Gas Cylinder Lock Issue

[SA1941]

Hello folks,

The last Garand I purchased from CMP was a SG from March of this year. I noticed when I initially field stripped it, that the lock on the cylinder was on WAY TO BLOODY TIGHT! So tight, I had to get my father to hold the butt end of the rifle while I gently wrapped the barrel and gas cylinder in cardboard, placed that part in a vice and put a large crescent wrench on the lock. Two hits of the hammer and it came free. I think even by the armorer’s standards thats not tight, that’s BLOODY SCREAMING TIGHT. Now when I go to reinstall that part, it goes to about 3-4 o clock and locks up solid. Can’t budge it forward or even tap it. I took it back off and have it on my desk. What is the fix for this? Also of note, the hand guard does have a business card thickness between it and the gas cylinder which is ideal so nothing is wrong there. I just can reattach my lock without a crescent wrench. Help! Thanks to all in advance.

Sean

[jak]

Try a different gas lock. They are not threaded the same. How are the threads on the barrel ?

[SA1941]

Barrel threads are like new. It’s a 1964 SA barrel. Rifle was a SA 64 rebuild and shows little use.

[Orlando]

In my experience a gas lock on that tight will affect accuracy
Like already mentioned try another gas lock

[SA1941]

Thanks for the input. I will get another lock on order today since I don’t seem to have a spare in my parts bin. Hopefully, that will take care of the issue. I appreciate it!

[TJT]

Ideally the gc lock should stop at the 6:00 position by hand only. As Bill pointed out, a too-tight gc lock is a detriment to accuracy.
Jon

[SA1941]

Well as an update I got a NOS lock on order from Garand Parts. Only $16 (doubt is NOS but what the heck). Looks to be in nice shape. Hopefully this works, but will repost once it comes in. Fingers crossed.

[SA1941]

New gas lock arrived today covered in cosmoline. Will need to clean up and attempt to install on rifle tomorrow. Hopefully this is the fix.

[TJT]

Let us know.
Jon

[SA1941]

Unfortunately no dice. The picture with the lock positioned in the 4 o’clock position is the lock that came on the rifle. The one i just purchased is the picture showing it directly at 3 o’clock. Also, I included pictures of the threads and position of the gas cylinder ring in relation to that front hand guard as well.

[Orlando]

the fix is to use the new gas lock, back it off 3/4 of a turn and then install gas screw
When originally assembled armorers did not time gas locks. They picked one up off the pile and installed it

[Smokey]

What Orlando said.
It's normal for the forward handguard to be a little "rattle" loose. Back off the lock until it's aligned with the gas cylinder, then install the gas screw.

[SA1941]

Ok. Thanks guys. Even if there is a small gap between the lock and the cylinder thats ok?

[Orlando]

its impossible to have a gap between the gas cylinder and lock with the gas screw installed

[SA1941]

When I back the lock off the 3/4 turn to get it back inline with the cylinder, this is the gap that results.