before attempting to fire your rifle.
This manual does not attempt to provide instruction on marksmanship, hunting, self defense or the
many other uses of a rifle. Each firearm discipline requires training and practice from a competent
instructor. Do not attempt to use any high power rifle such as an M1 Garand for home or neighborhood
defense without prior training and consideration of other options.
MAINTENANCE
Your M1 Garand rifle is one of the finest military-type rifles ever built. Very little maintenance is needed to keep
your M1 Garand in superb condition. Disassembly should be kept to an absolute minimum. This is especially true
with National Match and Ultra Match rifles, whose actions are glass bedded to their stocks. Unnecessary removal
promotes wear, sloppy fit, inaccuracy and defeats the purpose of the bedding. Please do not field strip your
match rifle unless it is absolutely necessary.
WARNING
25
CLEANING THE GAS SYSTEM
The gas system should be cleaned periodically to prevent the build up of carbon deposits
and prevent erosion. Use a M10 (See Figure 26-1)or early issue (See Figure 26-2)combo
tool to remove the gas cylinder lock screw. Do not attempt to remove the gas cylinder from
the barrel as this can loosen the fit and degrade accuracy. Use a cleaning rod, patches,
and powder solvent to clean the gas cylinder. Use powder solvent to clean the gas cylinder
lock and screw.Heavy carbon build up may need to be chipped or scraped away. Apply a
thin film of grease to the gas cylinder lock screw threads when reassembling.
CLEANING BORE & CHAMBER
The bore and chamber should be regularly cleaned using proper equipment. Modern barrels
shoot better when clean. To properly clean the barrel you should remove powder fouling
and gilding metal from the bore, clean the flash suppressor and clean various residue from the chamber. When cleaning
the barrel, place the rifle upside down to prevent solvent, oil, etc. from entering the stock and the gas system.
26
Fig. 26-3 Fig. 26-1
M10 Combo
Tool
Fig. 26-2
Early Issue
Combo Tool 
						

							CLEANING THE BORE
Boresolvent such as Shooters Choice®or Hoppe’s Bench Rest®(not regular) is recommended when cleaning your M1
Garand bore. Place rifle with sights down and run wet patch through the bore. Let soak for 20 to 30 minutes then run
dry patches through bore until patch comes out clean. Use bronze bore brush sparingly to help loosen particles.
NOTE:Put solvent on brush - not brush in solvent!Clean brush thoroughly afterward with gun scrubber, lighter
fluid, etc. Good solvent will attack the brush.
CLEANING THE CHAMBER
The chamber should be cleaned periodically with the chamber cleaning brush.
The following procedure is used with the rifle assembled and the bolt locked
back and the safety on. Apply a light coating of bore cleaner into the chamber,
insert early issue combo tool chamber brush into chamber. Work the brush back
and forth in a twisting motion several times to scrub the chamber. Remove the
brush from the chamber. Use a clean patch to wipe the chamber. Repeat with
clean patches until patches come out clean. Do not oil chamber as chamber
was designed to operate dry.Fig. 27-1
27
STOCK
Once a year, on oil-finished stocks, a light coat of tung oil or boiled linseed oil applied to the exterior wood surface is
favorable but not necessary. After applying, immediately wipe wood dry with paper towel.
STORAGE
Consideration toward safety is paramount in storing your M1 Garand. The rifle should be unloaded with the safety on. A very light film of
high quality oil should coat the bore and all metal surfaces. Periodic inspection of your M1 Garand should be performed, especially in
environments where high or fluctuating temperatures and/or humidity is present. Use a gun lock when the rifle is stored (See Figure28).
Fig. 28
28
Gun Lock
Gun Lock Gun Lock Cable
Goes Through Barrel 
						

							MUZZLE PROTECTOR
Springfield Armory suggests their muzzle protector, (See Figure 29-1), 
as a useful addition to M1 Garand storage. NOTE: Not available for muzzle
brake equipped M1 Garand rifles. This low cost cover not only keeps dirt,
moisture and particulate matter from damaging the rifle bore, but also protects
the front sight and bayonet lug from “dings” and mild shock. 
A clean, dry area, secure from children’s curiosity, is ideal for safe 
storage of your M1 Garand rifle.  Always use a gun lock when not in use.
(Muzzle protector can not be used with gun lock in place.)
REAR SIGHT PROTECTOR
A rear sight protector, (See Figure 29-2),is available to protect the
rear sight aperture and adjustment knobs and is recommended by
Springfield Armory.
Springfield Armory offers a complete line of options and accessories 
to accommodate your M1 Garand. Please refer to our general
catalog and current price list. Write to: Springfield Armory,
420 West Main Street,Geneseo, IL 61254, or visit our website at 
www.springfieldarmory.com.
Fig. 29-1
Fig. 29-2
29
SIGHTS
CAUTION: The sights are not zeroed at the factory. All sights should be “adjusted and sighted in” immediately in
order to shoot accurately. A standard sighting in procedure is set forth in the article by Duff and Miller enclosed 
with your rifle.
Note “V” notch at rear edge of hooded aperture. When notch is turned from the “down” position to the up position,
your zero will move up a 1/2 minute. When the notch is turned to the “down” position, your zero will move down. 
Most shooters sight in with the notch down. The M1 Garand standard rear sight does not have a hooded aperture.
.
MATCH SIGHT FINE ADJUSTMENT
Your National Match rear sight, (found only on National Match and Ultra
Match rifles), has a 1/2 minute of angle elevation adjustment feature built 
into the hooded aperture eyepiece (See Figure 30).
2
4
11
A. Elevation Knob
B. Elevation Reference Point
C. Windage KnobD. Windage Reference Point
E. Hooded Aperture Eyepiece
Fig. 30
Always wear eye and ear protection when using any firearm.
Safety and instruction manuals are available from Springfield, Inc.
30 
						

							DISASSEMBLY/ASSEMBLY
The Standard M1 Garand has been designed to be taken apart and put together easily. No force is needed if it is 
disassembled and assembled correctly. However, the frequency of disassembly and assembly should be kept to a 
minimum. Constant disassembly causes excessive wear of the parts and leads to their early unserviceability and to 
inaccuracy of the rifle.
Please do not field strip your match rifle unless it is absolutely necessary.
THE THREE MAIN GROUPS
The three main groups are the trigger housing group, the barreled receiver group, and the stock group.
Prior to disassembly, put safety on and unload the rifle!
Trigger Housing 
Group
Stock Group
Barreled Receiver Group
Always wear eye and ear protection when using any firearm.
Safety and instruction manuals are available from Springfield, Inc.
31
DISASSEMBLY
Point the gun is a safe direction. Unload the rifle and close the bolt prior to 
disassembly (See Page 24)
.
To remove the trigger housing group place the rifle upside down with barrel
pointing away from you. Grasp the forend with one hand. Grasp the rear of the
trigger guard with the thumb and forefinger of your other hand and pull upward
and outward until the mechanism is released. Lift out the trigger housing group
(See Figure 32-1)
.
To separate the barrel and receiver from the stock, lay the rifle on a flat 
surface with the sights down and muzzle to the left. Grasp the top of the 
forend with the left hand and with right hand grasp the rear sights/receiver 
and pull down. With a standard rifle the stock should separate easily. If 
not, with the rifle in this upside down position, raise the buttstock and strike
down firmly on a hard surface against the stock’s comb while pulling the
receiver down with right hand (See Figure 32-2).
CAUTION: DO NOT ATTEMPT DISASSEMBLY OF NATIONAL MATCH OR
ULTRA MATCH GARAND WITH THE ABOVE METHOD OR THE STOCK
MAY BE BROKEN OR DAMAGED.
Fig. 32-1
Fig. 32-2
32 
						

							DISASSEMBLY OF BARREL AND RECEIVER GROUP
Warning: Removing the operating rod spring is a dangerous procedure. If not 
properly held, the spring will eject the follower rod and could injure you or a
bystander. Wear eye protection at all times.
1. Place the barrel and receiver group on a flat surface, sights down, muzzle to the left, bolt closed. Grasp the follower rod and pull it
towards the muzzle, disengaging it from the follower arm. Lift up slightly, slowly releasing the spring pressure, and remove the operating
rod spring and follower rod from the rifle. 
(See Figure 33-1).
2. Remove the follower arm pin. (See Figure 33-2).
WARNING
33
Fig. 33-1Fig. 33-2 Follower Rod
Follower ArmFollower
Bullet Guide
Follower Arm Pin
3. Lift the operating rod catch assembly, bullet guide, and follower arm away from the receiver. (See Figure 34-1).
DO NOT ATTEMPT TO REMOVE THE ACCELERATOR AND PIN FROM THE OPERATING ROD CATCH ASSEMBLY.
Fig. 34-1 Op Rod Catch
Assembly
Bullet
Guide
Follower Arm
34 
						

							4. Lift the follower assembly out of the receiver. (See Figure 35-1).
5. Pull the operating rod to the rear until it is aligned with the rear of the disassembly notch. Using an upward and
outward movement disengage the operating rod from the receiver. 
(See Figure 35-2). Remove the operating rod by
pulling to the rear and then downward. M1 GARAND OPERATING RODS ARE BENT BY DESIGN, DO NOT
ATTEMPT TO STRAIGHTEN OR ALTER YOUR OPERATING ROD.
Fig. 35-1
Always wear eye and ear protection when using any firearm.
Safety and instruction manuals are available from Springfield, Inc.
35
LEFTLEFT
Fig. 35-2 Disassembly
Notch
Follower
Fig. 36-1
BOLT EXPLODED VIEW
The bolt should NOT be disassembled.  
It does NOT require internal cleaning.  
To disassemble the bolt requires a 
special re-assembly tool.  
Any problems with the bolt 
should be dealt with 
directly by a professional 
Springfield technician.
36 
						

							REMOVING THE BOLT
Grasp the right lug and, while sliding it forward, lift it upward and outward to the right front with a slight counter-
clockwise rotating motion (See Figure 36-1).
ASSEMBLY OF BARREL & RECEIVER GROUP
REPLACING THE BOLT
Place the barrel and receiver on the table, sights up, muzzle pointing away from you. Hold the bolt by the right lug and
place the rear of the bolt on the bridge of the receiver, with the firing pin tang pointed down. Turn the 
bolt slightly clockwise until the tang of the firing pin clears the bridge. Guide the left locking lug of the bolt into its groove
in the left slide of the receiver. Lower the right locking lug on its bearing surface and slide the bolt halfway to the rear.
REPLACING OPERATING ROD
Holding the operating rod at the handle, place the front end into the gas cylinder, and posi-
tion the rod so that the recess in the operating rod hump fits over the right bolt lug. Move
the operating rod handle to the left until the operating rod guide lug fits into the disassem-
bly notch on the receiver. Then push the operating rod forward until the bolt is closed.
Reinstall remaining components in reverse order. Referring to the drawings will aid in reassembly of the gun. Insure
that the extension on the operating rod catch is under the tab of the clip latch. (If you push against the
37
WARNING
REFERENCE MATERIALS INCLUDED
1. Department of the Army Field Manual, FM 23-5
2.  Zeroing M1 & M1A service rifles by Scott Duff & John Miller.
3. Article on Slam Fire by Wayne FAATZ.
If a copy of these articles are missing or additional copies are desired, send request to Springfield, Inc., 420 West
Main Street, Geneseo, Illinois 61254, with name and address for a free copy.
*TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS MAY BE ALTERED WITHOUT NOTICE.
Always wear eye and ear protection when using any firearm.
Safety and instruction manuals are available from Springfield, Inc.
38 
						

							40
M1 GARAND EXPLODED VIEW
39 #Name
1Receiver
2Follower
3Follower Rod
4Follower Arm
5Follower Pin
6Bullet Guide
7Clip Latch
8Clip Latch Pin
9Clip Latch Spring
10Stack Swivel
11Stack Swivel Screw
12Gas Cylinder
13Lower Band Pin
14Lower Band
15Op Rod Catch 
Accelerator
16Op Rod Catch Stripped
17Gas Cylinder Lock
18Gas Cylinder Lock 
Screw
19Op Rod Catch Pin
20Op Rod
21Op Rod Spring
22Bolt
23Firing Pin
24Ejector (Bolt)
25Ejector Spring
26Extractor
27Extractor Spring
28Extractor Plunger
29Trigger Housing
30Trigger Guard, Stamped
#Name31Ejector, Clip
32Trigger and Sear Assembly
33Hammer
34Hammer Spring
35Hammer Spring Plunger
36Hammer Spring Housing
37Hammer Pin
38Trigger Pin
39Safety
40Elevation Knob
41Windage Knob
42Aperture
43Base, Rear Sight
44Rear Sight Cover
45Front Sight, Std.
46Front Sight Screw
47New Walnut Stock 
w/o Hardware
48New Walnut Front
Handguard
49New Walnut Rear 
Handguard
50Butt Plate Assembly
51Rear Swivel
52Butt Plate Machine Screw
53Butt Plate Wood Screw
54Front Ferrule Screw
55Front Swivel
56Front Ferrule
57Handguard Clip
58Handguard Band
59Barrel
LEFTLEFT
LEFTLEFT
LEFTLEFT
LEFTLEFT
THE FOUR BASIC SHOOTING POSITIONS
StandingKneelingSitting
Prone 
40Springfield Armory  M1A Rifle  Pictured.