Italian Garand hard extraction - and solution

[MrD]

After a potential deal on a custom-made Springfield M1 straight-pull fell through, I was faced with paying a large amount as a 'deposit' on one coming in the future. Not fancying this, I took a punt on one in Holts and was lucky enough to win it. I happily got some PPU 150gn to enjoy it and took it to the range. Extraction was a nightmare and I had to resort to a wooden rod to get purchase on the charging handle. My gunsmith took a look at the chamber and reckoned that the cutter had been forced and the neck area was pretty rough. He ran some numbers through his ballistic calc and I pulled and downloaded the remainder on his advice. Rifle still shot fine, but was still plagued by too-frequent resorting to my rod. My own reloads, both with full-length and small base dies and trimmed were no better. But, I have now solved it. I tried some Lapua and Norma and although better than the PPU, still pretty hard going. Finally, I moved to Remmy brass and the extraction is now normal. I have spoken to several other M1 owners and hard extraction seems to be a common issue. So for others out there resorting to wooden dowels or even a loop of cable in one case, it might be worth looking at a different brand of brass.

Donald

[Lever357]

Hi, I have had a Beretta manufactured Garand for just over a year and fired 400 rounds. This has been reloads using FNM brass but largely factory PPU 150gr. I have only had 3 hard extractions in all that time. I was told when I bought it, to fire and then extract the case straight away. I also keep the op rod well greased. There is a good video on YouTube of what to oil and what to grease on a Garand.

[MrD]

I was told when I bought it, to fire and then extract the case straight away. I also keep the op rod well greased. There is a good video on YouTube of what to oil and what to grease on a Garand.

Totally agree with both of the above. I also used the US CMP website and GarandGear for stripping and lubrication guidance and use a wee paintbrush with grease when cleaning. If op rods were easier to come by, I would have considered having the charging handle modified to allow more purchase for extraction. Good to hear yours runs well - I suppose people only comment when things don't work. However no getting away from the fact my chamber is shockingly rough and am really surprised the original owner didn't send it back. Happy eight bangs one ping