[Chasaway]

Okay...I’m not an absolute moron re rifles, but what do you mean, “...Pay close attention to the tightness of the gas cylinder retaining screw...”?

Can you be more specific for me?

Chasaway

[VR-21]

If you look at your unloaded rifle at the muzzle, the 'tube' beneath the barrel is the gas cylinder. A small hole on the underside of the barrel (the gas port) allows gas to enter that tube and push the operating rod back to cycle the weapon. You'll see what looks like a slotted 'plug' at the muzzle end of the gas cylinder. That's what I referred to as the cylinder retaining screw. It's threaded, and it is what keeps the cylinder in place. They will occasionally come loose and you should check them for tightness.

There's a book titled The M1 Garand: OWNER'S GUIDE that has just about everything you want to know about the Garand from an operational and maintainance standpoint. It's available from Fulton Armory (www.fulton-armory.com) and very much worth having for anyone who owns an M1. Fulton Armory specializes in parts & accessories for M1 Garands and Carbines. There are a few others outfits as well.