Feeding & Operation Assembly
The Bolt and its internal parts are responsible for
The Barrel is a tube of metal with spiral cut
channels on the inside. The high point of
these channels are called lands the low
points are called grooves. This set of lands
and groves are called rifling inside a barrel.
The barrel stabilizes the fired bullet before
it leaves the rifle by imparting a spin on it
as the bullet passes down the barrel.
M1 Garand barrels have a tiny hole drilled
through them near the muzzle. (The
forward tip of the barrel.) This hole vents a
bit of the gas produced by the combustion
of the gunpowder into the Gas Cylinder so
as to operate the semiautomatic
mechanism of the rifle.
The barrel on an M1 also has an integral
'chamber' machined into it which holds the
cartridge before it is fired.
stripping a round from the clip, chambering it,
indenting the cartridge's primer, extracting the spent
shell casing from the chamber, and ejecting the
casing from the weapon.
The bolt itself is the large metal housing shown
below which does most of the work and is subjected
to most of the stress during operation and firing.
The Bullet Guide supports and allows pivoting of the
follower arm and helps to guide the follower rod. It
also helps to define the area the cartridges are stored
in.
The Follower Arm is used to push the slide and
follower assembly toward the top of the M1 Rifle in
order to push cartridges into place for feeding.
The Follower Arm gets its 'power' from the follower
rod which is driven by the operating rod spring.
The Follower presses up on the cartridges in the clip
so as to prepare them for feeding.
The Follower Slide rests on top of the follower and
moves back and forth about 1/4 inch providing a
more even pressure to the individual cartridges. The
reason that the Follower Slide is designed to move
back and forth is so that it can come into contact with
the lower cartridge in the clip no matter if the
cartridge is loaded into the clip on the left or the right.
The Follower Rod transforms the power from the
Operating Spring into pressure on the Follower. The
Follower Rod also helps to hold the rear end of the
spring in place.
The Operating Rod serves a number of critical
functions. The handle on it is used to cock the M1
Garand Rifle. When the oprod is released it pushes
the bolt forward to strip and chamber a cartridge. The
oprod also serves as a spring guide for the Operating
(main) Spring. It also serves as the 'piston' which
rides inside the gas cylinder and is thrust rearward
during the firing of the weapon setting in motion the
feeding and chambering of a new cartridge. The bolt
is moved by the Op Rod and rides on a detent near
The Operating Rod Catch performs the function of
capturing the operating rod when it is in a fully
retracted position and holding it in place thus keeping
the bolt open. This happens when the weapon fires
its last round and ejects the clip or when the weapon
is cleared manually. Note the 'leg' on the Operating
Rod Catch. This comes into contact with the Clip
Latch and keeps the Clip Latch from being depressed
when the bolt is locked back.
In the center of the Operating Rod Catch you can see
the Accelerator. This part rotates ever so slightly
and simply moves the Operating Rod Catch into
position faster.
The whole assembly is held together by
the Operating Rod Catch Pin.
The Operating Spring provides the M1 with the
power to feed and cycle the semiautomatic action.
The M1 Receiver is the heart of the rifle. It is the
main item that other parts are connected to or bolted
Clip Latch Assembly
The Clip Latch retains the clip in the M1 rifle until the
last cartridge is fired whereupon it is moved out of the
way by the tail end of the operating rod catch and
allows the clip to eject. The Clip Latch is also used
to manually unload the weapon without firing.
Clip Latch Pin fastens the clip latch and the clip
latch spring on to the left hand side of the receiver
(frame) of the M1 Garand.
The Clip Latch Spring provides pressure to the clip
latch thus moving the clip latch into position to hold
the clip in place until the operating rod catch pulls the
clip latch down in order to eject the clip.
Gas Cylinder Assembly
The Gas Cylinder is a critical part of the M1. It
serves as the receptacle for a small amount of the
gas which is vented from the barrel when the M1 is
fired. The gas then propels the piston end of the the
oprod rearward and this operates the semiautomatic
action of the weapon. In addition the Gas Cylinder
The Gas Cylinder Lock is responsible for keeping
the gas cylinder in place on the barrel.
The Gas Cylinder Lock Screw Valve is responsible
for several things. First it is threaded through the Gas
Cylinder Lock and into the gas Cylinder to hold the
Gas Cylinder Assembly in place.
Second there is a tiny relief valve built into this part
which is used for shunting the gas for rifle grenade
launching.
Stock Assembly
Front Handguard
Front Handguard Spacer (liner)
The Stacking Swivel is used when three M1's are
hooked together in the field so as not to allow them to
fall over. The Stacking Swivel Screw holds
the Stacking Swivel to the Gas Cylinder.
The Rear Handguard protects the shooter of an M1
rifle from being burned by a hot barrel and from
coming into contact with the moving Operating Rod.
The Rear Handguard Band/Clip is used to secure
the Rear Handguard to the barrel of the rifle.
The Lower Band is responsible for helping to hold
the Rear Handguard and the Front Handguard to the
barrel.
The Buttplate on the M1 Garand Rifle served as
both a protector for the exposed end-grain of the
stock and as a cover for the cleaning kit holes drilled
into the buttstock. The Buttplate is made of fairly
heavy metal that won't crack or chip during drills or
when used to buttstroke an enemy soldier.
The hinged cleaning kit cover is spring loaded and
snaps into place when closed. It is actually pretty
darn secure.
The short Buttplate Screw naturally enough holds
the buttplate on to the buttstock. The
longer Buttplate Bolt secures the Buttplate as well
and it also holds the buttstock swivel in place.
The Buttstock or Stock of the rifle is used to support
the main assemblies of the rifle and to aid in
stabilizing the weapon against the shoulder. It is also
a repository for rifle cleaning equipment.
The Stock Ferrule protects the otherwise exposed
end-grain of the front of the stock.
The Front Swivel allows the attachment of a leather
or canvas sling. The sling enabled the easier
transport of the rifle by individual soldiers by hanging
the rifle from their shoulders. Some slings also could
be used to help stabilize the rifle when it was fired
resulting in better chances of hitting the target.
The Rear Swivel held a canvas or leather sling
enabling the more easy transport of the rifle by
individual soldiers. Most slings are designed to allow
a soldier to hang his rifle from his shoulder and down
his back. Some slings however are designed to help
stabilize the rifle when it was fired resulting in better
chances of hitting the target. The canvas slings
issued for the M1 were mostly to help carry it and the
leather ones could be used to stabilize it.
Sight Assemblies
The Rear Sight Aperture is the object that a shooter

The Rear Sight Cover protects the internal parts of
the rear sight from being struck or damaged.
TheRear Sight Cover also keeps dirt and grit from
getting into the sight mechanism. The Rear Sight
Cover also provides spring tension to keep the parts
of the rear sight assembly together.
The Rear Sight Base is the platform on which the
rear sight of the M1 Garand is fitted.
The Elevation Knob Assembly is used to raise and
lower the rear sight aperture so as to direct the
impact of aimed bullets up or down on a target. The
Elevation Knob is primarily used to change the
impact of bullets at various distances.
The Windage Knob is an integral part of the Rear
Sight Assembly. It is used to change the point that
the bullet will impact to the right or to the left. This
adjustment may be needed because of a strong
The Front Sight Screw is used to hold the front sight
in place.
Trigger Assembly
Clip Ejector Spring
The Hammer is responsible for sending the firing pin
forward in order to set of the primer and discharge
the cartridge. The hammer is set into motion by the
rifle's trigger being pulled.
The Hammer Pin fits into the forward part of the
Trigger Housing and provides a pivot point for the
rotation of the trigger guard and Hammer as well as
holding both in place.
The Trigger Pin fits into the rear of the Trigger
Housing and provides a rotation point for the Trigger,
and the Hammer Spring Housing.
The Hammer Spring Plunger provides power to the
Hammer from the Hammer Spring.
The Hammer Spring is responsible for delivering
power to the Hammer Spring Plunger in order to
drive the hammer forward.
The Hammer Spring Housing is designed to hold
and guide the hammer spring and to keep it from
buckling during operation. It also helps to keep the The Hammer Pin fits into the forward part of the
Hammer Spring Plunger properly aligned. Trigger Housing and provides a pivot point for the
rotation of the trigger guard and Hammer as well as
The Safety keeps the rifle from firing when it is holding both in place.
engaged (pulled toward to the rear inside the trigger
The Trigger Pin fits into the rear of the Trigger
guard).
Housing and provides a rotation point for the Trigger,
and the Hammer Spring Housing.
The Trigger is a small metal lever that sets off the
mechanical workings of a firearm resulting in the
discharge of the cartridge (ammunition). Bolt Assembly

The Sear is responsible for 'catching' the Hammer The Ejector is responsible for 'popping' a cartridge
when it is thrust rearward when cocking and (fired or not) off of the bolt, around the extractor, and
releasing it when the trigger is pulled. out and away from the rifle.

The Trigger Guard is used to keep a soldier from
inadvertently discharging his weapon should he snag
an otherwise exposed Trigger on a branch, clothing,
or other impediment. On the M1 Garand the Trigger
Guard also locks the weapon together and is
capable of cocking the hammer for field stripping. It
also provides a mount-point for the winter trigger and
guides the safety.
The Ejector Spring powers the Ejector.
The Ejector is on the top right.
The Ejector Spring is on the top left.
The Extractor which is pictured on the top right is
responsible for grabbing a chambered cartridge case
(loaded or fired) and for pulling it from the chamber.

The Trigger Housing is used to hold and protect all

of the parts in the trigger group.
The Extractor Spring which is pictured at the
top left is responsible for keeping tension on the
extractor plunger.
The Extractor Plunger can be seen at the
bottom of the Extractor Spring and is responsible
for pushing the Extractor back into position.
The Firing Pin is responsible for setting off the
primer of a cartridge which is chambered in the
rifle.
The firing pin is propelled forward into the primer
by the M1's hammer after the hammer has been
released from the sear by a pull on the rifle's
trigger.
A Rifle Sling is handy for carrying a rifle, but
perhaps its most important function is as a brace
to aid in aiming. Using the sling to stabilize your
support arm will increase the accuracy of your
shooting.
The Receiver / Barrel Group holds the Gas
System, Front & Rear Handguards, Rear Sight
Assembly, Feed Mechanism, and the Bolt
Assembly.
 The Stock Group is the wood that the M1 is
assembled with. The buttstock aids in aiming
and the forestock portions protect the shooter.
Note also the ferrule, sling swivels, and buttplate
are part of this group.
The Stock Group is the wood that the M1 is
assembled with. The buttstock aids in aiming
and the forestock portions protect the shooter.
Note also the ferrule, sling swivels, and buttplate
are part of this group.
The Rear Sight Assembly holds the peep sight
aperture (rear sight) which is lined up with the
front sight which is in turn placed on the target.
The Rear Sight Assembly also houses the
elevation and windage knobs. Sights are used to
help point the weapon in a correct and
repeatable way at targets.
The purpose of the Trigger Group is to
transfer the pressure delivered to the
trigger into a series of mechanical actions
that result in the forward movement of the
hammer to discharge the weapon.
The Trigger Groupconsists of various
pins, the trigger itself, the trigger housing,
the trigger guard, the hammer, the hammer
spring, the hammer spring plunger, the
sear, the clip ejector spring, and the safety.

The bolt and its internal parts are

responsible for stripping a round from the
clip, chambering it, indenting the cartridge's
primer, extracting the spent shell casing
from the chamber, and ejecting the casing
from the weapon.

When all of these parts are assembled as

shown below they are known as the Bolt
Assembly or Bolt Group.
 28. Hammer Plunger
Caliber .30 M1 Garand  29. Hammer Spring
30. Hammer Spring Housing
1. Barrel 31 Handguard Clip
2. Bolt .
3. Bullet Guide
32 Handguard Ferrule
4. Buttplate Assembly
5. Buttplate Screw, Long
.
6. Buttplate Screw, Short 33 Handguard Liner
7. Buttstock Swivel .
8. Clip 34 Handguard, Front
9. Clip Ejector .
10 Clip Latch 35 Handguard, Rear
. .
11 Clip Latch Pin 36 Lower Band
. .
12 Clip Latch Spring 37 Lower Band Pin
. .
13 Ejector & Spring
38 Operating Rod
.
14 Extractor .
. 39 Operating Rod Catch Assy
15 Extractor Spring & Plunger .
. 40 Operating Rod Spring
16 Firing Pin .
. 41 Rear Site Cover
17 Follower Arm .
. 42 Rear Site Aperture
18 Follower Arm Pin .
. 43 Rear Site Base
19 Follower Assembly
.