[WYGrizzly]

This is the closest I can find to post this question in this place. I friend of mine is involved in VFW/Legion color guard. They have M1 Garands one of which will inconsistently fire blanks, leaving behind what is described as a 'light primer strike,' no ignition of the blank cartridge. I have not seen this happen and have little information to offer for consideration and possible problem solving or offering some insight form others here. I can tell you it occurs only with the one rifle using the same blanks for all other rifles. All rifles are setup for blank firing. All rifles are in exceptional condition, they came from Korea when they requested them and to me they look in unissued condition. The firing pin in the rifle in question does not stick, it moves freely in the bolt. The hammer spring has good force to it and the strike sounds normal. It is a Springfield rifle. I hope this information helps in a solution, I am not really familiar with Garand operation in this area, blanks, all that much.

 

[JayKosta]

Tell the shooter to LOOK to verify that the bolt is fully closed for each shot.
Weak oprod spring? rough chamber? use chamber brush to make sure 'shoulder taper' not dirty, ??

 

[nf1e]

Clean and lube the trigger group. Replace the hammer spring and firing pin while you have it apart. Most of the time it's just crud built up in the bolt and trigger group area that causes problems.

 

[WYGrizzly]

Tell the shooter to LOOK to verify that the bolt is fully closed for each shot.
Weak oprod spring? rough chamber? use chamber brush to make sure 'shoulder taper' not dirty, ??

Thanks for the input I will pass along your and anyone else's information I receive.

 

[WYGrizzly]

Clean and lube the trigger group. Replace the hammer spring and firing pin while you have it apart. Most of the time it's just crud built up in the bolt and trigger group area that causes problems.

Thanks for the input I will pass along your and anyone else's information I receive.

 

[smleenfield]

A check of the headspace would be a good idea. A lot of the old drill rifles have terrible headspace. I have one that will close on a No-Go gauge and it will rattle around in the chamber. I use a new bolt to shoot it but keep the old bolt so the rifle is still original. Weak hammer spring or short firing pin would be my first thought as an armorer. It would be interesting to see pictures of some fired brass from the rifle.

 

[WYGrizzly]

A check of the headspace would be a good idea. A lot of the old drill rifles have terrible headspace. I have one that will close on a No-Go gauge and it will rattle around in the chamber. I use a new bolt to shoot it but keep the old bolt so the rifle is still original. Weak hammer spring or short firing pin would be my first thought as an armorer. It would be interesting to see pictures of some fired brass from the rifle.

Thanks for the input I will pass along your and anyone else's information I receive. I do not know if there is any fired brass that was kept, but will ask and get a photo if possible.
Edit. I was told the firing pin indentation was 'light primer strike,' no way to quantify that term but not as noticeable as other rounds that did fire. Thanks again.

 

[Jakerou]

Has the firing pin protrusion been checked? Minimum is 0.044”. Might also not be a bad idea to clean out the firing pin channel in the bolt.

 

[1KPerDay]

I vote an over large chamber.

 

[WYGrizzly]

Has the firing pin protrusion been checked? Minimum is 0.044”. Might also not be a bad idea to clean out the firing pin channel in the bolt.

Thanks for the input I will pass along your and anyone else's information I receive. From what I saw my initial reaction was the firing pin was short compared to others, did not measure yet as you suggest. But there is still the misfire and then fire with the other loaded blank rounds, may be that those rounds that fired were primers not seated quite as deep. I looked briefly at the firing pin in the bolt it moved freely. Will add suggestions to the list of possibilities. Thanks again.

 

[WYGrizzly]

I vote an over large chamber.

Thanks for the input I will pass along your and anyone else's information I receive. I am looking for a no go gauge and or field gauge to check that as well. Will add to the list of things. Thank you for the reply.

 

[AzMedic]

CMP Support Link:

How CMP Supports Veteran Organizations - Civilian Marksmanship Program (thecmp.org)

TACOM
Ceremonial Rifle Program (army.mil)

 

[WYGrizzly]

CMP Support Link:

How CMP Supports Veteran Organizations - Civilian Marksmanship Program (thecmp.org)

TACOM
Ceremonial Rifle Program (army.mil)

Thanks for the input I will pass along your and anyone else's information I receive. I believe they have some of this information but will pass it along. They said someone would check and service yearly, they have not seen anyone in two years. Thanks again.

 

[WYGrizzly]

A check of the headspace would be a good idea. A lot of the old drill rifles have terrible headspace. I have one that will close on a No-Go gauge and it will rattle around in the chamber. I use a new bolt to shoot it but keep the old bolt so the rifle is still original. Weak hammer spring or short firing pin would be my first thought as an armorer. It would be interesting to see pictures of some fired brass from the rifle.

The fired brass was not kept, so no photo can be provided. Thanks again for your advice/input.

 

[Jeremy2171]

The fired brass was not kept, so no photo can be provided. Thanks again for your advice/input.

where are you located?

 

[WYGrizzly]

where are you located?

I passed on all the information everyone provided and the person in charge is going to contact CMP and work out an armorer connection. Thanks.