M1 Carbine Trouble Shooting Question

gunpaq

Ok, Mr. Dummy here is trying to solve a problem with a M1 carbine and humbly comes before the experts. I have a Blue Sky import IBM carbine (out of the box) that has problems on occasion with extracting a spent round and the bolt fully closing during fire. Have been shooting factory Winchester and PMC ammo. Any possible remedies or causes?

Pack slow, fall stable, pull high, hit dead center.<BR>

rldowns3

I know it sounds elementary but the first thing I would do is strip it down (if you know how to) and give it a good look over and cleaning of each part, I'd check for any burrs during this time that might be binding it up or a piece of dirt or something or mabye a bent extractor or rounded off extractor ect.... ect.... if you haven't done so already.

I'd also check the lips on the clip and make sure they aren't bent and possibly binding against the bolt causing it to malfunction or misfeed rounds and possibly causing some small casing dents or something that is binding the shell in the chamber yea I've had that happen it would slide the shell in at an akward angle and dent it on the lip or the side just slightly and it'd hang up in the chamber while being inserted.

I'd also check the chamber for any defects or burrs and the head/chamber mouth. If you don't have the proper tools though I don't quite know how you'd go about doing that though.

I hope this helps some....

Annoy a liberal by working hard and being happy.

Your life is not my fault.

ItGoBang

I have sold a lot of the Blue Sky carbines, Some would shoot with no problems out of the box, and some would just not shoot. Way back when Blue Sky and others started to sell the carbines the only way they could get them into the USA was in Parts. They would put a new Park finish on them and stamp the BBL and box them up and send out. I liked Blue Sky, Most have a very good finish on them. Do like "rldowns3" said, Check it out and I would check the HEAD SPACE too... If I remember the mags that came with the carbine were for the most part, CRAP! We would put different mags in them.[:)]

It will hurt you, More than it will hurt me..

Life Member... N R A
American Legion, MECU, MWCA, SMSC, BSC, NASDS
Thanks for all the help!

Sunray

Don't shoot in anymore. It's dangerous the way it is. Start with the headspace. I'm thinking the bolt isn't right. Maybe a spring is broken. Either the return spring or the firing pin spring. Or a damaged bolt. Either way, it's not safe to shoot if it goes bang with the bolt unlocked. The mags are the least of your problem.

OleDuk

gunpaq, the advice you've been given is good but there is another thing that you could look at. Be sure the gas system is functioning correctly; there's a possibility that the gas port is partially clogged. If you don't have the tools to clear it, take it to a gunsmith that does. Have him make sure that the port is clear and that the piston moves freely.
Good luck,
OleDuk

v35

Are you saying the bolt doesn't pull the spent case out of the chamber or the bolt retracts without pulling the case out?
Carbine driving springs commonly go soft and the bolt will occasionaly not fully close on a round. Either stretch the spring or get a new one.
It's a good idea to buy a carbine gas piston wrench, remove the nut and piston and clean the gas port & piston chamber so the piston rattles freely back and forth.
If it turns out you have a bad extractor,spring or follower which is least probable, you will need a bolt disassembly tool to replace the parts or they will fly when you take it apart. It's possible to do without one but it takes a lot of experience.
Carbine feed lips are delicate and have to be straight or you will get jams. The Army used to issue protective rubber caps. If you can find some get a few.

gunpaq

Thanks for the info, a great help.


Pack slow, fall stable, pull high, hit dead center.<BR>