M1 Garand - Damaged Op Rod Tip

[alexanderkidd]

Trying to figure out what to do with an M1 Garand. It was not cycling properly and when I broke it down for inspection, there's a badly damaged piston tip on the Op Rod.

Given how hard it is to find Garand gunsmithing, is it even worth repairing at this point? Or should I just sell it for parts.

[Der Gebirgsjager]

Just going from the information you've given, if a damaged op rod tip is the extent of the problem you'd be foolish to get rid of the entire rifle. The tips are sold separately by several vendors and most gunsmiths are able to replace a tip that is damaged or worn out. Entire op rods are also available, some sold as needing the tip replaced from extensive military use, and some within specs that tend to be expensive, but not as expensive as an entire rifle.

Since the rod's tip is inside the rifle and protected from damage, I'm assuming that the rifle was disassembled when the damage occurred?

[avogunner]

I've had an oprod repaired by these guys....they did good work.

http://columbusmachine.com/oprod.htm

[akajun]

I've had an oprod repaired by these guys....they did good work.

http://columbusmachine.com/oprod.htm

Ill second them, Ive seen their work, both on re tipping and building back up the leg and re machining.

[KCSO]

In Home Shop Machinist Steve Acker went over replacing the piston tip in the Garand. I followed his instructions and did a couple here in my shop with complete success.

[buckshotshoey]

Also check with the CMP. They have parts up the wazoo. But you may also now have a problem with the gas tube so inspect carefully

[Wheelgun]

Sarco has Op Rods and Op Rod Tips right now. The rod is $165 or the new tips are $9.95. I’ve gotten parts from them and always had great results.

[nicholst55]

I would send the op rod and the gas cylinder to Columbus. If necessary, they can install an oversize gas piston and ream the gas cylinder to match. If the gas cylinder is still within spec, they can simply replace the gas piston with a standard diameter one. It might be worthwhile to also have them check your op rod for "straightness" (M1 op rods are designed to be far from straight, as we all know), and correct it as necessary.

[too many things]

2nd on sending both there is a reason its damaged

[Gtek]

badly damaged piston tip- curious as to how this would have occurred and description of damage.

[nun2kute]

So now you know it's fixable .... if you decide you want to get rid of it .... I need pictures !

Pic's are always nice anyway

[alexanderkidd]

Thanks everybody! Since otherwise it's in really good shape, I think I'll ship off the Op Rod for repair. Thanks!

[Nick Adams]

Thanks everybody! Since otherwise it's in really good shape, I think I'll ship off the Op Rod for repair. Thanks!

I can second the recommendation of Columbus Machine Works - Mike Stacey is the guy there. He rebuilt two of mine that are now kept as 'spares' for 'just in case' an op rod goes down on any of my hard-use 'shooter' M1s.

Also, Tim Shufflin at Shuff's Parkerizing does excellent M1-related work. He can diagnose any problems with your rifle, as well as re-barrel it to another chambering, like .308 or even .35 Whelen. He uses Criterion barrels exclusively. Shuff's turn-around time is also excellent.