M-1 fails to extract case from chamber, stripping the brass from the extractor grove....resulting in a stuck case in the chamber. Results are the same with several different types of ammo. Do you think an adjustable gas system by Brownell would help or is this a rough chamber problem?
M-1 fails to extract
- Thread starter Rockyroad
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mljdeckard
Member
M-1....what?
dprice3844444
member
new extractor/spring,check for dirt/burrs in chambers
dmazur
Member
If you are shooting commercial ammo in a M1 Garand, I suppose it is possible that the gas mechanism is cycling so fast the case hasn't had time to "relax".
I'm not a Garand expert, but I've read that Garands and M14's (and their M1A cousins) are hard on brass because they are trying to extract the brass just a few milliseconds after the bullet has left the barrel. Pressures at the gas port are around 8000 psi, if I remember right.
The problem with typical .30-06 ammo is the use of slower powders, which develop more velocity by having a longer burn time. This doesn't make any difference in a bolt-action, but in a gas gun the "tail" of the pressure curve can drive the pressure at the gas port higher than the action was designed for.
And, if the chamber is rough, that may be the other contributing factor.
I'd try some military spec ammo and see if it behaves differently before changing springs, installing adjustable gas cylinder lock screws, etc.
I'm not a Garand expert, but I've read that Garands and M14's (and their M1A cousins) are hard on brass because they are trying to extract the brass just a few milliseconds after the bullet has left the barrel. Pressures at the gas port are around 8000 psi, if I remember right.
The problem with typical .30-06 ammo is the use of slower powders, which develop more velocity by having a longer burn time. This doesn't make any difference in a bolt-action, but in a gas gun the "tail" of the pressure curve can drive the pressure at the gas port higher than the action was designed for.
And, if the chamber is rough, that may be the other contributing factor.
I'd try some military spec ammo and see if it behaves differently before changing springs, installing adjustable gas cylinder lock screws, etc.
Hello RR
Can you please give a few more details. Is the extractor ripping the rims off of cases where it contacts the case, or are cases intact? If rims are being ripped off, a dirty/pitted chamber might be the problem. Could also be port pressure as dmazur suggests. If rims are intact, that would suggest a problem with the extractor itself.
I had an M1 carbine with a damaged extractor. It would chamber and fire cartridges without a problem, but leave the brass in the chamber as if the extractor wasn't even there. Funny thing was an unfired cartridge would extract just fine. The forward edge of the extractor was just worn down enough that it would slip off the rim if held in place by chamber friction. Because the unfired cases hadn't yet been pressed hard against the chamber walls there was much less friction.
Can you please give a few more details. Is the extractor ripping the rims off of cases where it contacts the case, or are cases intact? If rims are being ripped off, a dirty/pitted chamber might be the problem. Could also be port pressure as dmazur suggests. If rims are intact, that would suggest a problem with the extractor itself.
I had an M1 carbine with a damaged extractor. It would chamber and fire cartridges without a problem, but leave the brass in the chamber as if the extractor wasn't even there. Funny thing was an unfired cartridge would extract just fine. The forward edge of the extractor was just worn down enough that it would slip off the rim if held in place by chamber friction. Because the unfired cases hadn't yet been pressed hard against the chamber walls there was much less friction.
chris in va
Member
I'd also have a look at the chamber. Next time that happens, empty the gun, making sure the round has been fired. It should come out with just a fingernail, if not...it's more stuck than it should be.
briansmithwins
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Dismount and clean the extractor first. While it's out, look for damage to the hook of the extractor. Don't forget to clean the spring and its pocket too.
If that doesn't fix the FTEx, I'd replace the extractor and spring.
A look and/or casting of the chamber would be my next step after that.
BSW
If that doesn't fix the FTEx, I'd replace the extractor and spring.
A look and/or casting of the chamber would be my next step after that.
BSW
30Cal
Member
Clean the chamber with a chamber brush. If you have the original springs, I'd just replace them flat out (extractor, clip latch and oprod)--they're not intended to last forever.
BTW, the gas system should be cleaned and left DRY.
BTW, the gas system should be cleaned and left DRY.
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