Bob, I used to do WWII reenactment, and have loaded a Garand from all sorts of weird positions (standing, laying low, on the run, etc.), without having time to pay attention to which way the clip was turned. What I've learned is it really doesn't matter which way the clip is turned (except, of course, which direction it's pointed
) - even with blanks (shorter and harder to feed with live rounds). In an M1, misfeeds with blanks are a rarity, and I've never had a misfeed with a live round (I have had some problem ammo & blanks, though - they feed fine, just weren't strong enough to cycle the action completely).
What
does matter is whether the rounds are seated correctly in the clip - if the base of all the rounds aren't all the way to the rear, you will be likely (but not garaunteed) to get a misfeed. To prevent this, load the first 7 rounds in the clip (should put a little tension in the clip), use your hands to push the rounds to the back of the clip (some people tap the clip base on a table - I've seen too many bump the rounds out of the clip doing that, but it does work), then load the last one, being sure it seats to the back. Bump the full clip (hand or table) & look for spaces between the base of the round and the base of the clip - if you see daylight, pull a round out & start again.
Oh yeah - an old battle trick is to slide a clip onto the sling around the buckle for a quick reload (especially while you're on your belly). Just squeeze the rounds (in the clip) at the neck of the casing, & it will open up the clip a bit, then slide it onto the sling - be sure to put the clip to the right. When you're laying down, you can keep you're left hand on the rifle, and grab the clip and reload with the right - works great! Just don't put it too far on the sling - then it unseats the rounds (or jars them out of the clip - don't ask how I know) when you pull it off!
The M1 is a hardy, easy to use, and fun to shoot rifle. Everyone should at least shoot one!
PS - I'm sure you know about "M1 Thumb" - be sure and get that thumb clear of the bolt! I didn't know the mainspring is strong enough to hold the rifle up with someone's thumb is closed in the bolt, until I saw it done (everyone looks a little funny with a rifle hanging off their thumb)....
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Beginner barbarians probably had the idea that every house they broke into would be full of untouched loot and frightened, unarmed victims. It just doesn't work that way, my friend.
I hope these evil men come to understand our peaceful ways soon - My trigger finger is blistering!