Avoiding the Garand thumb...

[Pro2A]

So I was checking out the Garand I just bought and I got bit... Any pointers on loading it and not getting bit by it? Is there something I am missing?

[NikeBauer21]

I really have no clue, since I am not fortunate to have one yet... but aren't you supposed to hold the carrier back while putting the clip in, and then release?

I'm just trying to use memory...

[Nate7667]

I would explain it, but this is less typing.

Google and Youtube are your friend.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zANFR_AwAA8

[Chainsaw]

There's some youtube videos about that, but it's pretty simple to avoid.

Keep the knife edge of your open right hand in front of the op rod handle (don't press it back)

Press the clip in with your thumb.

When its latched, "thumb your nose."

The op rod of a loaded rifle might actually need a tap forward to chamber a round.

[Hawk]

It takes practice. I hope you are practicing with and empty enbloc or snap caps and not live rounds. There is a bit of a difference on how it works/feels when using live rounds.

Check these links:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jRFam...eature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kXwHX...eature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rzoo4...eature=related

[Grizz2720]

M1 Thumb Boy are you lucky. ROTFLMAO. Been there done that learned my lesson.
Lock the bolt back push the clip all the way down. At the same time hold the slide back with the bottom edge of your hand. Remove your thumb and the edge of your hand quickly the bolt will slide forward rapidly but your thumb and hand are now out of the way. Welcome to the Fraternity of Garand owners.

[Hawk]

FYI,
To avoid a slam fire you need to hold the bolts progress back with your hand until it's half closed and then let it slam close the rest of the way.

I know some of you are going to report it has never happend to you. However, it's a reasonable safety percaution to make sure rounds stay on the range. Just like keeping your finger off the trigger until you're ready to fire.

[X-Man]

Hawk makes an excellent point; Find some some dummy rounds and an enbloc to practice with. Safe practice at home is the best way to learn.

Occasionally, original USGI dummy practice rounds can be found at gun shows. Or find a friend who reloads to make set up for you.

[Halftrack]

Weren't they called "thumb breakers" back in the day?

[Hawk]

To tell the truth, every Garand I've ever loaded with (a full clip) of live ammo, required me to hit the bolt handle with my palm to assist it in closing. The enbloc has a tendency to hold the rounds fairly tight, the bolt typically (when closing) hangs on the first round as it's attempting to strip it from the enbloc. Now if you are going to load a Garand and close the bolt on a empty chamber (as in CMP competitions or practicing with an empty enbloc), you'll need to be more careful on your bolt closing procedure.