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Garand Op Rod

sanut
I recently picked up an op rod (reasonable)for a M1 Garand at a gun show, and it doesn't want to work on my Garand,a closer look showed a very faint 7.62 MM on the outside of the handle.I think these were made for the 308 Garands.My question is are the dimensions the same as the standard M1 Garand op rod? If they are then I have another problem. Thanks
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5 comments

Date Votes
  • sanut
    Just bought an M1 Garand yesterday, and was wondering if someone has a good picture of an unrelieved operating rod? The book I am reading says that these are dangerous, but the provided pics aren't very clear, at least to me. The stamp on my op rod is D35382 9 SA in case it helps with ID'ing it. I just wanted to verify what I have. I also saw in another post stating that these op rods aren't dangerous under normal shooting conditions, and shooting heavy loads (180gr or higher)or grenades is the cause for seperation. Can someone shed some light on this? I'm new to Garand's, and I don't want to mess up a good firearm, or have a broken op rod sticking out of my head. I figured someone here would know. Thanks

    Shawn
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  • haroldchrismeyer
    The relieved op rod has what appears to be a figure eight machined into the bottom of it. While I am not sure how dangerous a non relieved op rod is, I still would replace it in one I was going to be shooting. The non relieved op rods bring big dollars due to the rarity of them. Why take a chance, when you could change it out and make a profit. More than likely though you will find that you do have a relieved one.

    If you want to shoot heavy loads, then get a bolt action rifle. Your Garand will last forever if you treat it nice. The standard loading for one is plenty strong enough for almost any usage.

    Let's see some pictures, and have some data on this rifle. I have one that was made by Springfield armory in 1942. It was rebarreled by Springfield just in time for Korea. I guess if it lasted two wars then it should last me a lifetime.
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  • sanut
    Thanks for the reply. As far as I can tell, my new Garand is made up of all 1945 parts. Receiver SN indicated approx May-June '45 manufacture. Barrel is stamped with 7-45. All parts that I have seen so far are SA. Stock is in really good shape, although it is more than likely refinished along with the metal. I'm not a Garand expert, but I figured this one checked out all right. Honestly, I just wanted one that I could shoot a little and looked haved good. The price was pretty good, so I got it. I could send you some pics if you'd like.

    I never itended to shoot anything heavy out of it, that is what I read as being a problem for the op rod.

    Again, thanks for the help, and let me know if you'd like to see some pictures of it.
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  • Tailgunner1954
    IIRC the problem with the op-rod occures when you start launching rifle grenades.
    IOW It isn't anything to worry about.
    Use either mil-spec ball ammo or 150-165gr standard (NOT high energy or light mag) grade ammo and enjoy.

    Whittemore
    Some guys like a mag full of lead, I still prefer one round to the head.
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  • nmyers
    This is a "cut" op rod; the semicircular cut in front of the drawing number is the "cut". The size of the cut varies, depending upon whether it was done when manufactured, or done at an arsenal. An uncut op rod will be straight in that area.

    HRAg.jpg

    Some uncut op rods, such as Winchester & early SA, are worth several hundred dollars. Late SA op rods are more common. However, if your rifle does not have the original stock with the original cartouches, it is probably just a "shooter".

    Neal
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