I picked up a "CMP Special" M1 a couple of months ago. It's got a new match grade .308 barrel, new black walnut furniture and all other parts are either refurbished, refinished or new.
I was spending some time with it today before putting it away for the winter and after about 25 rounds, the bolt just stayed open after firing. The op rod didn't spring forward and the bolt didn't close. Once it was unloaded, the op rod would slide easily forward and backward with no spring tension either way.
I field stripped it when I got home and the little shiny piston thingy that's supposed to be attached to the forward end of the op rod was just rattling around in the gas cylinder. It dropped right out when I tilted the muzzle up. The spring was going all the way through and out the front of the op rod.
Can this be welded or brazed back on? I've heard about op rods bending an breaking from using too heavy or too hot ammo. I've got less than 150 rounds through the rifle and it's all been 150 or 155 grain projectiles over starting to mid-range loads. I kind of thought hot ammo would lead to bend and crack rather than this.
What do I need to do to get my new favorite rifle going again?
I was spending some time with it today before putting it away for the winter and after about 25 rounds, the bolt just stayed open after firing. The op rod didn't spring forward and the bolt didn't close. Once it was unloaded, the op rod would slide easily forward and backward with no spring tension either way.
I field stripped it when I got home and the little shiny piston thingy that's supposed to be attached to the forward end of the op rod was just rattling around in the gas cylinder. It dropped right out when I tilted the muzzle up. The spring was going all the way through and out the front of the op rod.
Can this be welded or brazed back on? I've heard about op rods bending an breaking from using too heavy or too hot ammo. I've got less than 150 rounds through the rifle and it's all been 150 or 155 grain projectiles over starting to mid-range loads. I kind of thought hot ammo would lead to bend and crack rather than this.
What do I need to do to get my new favorite rifle going again?