Why???
A timing gauge does wonders for a body. There are four parts that control it. The problem seems to be worse the older and more worn out remaining Garands become.
I’ve spent considerable time and effort in getting this right on my four Garands. It’s a crap shoot most of the time to know which of the four parts to replace. I finally got them all timed and I don’t have that “thumb” problem.
Ian from Forgotten Weapons: “Oooh..”
That brings back memories.
I am a factory certified armorer for ruger mini 14s
Did this in armorers school. My right thumbnail is twice as thick as my left.
CC
I’ve used Garands for an embarrassing number of decades and never had it happen. I was taught to keep downward pressure on the loaded clip to prevent the bolt from closing, and to keep the edge of the same hand in front of the op-rod to stop the bolt in case it did release. That said, I did get an M1 thumb trying to single feed a Ruger Mini-14, and find it an accident very much worth avoiding.
I’ve been very careful to never let it happen, and I want to remain that way!
Looks like it would hurt like hell, especially if you did it twice in a short time, like whacking your finger with a hammer!
As I detest pain more than anyone I know I use my right thumb to hold the bolt back and with the rifle resting on the heel of my left hand I use the fingers of my left hand to seat the loaded clip/follower. A bit slower, and some say sissyish, but I can still hold my beer after a day of shooting.
Lots of interesting comments, but many did not watch the video. The situation depicted is what happens when the rifle is unloaded, either after the clip is ejected, or when inspecting an empty rifle. Many describe the sequence when reloading a clip. This video shows what happens when you use your thumb to push down the follower.
One of the first things that the Army taught you was how to execute inspection arms when you brought the weapon to port arms, use your left thumb to open the bolt, and after the weapon has been inspected, you use the back of your right hand to push the charging handle to the rear and hold it while your right thumb pushing the follower down. At that point, you let the bolt go forward slightly over the follower, but still controlling the charging handle with the back of your hand until you remove your thumb. Then let the charging handle go and the bolt will spring forward into the receiver.
It sounds complicated, but its not that hard, and its seldom done wrong more than once.