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I took my 6/43 Springfield out for the 1st time in a while and was reminded that when you insert the loaded enbloc,the bolt releases as soon as the enbloc is fully seated instead of having to hit the slide to release.I assume there is a weak spring somewhere.Thanks in advance...
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You shouldn't have to hit anything to release the bolt. Once the enbloc is fully inserted, the bolt should stay back as long as you keep your thumb pressure on the top round. Once you take your thumb off (quickly) the bolt should move forward. Sometimes a light tap on the op rod is needed to get it started, but that isn't by design. When you load, hold the back of your hand in the charging handle to keep it from getting your thumb.
Last edited by Brownac1983; 08-08-2016, 01:06. -
Hmmm . . . need we ask just HOW you were reminded of this
A Holbrook device could be $65 well spent. 
"They've took the fun out of running the race. You never see a campfire anywhere. There's never any time for visiting." - Joe Redington Sr., 1997Comment
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I love a slick garand that slides smoothly after inserting the enblock. On the other hand, I think it is an opportunity to look cool if it hangs up just a little. You can slap the oprod handle forward and look like you really know what your doing. Either way, no problem.If I should die before I wake...great,a little more sleep.Comment
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"...bolt releases as soon as the en bloc is..." That's how The Rifle is supposed to work. No springs are weak or damaged. Should be the pad of one's thumb with said digit facing forward pushing down, not the tip.
The cause of "M1 Thumb" is operator failure. Failing to load correctly. A Holbrook device is a waste of $65.Spelling and grammar count!Comment
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It is impossible to get M1 thumb loading the rifle with a full clip.
I have great respect for Mr. Holbrook, but don't have a use for his device.Phillip McGregor (OFC)
"I am neither a fire arms nor a ballistics expert, but I was a combat infantry officer in the Great War, and I absolutely know that the bullet from an infantry rifle has to be able to shoot through things." General Douglas MacArthurComment
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Sorry, but I gotta give a +1 to Sunray and PhillipM too. Never had a need for the Holbrook device and never will. Anyone loading an M1, and learned to do it right will never experience M1 Thumb!Last edited by psteinmayer; 08-08-2016, 10:54."I was home... What happened? What the Hell Happened?" - MM1 Jacob Holman, USS San PabloComment
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I have a mixmaster 1943 Springfield Garand that I had rebuilt after I got it from the CMP in 1995. I required a bump from my palm (or base of my thumb if you will) to release the bolt after the clip was seated before and after rebuild. 4,000 rounds later and the barrel needs replacing, it still needs a bump.
I have a 1954 IHC Garand from the DCM in 1998 that was for all intents "new" when I got it. It requires a bump from my palm to release the bolt except occasionally when charged with new, unfired brass. Even then it needs a bump most of the time. Part of my routine.Comment
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Agreed 100%"I was home... What happened? What the Hell Happened?" - MM1 Jacob Holman, USS San PabloComment
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My H&R requires a bump for the first enbloc. Once it warms up, the bolt closes on its own."No man's life, liberty, or property is safe, while Congress is in session." Mark TwainComment
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M-1 Thumb
You guys amaze me! I thought you were all vets... You don't get M-1 thumb by loading the rifle and it has nothing to do with the ammunition nor the en bloc clips.
When the DI faces you during inspection, you open the bolt, look into the magazine to insure it is empty, and the DI grabs it, does the inspection then either throws the rifle into the sand or mud... or hands it back. The soldier/marine takes the rifle and sticks his thumb into the empty magazine, depresses the follower, and closes the bolt. That's when you get the M-1 thumb.
I learned to use my first three fingers instead of the thumb... try it, it works.
BTW... I carried a M-1 Garand a hundred miles and cleaned it what seemed to be a thousands of times and I never saw one with a firing pin, I never saw a clip, and never fired a single round but I had a M-1 thumb.Comment
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I've been shooting the M1 for 55 years... So far I've lost two thumb nails... It's never been from loading. The problem was the bolt not being locked completely to the rear. It will rest against the back end of the follower and only a small movement will release the bolt in this condition. The first time was when a customer who opened the bolt and handed the rifle to me for inspection. I made the mistake of having my thumb in the breach area when I took it and the bolt slammed home. The second time was my own fault while smithing a rifle and I essentially did the same thing. Always make sure the bolt is fully locked to the rear. Stuff happens and may happen again!Comment
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Thanks for all the great information.I was reminded because I had forgotten that it differs from my other and 1st Garand that needs a tap each time.I just figured that was the norm.My 1 and only thumb denailing was due to carelessness when cleaning.Glad to know all is well with both.Thanks again...SteveComment
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