[dhw56]

I had an M1 Garand that would not cycle. After some investigation I found the the operating rod piston was only .516. Took another operating rod from my other Garand, rifle worked fine. I was looking at the Sarco webb site and found you can purchace new operating rod pistons / tips seperatly. I have tried to remove the old piston from the rod with no luck. Anyone have an idea how to get the old piston out of an op rod?

 

[mr44]

silver soldered on

 

[dfariswheel]

Because there's a bit more to this job than just silver soldering in a new piston head, I recommend investing a few bucks in the Jerry Kuhnhausen shop manual on the M1 rifle.
This is a real gunsmith's shop manual on total gunsmithing and accurizing of the M1 and the M14. It's NOT just a reprint of some old GI manual.

It has very detailed instructions on how to replace the head the right way, which is not as easy as it looks.
If you intend to own or do anything with an M1 this is the best money you can spend.

http://www.brownells.com/.aspx/pid=25718/Product/THE_U_S___30_CALIBER_GAS_OPERATED_SERVICE_RIFLE___

 

[Mike D]

Save your money and contact this guy:
M1 operating rod inspection and repair using an actual
working op rod gage. Operating rods reformed $15, pistons
replaced with custom machined corrosion resistant (stainless) parts
to fit your op rod, $30. M1 and M-14 op rod guide lug repair, $30.
Contact Jim Swartz, Pickerington, OH; telephone: (614) 834-4895;
email: [email protected]