Tim... respectfully how in the world can loading the rifle result in M1 thumb? The bolt cannot ride over the top round in the en bloc, the follower doesn't allow it. If it can, the rifle is broken.
Also respectfully, Gbro, the anecdote re: your brother in law's rifle only proves something about that rifle. I do not know the condition of the rifle or how the operator used it, beyond the fact that the rifle was known to not be in proper operating condition (return spring missing).
In order to examine the potential of an M1 rifle to slamfire, we must consider an M1 rifle exhibiting this behavior. And then we must determine why, without guesswork. "The pin is free floating and doesn't incorporate a device featured on another rifle with a free floating fire pin" is an observation of each rifle's design, not evidence of each rifle's "bad" behavior; there are more facets to the design. The overall design of the M1 did not leave a great deal to chance; there were double and even triple functions of parts, to ensure correct function. I have read accounts of the design work and the acceptance trials of the M1 and in the deficiencies noted during development, I have not run into an account of slamfires being one of them. I do not read instances here of slamfires due to the free floating pin working correctly. In old magazines I do not read about M1s making slamfires either.
I agree that your brother in law's rifle had this behavior. However I disagree that this dictates the M1 rifle's behavior.
Also respectfully, Gbro, the anecdote re: your brother in law's rifle only proves something about that rifle. I do not know the condition of the rifle or how the operator used it, beyond the fact that the rifle was known to not be in proper operating condition (return spring missing).
In order to examine the potential of an M1 rifle to slamfire, we must consider an M1 rifle exhibiting this behavior. And then we must determine why, without guesswork. "The pin is free floating and doesn't incorporate a device featured on another rifle with a free floating fire pin" is an observation of each rifle's design, not evidence of each rifle's "bad" behavior; there are more facets to the design. The overall design of the M1 did not leave a great deal to chance; there were double and even triple functions of parts, to ensure correct function. I have read accounts of the design work and the acceptance trials of the M1 and in the deficiencies noted during development, I have not run into an account of slamfires being one of them. I do not read instances here of slamfires due to the free floating pin working correctly. In old magazines I do not read about M1s making slamfires either.
I agree that your brother in law's rifle had this behavior. However I disagree that this dictates the M1 rifle's behavior.