M1 Garand Magazine Question

[BigG]

I just realized something reading a thread on Garand rifles. I never tore one apart and examined how the magazine worked.

Unlike a magazine using a spring (G.43 or M14), the M1 design feeds every round at exactly the same pressure, and maximum pressure is exerted at the point it is needed, at the point where the bolt is fully rearward and ready to pick up the next round.

How exactly does it work? Is it spring actuated or is it mechanically operated in some way?

Thanks!

 

[swampyMO]

BigG,

Through a pivoting arm, the same spring which returns the oprod & bolt to battery also provides upward pressure on the follower.

The main oprod spring is "kept" at one end by the oprod tube itself, and at the other end by the pivoting follower arm. it pushes both ways against both parts.

The quote is correct in that when the bolt & oprod are at their furthest rearward travel, and the spring is fully compressed, it is giving its "max push" on the follower arm to push a new round up in front of the bolt.

Swampy

 

[SDC]

The rear end of the mainspring fits into a stirrup that pivots the magazine end of that arm up into the mag well / "clip" well; that forces a "follower" of sorts up through the middle of the clip, and keeps the rounds staggered.