Tips from CSP Gun Talk

How's the Weather at Lane's, Dick and Gloria's, CMP North, and CMP South?
8 March, 1 Tip Updated.
since 24 Sep 99

How about viewing/signing my guestbook?

Recent updates are highlighted in this color

Think Security! CHECK YOUR COMPUTER! Install a FREE FIREWALL!

These items are primarily from CSP Gun Talk, one of the most active firearms discussion boards on the net. Gun Talk posters tend to concentrate on US military rifles, but all gun-related topics are welcome. Don't forget to check the Fulton Armory FAQ's and, if you are interested in the M1 and CMP, you might also want to visit the Garand Collectors Association site and CMP South Volunteer Information Page, and review the Suggested M1 Armorers Tool Kit, Anniston Tips, Inspection Checklist and Less-Wood Checklist. If you'd like to see photos of the operation at Anniston, check out:

  1. Dr. Walt Kuleck's photos, Dec 98
  2. Orest Michaels' photos, Mar 99
  3. My photos from test firing, July 99

If you want some inexpensive reference material on several military arms, check out the NRA Reprints Site. Here's a basic reference library recommended by CSP readers. There are two mailing lists which may interest you - the M1/M14 List and the C&R; FFL List. Both lists are also available in digest form. Perfect Union also hosts the Master List of Firearms Lists - one stop shopping for several firearms mailing lists.

Check out the various forums at gunandknife.com. It looks like they are back in business to stay.

  1. M1 Collectors Forum at gunandknife
  2. M14 Collectors Forum at gunandknife

Here's a few more links that may prove useful:

  1. BATF Chart of Permanent Brady Permits, the list of permits that allow you to bypass NICS. Also includes C&R; FFL.
  2. State Gun Laws, handy for when you're traveling (UPDATED LINK - Thanks to Bill Tomberlin)
  3. Cooper's Commentaries, musings from the Guru (US Mirror)
  4. Marine Corps League Det 651 site
  5. Arizona Rifle Shooting, great source for high-power information
  6. Steve's Highpower Rifle Competition Links
  7. Worldnet Daily, the best place to get the real skinny on current events
  8. Col David Hackworth's Archives, learn the sad state of our military
  9. Neal Boortz News, another voice of reason in the wilderness
  10. Memorable Places Gun Links, something for everyone
  11. Ed Clancy's M1 Reference Material Page
  12. Acronym Finder, figure out what all those wierd acronyms mean

M1 Tips

Notes on Markings

--- 12 Pages of Subcontractor Markings. This is a 788K self-extracting zip file. It will uncompress an Adobe Acrobat file into your temp directory, usually c:\windows\temp or c:\temp. Head's up - the file is 8 megs uncompressed. If you prefer smaller files/downloads, select Clip Data, Gas Screw Data, Sight Knob Data, all in .pdf format. You can also click here to get most of the data in Excel and Word format. By Don Hale, forwarded by Lennie S.

--- Heat Treat Codes (Excel Spreadsheet), courtesy of Don Hale via Lennie S.

--- Here's the official GCA Data Sheet, with instructions, in Adobe Acrobat format. Click on the URL with your right mouse button and select "save target as" or "save link as" if you want to download to your machine. The CSP Data Sheet has similar info, but is available in word processor format so you can type/edit your info.

  1. --- Garand Collectors Association Data Sheet, by the GCA

  2. --- Data Sheet Instructions, by the GCA

  3. --- CSP Data Sheet, by Gloria Culver

--- How to make White Lettering on the Receiver, by Mike Gingher

--- Winchester trademark stamping, by Bruce Canfield

  1. --- More remarks on Winchester Trademark stampings, by Eagle One

  2. --- Identifying Winchester Gas Cylinders, by Joe the Butcher

--- Overstamping IHC Serial Numbers, by Eagle One

  1. --- More remarks on Overstamping IHC Serial Numbers, by Rick C

--- When did the U.W. marked HRA bolt first appear?, by Eagle One

--- Danish/Italian Parts Markings, by John R.

  1. --- More on Danish Markings (and Danish Beer!), by Mike Gingher

  2. --- General History of Danish M1s, by Mike D. and Mike Gingher

--- The M1C M2 Flash Hider, by Dick Culver

--- How to Identify a Navy Garand, by Steve Rutledge and Joe the Butcher

  1. --- How to Identify 7.62 NATO Garands, by Steve Rutledge

  2. --- What is a .308 Navy M1D?, by Steve Rutledge

--- Quick Overview of Types I and II National Match Rifles, by Joe the Butcher

  1. --- Early National Match M1s, by Dick Culver

  2. --- Star Marked M1 NM Barrels, by Eagle One

  3. --- Identifying National Match M1s, by Dick Culver and Johnny Peppers

--- MC-1 (Muh-reen! Sniper) Cheekpiece/General Info, by Frank Weges, Bruce Canfield, and Dick Culver

--- M1 Arsenal Markings, by Gus Fisher

  1. --- Receiver Rebuild Markings, by Dick Culver

--- Identifying Fake Cartouches, by Gus Fisher

  1. --- More on Identifying Fake Cartouches, by Rick C

  2. --- Comments on HRA Cartouches, by Eagle One

  3. --- Listing of Original (non-rebuild) M1 Stock Cartouches, by T.he F.inisher

--- IHC Stock Info, by Dick Culver

  1. --- More IHC Stock Info, by Eagle One

  2. --- More IHC Stock Info, by Dick Culver

  3. --- More IHC Stock Info, by Eagle One

  4. --- Even More IHC Stock Info, by Eagle One

  5. --- IHC Stock Numbering Theory and Data, by Eagle One

  6. --- More IHC Stock Info, by Wayne Bradford and Dick Culver

--- Variations in Barrel/Receiver Dates and Manufacturer, by Eagle One

  1. --- Non H&R; Barrels (LMR, SA) on H&R; M1s, by Eagle One

  2. --- Punchmarks in General, specific Info on HRA and IHC Barrels, by Eagle One

--- Identifying Front Sights, by Dick Culver

  1. --- More on Identifying Front Sights, by Eagle One

  2. --- Identifying Front Sights, by Joe the Butcher

--- Comments on Parkerizing Colors, by beltfed

  1. --- Why is the Receiver Heel a Different Color?, by Ben Thomas

--- Ranges of Duplicate Springfield/Winchester Serial Numbers, by Eagle One

Miscellaneous Tips

--- Two Round Clips, by Dale LeDoux

  1. --- Commercial Two Round Clips not latching, by Rick

--- "Come Ups" for the M1/other rifles, by Master Po

--- Instructions for making a SLED (single round clip), by Steve Steven

--- History and Use of the Various M1 Combo Tools, by GerryRA

  1. --- Use of the Early Combo Tools, by Gus Fisher

  2. --- Garand Cleaning Kits/Combo Tools, by Gus Fisher

  3. --- Storing M1 Buttstock Accessories (190K jpg file), forwarded by Rick Gushman

--- Dented Cartridge Cases, by Dick Culver

--- Comments on MolyCoating, by J Winn

--- Comments on Greases, by Lane

--- Tip on Cleaning and Disassembling the M1, by Mike Gingher

--- Comments on Lubricating the M1, by Gus Fisher

  1. --- Comments on Lubricating the M1 Sear/Hammer, by Ed Clayton

  2. --- Cleaning/Lubing the M1 Op Rod and Spring, by Gus Fisher

--- What the Heck is a Stacking Swivel?, by Gus Fisher

--- Discussion on Shooting the M1 LEFT HANDED (Includes 2 RND Loading TIps), by Various

--- Comments on Rewelds and Tanker Garands, by Jim Keenan

M1 Gunsmithing Tips

Gas System

--- Gas port diameter on 7.62 Barrels, by Gus Fisher

--- Advice on Gas Plugs, by Gus Fisher

--- Gas Cylinder Locks, by Gus Fisher

  1. --- Fitting Gas Cylinder Locks, by Gus Fisher

  2. --- How to Fit a Gas Cylinder Lock, Parts I-III, by Gus Fisher

--- Cleaning Carbon from the Op Rod and Gas Cylinder, by Gus Fisher

  1. --- Clarification on Cleaning Carbon from the Op Rod and Gas Cylinder, by Gus Fisher

  2. --- Operating Rod and Gas Cylinder Specifications, by Rick Gushman

--- Operating Rod Wear Patterns, by Mike Gingher

--- Why you Shouldn't Bend Your Op Rod, by Gus Fisher

--- What is an NM Oprod?, by Don

--- Advice on fitting Gas Cylinder Rear Ring, by Gus Fisher

  1. --- Comments on Welding Gas Cylinder to Lower Band, by Gus Fisher

  2. --- Peening (Tightening up) the Gas Cylinder, by Mike Gingher

--- A Simple Test for Muzzle Condition, by Jeremy

  1. --- Another view of the Muzzle "Bullet Test", by JT

--- Advice on Op Rod Spring, by Gus Fisher

Match Conditioning/Accurizing

--- When/Why to use and Dissassembling Glued in Actions, by Mike Gingher

  1. --- Glassbedding GOTCHA on the M1, by Gus Fisher

  2. --- When to Re-Bed a Match Rifle, by Mike Gingher

  3. --- Tips on Glass Bedding Compounds, by Gus Fisher and Mike Gingher

  4. --- Release Agents for Glass Bedding Compounds, by Gus Fisher and Others

  5. --- Advantages/Disadvantages of Wood, Laminate, Fiberglass Stocks, by Gus Fisher

  6. --- Barrel and Stock Selection for NM Rifles, by Mike Gingher

--- Short Course on M1 Accurizing (GCA), by Chuck Pottsmith

  1. --- Quick Tips for Accurizing a Service Grade, by Schuetzenman

  2. --- General advice on Match Conditioning, by Gene Thomas

  3. --- Some Possible Fixes for Flyers, by Gus Fisher

--- Comments on Counterboring Muzzle, by Steve Steven

  1. --- Recutting Barrel Crown to Restore Accuracy, by Gus Fisher

--- Comments on Front Sight Blades, by Gus Fisher

  1. --- Comments on Fitting National Match Sights, by Gus Fisher

  2. --- History of National Match Sights, by Dick Culver

  3. --- Fitting Rear Sights, Part 1-5, by Gus Fisher

  4. --- Disassembling Lock Bar and T105E Rear Sights, by Lane

  5. --- Using the M1/M14 Rear Sight, by Gasgun, via Brent

--- Comments on Op Rod Impact on Accuracy, by Gus Fisher

General Gunsmithing

--- Discussion on General M1 Gunsmithing Tools, by Various

  1. --- Plans for a Barrel Block, by Steve Steven

  2. --- Bench Base for Chestnut Ridge Barrel Block, by Lane

  3. --- Using a Stuck Case Extractor, by EG Clayton

  4. --- Homemade Throat Erosion Gauge Instructions, by JWinn

--- Headspace Gauges - What They Mean, by Adam C. Firestone

  1. --- Headspace Gauge Recommendation, by Gus Fisher

  2. --- Comments on Go/No-Go gauges by Various Manufacturers, by Bruce Woodford

  3. --- Tips on Adjusting Headspace/Swapping Bolts, by Gus Fisher

  4. --- More Tips on Adjusting Headspace/Swapping Bolts, by Gus Fisher

  5. --- Using Headspace Gauges on the M1, by Gus Fisher

  6. --- Comments on Test Bolts, by Gus Fisher

  7. --- Why did my Bolt Disassemble during Firing?, by Gus Fisher

--- M1A/M1 Safety Bridge, by Gus Fisher

--- Comments on Clip not Latching, by Gus Fisher

  1. --- More Comments on Clip not Latching, by E.G. Clayton

--- Tip on Converting to .308, Part 1-2, by Gus Fisher

  1. --- Don't Remove that .308 Insert!!!, by Gus Fisher

--- Tip on Installing 1/2 Minute Elevation Disks. by Gus Fisher

--- "Blueing" Gas Cylinders, by Gus Fisher

--- Tip on Aligning, Installing, Registering - whatever you wanna call it - a Barrel, by Gus Fisher

--- M1 Timing - What it is and how to fix it, by Various

--- Tip on 7th Round Stoppage, by Gus Fisher

--- Tip on Reproduction Parts, by Gus Fisher

--- Common Causes of Doubling, by E.G. Clayton

  1. --- More on Common Causes of Doubling, by Mike Gingher

--- Short-Cycling Checklist, by Mike Gingher

--- Tip on M1/M14 Triggers, by Gus Fisher

  1. --- Tip on M1/M14 Parts Interchangeability, by Gus Fisher

--- Proper Trigger Guard Tension, by Gus Fisher

  1. --- Best Trigger Guard for a "Shooter" M1, by Gus Fisher

--- Tip on Hammer Springs, by Gus Fisher

M1 Stocking Tips

--- Tip on Cleaning/Refinishing Stocks, by Dick Culver, T.he F.inisher, Walt Kuleck

--- Tips on Raising Stock Dents, by Taylor Swain

--- Observed Colors of Birch Handguards, by RickC

  1. --- Color Matching Orange Birch Handguard, by NG Bruce

  2. --- More Color Matching Tips for Birch and Walnut, by Gus Fisher

--- Fitting Commercial Buttstocks, Part 1-3 , by Gus Fisher

  1. --- Advice on fitting Rear Handguards, by Gus Fisher

  2. --- More Advice on fitting Rear Handguards, by Mark W.

  3. --- Even more Advice on fitting Rear Handguards, by Gus Fisher

  4. --- Fitting Front Handguards, Part I-II, by Gus Fisher

  5. --- Tightening Loose Front Handguards, by Gus Fisher

  6. --- More on Tightness/Looseness of Front Handguards, by Gus Fisher

  7. --- Advice on Sanding Buttstocks, by Gus Fisher

  8. --- How to Hold the Stock while Sanding/Finishing, by Mike D.

  9. --- How to Repair Stock Cracks, by Ken Gunnett, Gus Fisher, and Scooter

  10. --- Applying Chestnut Ridge Stain, by Wayne Bradford

  11. --- Salvaging Damaged Buttplate Screws, by Gus Fisher

--- Removing Rear Handguard Clips, by NG Bruce

  1. --- More on Removing Rear Handguard Clips, by Jim

--- Installing the M1D Cheek Pad, by Walt Kuleck

--- S.E. Overton Company, maker of IHC Stocks and Birch Replacements, by Edward Guss and David Kaczmarek, via Mike D.

M14/M1A Tips (also check Garand Tips)

--- Why are CMP M14s Legal for Clubs?, by Gus Fisher

--- Magazine Unlatches during Firing, by Gus Fisher

--- NM Front Sight Blades, by Bruce Woodford

  1. --- Fitting Rear Sights, Part 1-5, by Gus Fisher

  2. --- Using the M1/M14 Rear Sight, by Gasgun, via Brent

--- Comments on M1A Bolt Roller, by Gus Fisher

  1. --- Homemade Bolt Roller Greaser, by Taylor Swain

  2. --- Why did my Bolt Disassemble during Firing?, by Gus Fisher

  3. --- Tips on Headspacing the M1A/M14, by Gus Fisher

--- Aligning Op Rod/Gas Cylinder, by Craig Parker

  1. --- Comments on M1A Op Rod Construction, Problems, by Gus Fisher

  2. --- Removing the M1A/M14 Op Rod, by Gus Fisher

  3. --- Aligning the M1A Op Rod Guide, by Gus Fisher

  4. --- Checking NM Op Rod Spring Guides, by Gus Fisher

  5. --- Fitting M1A Gas Cylinders, by Gus Fisher

  6. --- Importance of M1A Gas Cylinder to Accuracy, by Gus Fisher

  7. --- Tools for Cleaning the Gas Cylinder, by Gus Fisher

--- M1A/M1 Safety Bridge, by Gus Fisher

  1. --- More M1A Design Shortcomings, by Gus Fisher

  2. --- Thoughts on Front and Rear Lugs, by Gus Fisher

--- Tips on M1A Magazine Sticking in Receiver, by Gus Fisher

  1. --- M1A Magazine Tips, by Gus Fisher

--- M1A Cleaning Tips, by EG Clayton

  1. --- Another M1A Cleaning Tip, by Dick Culver

  2. --- Tools for Cleaning the Gas Cylinder, by Gus Fisher

--- Identifying Inferior Gas Plugs, by Gus Fisher

--- Installing an M14 stock on an M1A, by Gus Fisher

  1. --- Tip on Painting M14 Fiberglas Stocks, by Gus Fisher

--- Comments on M1A Scope Rings, by Gus Fisher

--- Who made the Best M14 Parts?, by Gus Fisher

--- Tip on Installing the Flash Suppressor, by Mike Gingher

  1. --- Tip on Aligning the Flash Suppressor, by Gus Fisher

--- Tip on M1/M14 Triggers, by Gus Fisher

  1. --- Tip on M1/M14 Parts Interchangeability, by Gus Fisher

--- Tip on Hammer Springs, by Gus Fisher

--- Tip on Adjusting M14 Headspace by Swapping Bolts, by Gus Fisher

--- Why does the M14 have a Flip-Up Buttplate, by Dick Culver

--- Why does the M14 have a Chargerguide for Stripper Clip Loading, by Dick Culver

1911, 1903, 1917, M1 Carbine, Service .22 Cal, Other Service Handgun Tips

--- History and Components of the M40 Sniper Rifle, by Dick Culver

--- Information on 1911 barrel markings, by Steve Steven

  1. --- Comments on 1911 Recoil Spring, Link, by Gus Fisher

  2. --- Long Range Shooting with the 1911, by Dick Culver

  3. --- Tip on .45 Magazines, by Gus Fisher

  4. --- Procurement Data for USGI 1911 Slides, by Steve Steven

--- Comments on the Beretta 92, by Gus Fisher

  1. --- Comparison of the Beretta 92 and Browning Hi-Power, by Gus Fisher

--- M1 Carbine Headspace with new Barrels, by Tom Apack

  1. --- More on M1 Carbine Headspace with new Barrels, by Gus Fisher

  2. --- M1 Carbine Piston Retaining Nut, by Gus Fisher

  3. --- Lubricating the M1 Carbine, by Gus Fisher

  4. --- How to Attach the Carbine Sling, by B. Jackson

  5. --- Increasing M1 Carbine Accuracy, by B. Jackson

--- Sedgely 1903 Barrels, by Dick Culver

  1. --- More Sedgely 1903 Barrels, by Bruce Canfield

  2. --- 1903 Safe Serial Number Ranges/Identification, by Dick Culver

  3. --- Comments on 1903A4 Scopes, by Darrow Gervais

  4. --- More Comments on Sniper Scopes, by Joe Ruzich

  5. --- Adjusting and Zeroing the M84 Scope, by Darrow Gervais

  6. --- Installing the 03 Rear Sight, by John Beard

--- Tip on Improving the 1903 as a Match Rifle, by Various

--- Installing the Kerr 1917 Sling, by GerryRA

--- Installing the 1923 Sling, by GerryRA

--- Review of the Turner 1907 Sling, by GerryRA

--- Miscellaneous Info on the 1903 .22 Cal, by Dick Culver

--- Fixing Misaligned Trigger Guard on M44US, by Joe Ruzich

  1. --- History of the Mossberg 44US, by Vic Havlin, forwarded by Steven S.

  2. --- Changing M12 Front Sight Bases to Fix Head Position Problems, by Scott

  3. --- H&R; M12 Bolt Disassembly, by Bill Tomberlin

  4. --- M12 Scope Mount, by Wade La Quire

Miscellaneous Tips

--- How Can you Shoot 600 yd Targets with Open Sights?, by Dick Culver

--- Mechanical/Ergonomic Basics for Accurate Shooting, by Gus Fisher

  1. --- Tip for Shooters who wear Prescription Glasses, by Gus Fisher

  2. --- Tip on Which Front Sight to Use, by Gus Fisher

--- Headspace Gauges - What They Mean, by Adam C. Firestone

--- Ed's Red Bore Cleaner, by Ed Harris

  1. --- Ed on Gun Oil, by Ed Harris, forwarded by Dale LeDoux

  2. --- M1/M1A Maintenance and Cleaning Tips, by Mike's Shooters Supply

  3. --- Cleaning Match Rifles, by Leatherneck

  4. --- More on Cleaning Match Rifles, by Gus Fisher

  5. --- Killing Humidity in Gun Safes, by Dale LeDoux

  6. --- Using Bore Guides on the M1/M14 Rifles, by Gus Fisher

--- Comments on Stock Finish Application, by Darrow Gervais

  1. --- Using Wax on Stock Finishes, by Gus Fisher

  2. --- Wax finishes, Wood and Metal, by Lennie Schoonover

  3. --- Use Scotchbrite vice Steel Wool, by Gus Fisher

  4. --- Notes on Applying Linseed Oil, by Thomas Krueger

  5. --- Tip on Duplicating Arsenal Finish on the M1, by Gus Fisher

  6. --- More Refinishing Tips, by DeWayne Hayes

--- M1956/M1961 Web Gear, by GerryRA

--- History, Variations and Markings of Issue Bolo Knives, by Carter Rila

--- Early History of the CMP, by Shooting Bum (Ray Carter)

--- Pictures of Barracks Rifle Racks, by Steven Lipe

--- Modifying the Front Sight Height to Correct Sighting Errors, by Kernel

--- History/Summary of the Various Military/Practical Shooting Matches, by Dick Culver

  1. --- History of the J.C. Garand Match, by Dick Culver

--- Brief History of M1 Collecting, Background on Scott Duff, by Dick Culver

--- What is a Collectable Rifle?, by Dick Culver

--- Discussion of Competition Shooting Gear, by Various

--- Review of Kroil Lubricants, by JWinn

  1. --- Using Kroil to Remove/Fight Rust, by Rocky

  2. --- Great Rust Preventative, Brownell's Ultra LTS, by Gus Fisher

--- Comments on Chrome Barrels and Military Rifle Durability Testing, by Gus Fisher

Reloading Tips

--- Excellent Primer on M1 Reloading, by Mike's Shooters Supply

  1. --- M1 Load Data, by Master Po

  2. --- Comments on Reloading for the M1, by Harddog321

  3. --- Comments on Harddogs Post, by Joe

  4. --- Comments on using Winchester Primers in the M1, by Gus Fisher

--- 7.62 Data, by Master Po

--- Getting Started Reloading, by Leatherneck

  1. --- Removing Primers from GI Cases, by Harddog321

  2. --- Comments on Case Life and Bore Erosion, by Leatherneck

  3. --- GI Brass Prep, by Dale LeDoux

  4. --- Reloading Tips, by Dan MacPhee (Leatherneck)

  5. --- More Reloading Tips, by JWinn

  6. --- Review of Electric Case Trimmers, by Chris M

  7. --- Danger in Reloading, by Leatherneck

  8. --- Resizing Dies, by Mark Smith

--- PMC Ammo Review, by NG Bruce



Join the NRA TODAY!!!


Volunteer at CMP South


Yahoo!