My M1 is a fine weapon except for one thing, fired cases are thrown in an arc of about 150 degrees, from in front of muzzle to over the right shoulder,randomly. I have read that an M1 should group it's ejected cases into about a one foot circle. Since I use the rifle in rough country, and reload for it, finding the spent brass is quite a chore. Any suggestions?
Cowboy
You don't mention the ammo you're using. In general, and provided you're holding the rifle the same way for each shot, consistent brass 'deposition' results from consistent ammo. Shooting prone or sitting with handloads, my M1 would dump the empties from about 1:00 to 2:30. Standing was more variable (I wasn't using a sling) and they'd be anywhere from 1:00 to 4:00.
Maybe it's mad that your calling it a weapon. ;)
Make sure you have the Garand lubed correctly. A well lubed Garand will throw the brass 12 to about 3 o'clock. Hopefully you are shooting Something loaded close to GI specs not store bought/hunting rounds. Look up Patton's quote on the weapon/ rifle issue.
PS. I was using KA ball today,however I think it does it with reloads too. It seems to do it from all positions including over sandbags on the bench. I will check for proper lubrication. I will also apologize to it and everyone else out there for calling it a weapon. I hope this helps. $$-0
I am not afraid of you calling it a weapon, just don't use it that way, and remember that Rifle is what the Army decided to call it so that must be correct.
If you have an original op rod spring you may want to change that out for a new one. http://www.m1garandrifle.com/Garandparts.htm
G28a Operating rod spring. 17-7 Stainless steel! 8.00 each 2/15.00
A couple of weeks ago Aromatic was here & we shot a few rounds through our Garands after running the LTR's. I completely lost 2 cases. I think they fell into one of the bottomless cracks in the pasture and hit some poor chinaman.
Guy
Make sure the ejector plunger isn't boogered up, burred, sticky etc. and like Hawkeye say, check op rod spring.
Sam
My Garand has been doing the thing as Cowboys since the day I got it from CMP.
I'll have to check that stuff out.
smle
Those op rod springs are a least 50 or 60 years old from CMP. I'm sure you Disassembled your bolt and cleaned all the little parts in it. Like Sam said check the ejector spring and plunger while it's apart.
New ejector, ejector spring and plunger new 2 months ago.