Op Rod purchase

[63Garand]

Can anyone suggest a good place to buy an op-rod for my Garand. Also, I noticed there are different styles. How can I identify the proper op-rod for my rifle?

[Twinson]

What is the serial number of your rifle? Any op rod will fit, it's just a matter if you want the op rod that should be on when it left the factory?

[63Garand]

Not actually sure which number is the rifle's serial, but here's what I got. On the receiver: Springfield Armory 1889066; On the bolt 6528287 SA-Z-2-2; Barrel:S-A 11-49; Trigger Guard:C-46025-1-SA; I think the rifle was built in 1943; It's in real nice shape but I had a problem at the range and the op-rod looks like it may have a slight bend in it. Hope you can help! Thanks!

[JimL]

ok
The rifle's serial number is: 1889066. The bolt is from a Garand built around 1954 or so. The barrel was made in 1949.

The op rod is suppose to be bent.

What problem does the rifle have?
JimL

[M1Riflenut]

As Jim has stated already,the oprod is supposed to have a few bends in it,thats how its made. Describe in detail the problems your having and also the ammo your using.
What you have is a common rebuilt garand with a mix of parts from all era's. Should be a decent shooter once you get it working. The oprod could be a problem if the piston is worn or it got bent more than its supposed to be, but without knowing the exact problems its giving you no one can give you the troubleshooting help you seek.

[JimL]

We still don't know what type of problem he had with the rifle!
:icon_scratch:

[Art]

I think we may have scared him off a little bit. I suspect that he just didn't know the operating rod was supposed to have those subtle bends. This is not an uncommon thing with folks not experienced with M1 rifles.

He may not have had any problem at all other than noticing what he thought was a defect or damaged part that in reality wasn't

[JimL]

You might be right, I hope he comes back. :1948:
JimL

[63Garand]

Hi Guys! Nope you didn't scare me off, just was so busy haven't had time to sit at the computer. First, I used the wrong name for the part that I thought was bent. I took my rifle apart along with the Manual that I had downloaded from the CMP website. The part I saw with a slight "bow" in it was the "follower", the tube the spring goes in. While I'm new to the Garand, which I love, I'm not knew to weapons. When I first went into the service I had an M14, which I also loved, and then the M16A1. I believe the problem I experienced at the range was my fault, not the rifle. The first time I took it to the range I had no issues. When I cleaned it I think I failed to get the op-rod lever, I hope that's right, properly seated into the grooves on the recieiver. Consequently, when I fired my first round the op-rod came back and the bolt was "flooping" around in the receiver. I know this 'casue I almost did the same thing again this weekend when I had it apart."Boy am I stupid"! I'm going to the range this Friday, so hopefully she will work fine. I was about to try some Greek ammo I purchased from a place called PackRat Collectibles in Greenville,SC. Has anyone heard of this company? They specialize in Garands and carbines. Hope I get to fire of a few rounds this weekend.

[JimL]

Follower is not a tube.
Is it the part with the fork on the end that attaches to the op rod spring and then the follower arm?
If bent replace it, I can send you one for free.
Post an image of it?
JimL

[63Garand]

Ok! Ran and looked at the manual. The part I'm talking about is referred to as the op-rod "piston". That has a slight bow in it. the op-rod itself seems to be OK.

[JimL]

Can you post an image?
Here is the piston: http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v281/sparx21/IMG_0025-1.jpg

[CTMC(ret)]

Guys, this description of "bent" op-rods reminded me of my time on Adak Island in the Aleutians. When I got there, I checked to see what kind of weapons they had in the armory (our command wasn't too large, so I wasn't expecting great things). Talked to the GM in charge of the armory and I was chagrined to learn that, to this GM as most others, a "gun" is at least a 5"38, but "at least Adak was shore duty"! Did learn that they had 6 match grade M1's and 6 match .45's, tho. Asked if I could see them, he said sure, glad to have someone "knowledgeable" check them out (me, "knowledgeable?!! Knew then we were in trouble!). Long story short: They used the M1's for parades and ceremonies! Asked if they were in good shape - "Well. I think so." Tore one M1 down - lots of drill-rifle type chips, dents, dings, scratches, very dry, lots of what I assumed were tool marks on internal parts, and then I saw it - no dog leg in the oprod! Told him I thought I saw a problem in the oprod, and he said, "Oh, not any more - I saw THEY (his words!) were bent, so I straightened "them"." Yep, all six..... Subsequent conversation revealed that "cleaning" meant squad-type cleaning - tear them all down, toss the parts in solvent, then reassemble.

Persuaded the command to send them back and request drill rifles. Same cleaning story with the pistols - sent them back, too.

I still cry...

[63Garand]

Yep! that's the baby. Need to see if I can post an image. Thanks! I can get a used one for $115 that incluedes rod and spring. Hope I don't need to replace it.

[JimL]

I still do not follow what is wrong with it.
Image should explain.