Home > Springfield Armory > Firearms > Springfield Armory M1 Garand Instructions Manual

Springfield Armory M1 Garand Instructions Manual

    Download as PDF Print this page Share this page

    Have a look at the manual Springfield Armory M1 Garand Instructions Manual online for free. It’s possible to download the document as PDF or print. UserManuals.tech offer 5 Springfield Armory manuals and user’s guides for free. Share the user manual or guide on Facebook, Twitter or Google+.

    							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. 
    						
    All Springfield Armory manuals Comments (0)

    Related Manuals for Springfield Armory M1 Garand Instructions Manual