Rifleman Q&A: My 'Defective' Garand Operating Rod

by
posted on April 22, 2022
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
Garand

Q: I recently purchased an M1 Garand rifle and am looking forward to taking it out to the range. However, I was informed that the rifle has a “cut” operating rod. Is this a defect, and should I be looking for a replacement operating rod?


A: Assuming everything else on your rifle is in serviceable condition, you have nothing to worry about regarding the so-called “cut” operating rod. For shooting purposes, it is actually something of a benefit.

It was discovered during World War II that some M1 rifle operating rods could develop hairline fractures at the juncture of the tube and handle. It was determined that a 3/16"-radius “relief cut” in the area would reduce the propensity for cracking and also added a bit more flexibility to the operating rod. None of the M1 (or earlier) operating rods were manufactured with this relief cut. However, post-war replacement operating rods and all-new operating rods produced when M1 rifle production resumed in the early 1950s incorporated this feature. Also, most of the operating rods produced during World War II were subsequently modified or “cut” to add this feature during the widespread post-war overhaul programs. “Uncut” operating rods are in demand today for restoration of World War II (and earlier) M1 rifles, but the “cut” operating rods are preferable for shooting.

—Bruce N. Canfield

Latest

Leo Surplus Guns Horman
Leo Surplus Guns Horman

LEO Trade-Ins: The Sleeper Surplus Market

Although much of the budget-priced military surplus market has dried up, there are still affordable options among the long guns and handguns retired from law enforcement service.

Henry Repeating Arms Expands Spirit of the Corps Rifle Series

After much demand, Henry Repeating Arms is back with two attention-getting lever guns in honor of the U.S. Marine Corps and its 250 years safeguarding the globe.

Rifleman Review: Heritage Mfg. Roscoe

In recent years, Heritage Mfg. has expanded its centerfire offerings, and the Roscoe is one of the latest new models, a retro-styled revolver chambered for .38 Special that's capable of dedicated defensive use.

Chiappa Expands Rhino Revolver Lineup

Chiappa Firearms is updating its unique line of Rhino revolvers with several new models, giving consumers an all-new 10 mm Auto chambering, as well as complete stainless-steel construction.

Review: TandemKross Manticore X

In 2024, TandemKross (TK), best known for its high-quality competition upgrades for rimfire platforms, launched the first ever lower-receiver assembly designed for the rimfire Ruger 10/22 platform.

Rifleman Q&A: Surreptitious L.C. Smith

American Rifleman staff recently received the following question about markings on a possible L.C. Smith shotgun. Read what we learned:

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.