Looking for a gunsmith for a WWII M1 Carbine

[javier]

Hey there, I have an WWII era M1 Carbine that seems to have a problem with it. Whenever I fire the gun the second round isn't chambered properly, that is, a new round is chambered but the action only comes about 80% forward so I have to carefully move the action back and forth again to properly chamber the new round, or just chamber a third round by pulling the action all the way back and forwards again, thus ejecting the still good second round. If that was an inadequate description I would be happy to explain further, I was wondering if anyone knows a gunsmith in the area who can help me with the carbine. I've been told the problem could just be that the spring is old.

Thanks

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[coop44]

depends on what your area is (update your location, "America" doesn't hack it) need lots more info too. I have owned and built many carbines. I even have a few parts still kicking around.

 

[MountainBear]

Before you take the issue to a gunsmith, start by stripping the rifle as completely as you are comfortable. Clean and de-grease all the parts, and then properly grease/oil/lubricate all of the parts per the original military specifications. You should be able to find a manual for the gun on-line if you don't already have one. If that does not work, then consider the gunsmith route.

 

[javier]

depends on what your area is (update your location, "America" doesn't hack it) need lots more info too. I have owned and built many carbines. I even have a few parts still kicking around.

I didn't realize it didn't say my locations, my apologies, I'm in Portland, Oregon.

 

[javier]

Thank you for the advice, I'll do that but I imagine I will still need to find a gunsmith, I'm quite a novice.

 

[Keane]

Sounds like you just need a recoil spring and cleaning! Order this: M1 CARBINE TUNE-UP SPRING KIT - Brownells

Then, install the springs that come out in a normal field-strip. I've got Garand experience, so I suspect it isn't much different. I'd be willing to help you out if you get stuck.

 

[javier]

Thank you very much! I'll do that this week. I may just take you up on your offer of assistance.

 

[MountainBear]

Clean it and lube it properly before buying new parts. In my experience gunsmithing, a good portion of problems similar to those you describe having can be solved by a proper cleaning and lubricating.

 

[Keane]

Clean it and lube it properly before buying new parts. In my experience gunsmithing, a good portion of problems similar to those you describe having can be solved by a proper cleaning and lubricating.

I tend to agree, however the M1 (the Garand at least) is very sensitive to worn recoil springs, so I just replace them as soon as I can, and for $20, it is a pretty decent insurance.

 

[coop44]

check your gas piston it may be sticking in the out position. get a wrench and remove it, clean it and the cylinder. Common mistake is to clean a carbine right side up, it allows cleaning solvent to flow into the gas port and gum up the piston.

 

[netcarrier]

Hi Javier
If you need help I have worked on gun. M1 M14 Mini 14 and AR15 and so on. Will give you a hand. You can bring it over I live in HappyValley 172nd Ave SE Just East of 205.
If I can help PM me.
Tony Portland, Oregon Area

 

[AMProducts]

Field stripping the M1 carbine is easy enough a 12 year old could figure it out (that's when I got my first M1).

It does sound like you have a sticky gas piston, for which you need the special M1 carbine gas piston wrench... Numrich arms probably still has them for $5-10, while you're at it, I would also suggest ordering the extractor tool, and a spare extractor (only a few more dollars) as if your extractor isn't cracked, it will be some day, and you ABSOLUTELY need the tool to execute a change on this part. These guns, and their parts are not getting more common, or cheaper.