It don’t mean a thing if it ain’t got that ping.
I should have my HRA Field Grade M1, right around Christmas. I can’t wait!
Congrats. However their is a little bit of misinformation on this video. It should not be possible for you to get M1 thumb while loading a full en bloc. Usually guys would get M1 thumb from shutting the bolt on an empty chamber during inspection. As far as how to load the rifle that is exactly how every WWII vet I have ever talked to has said to insert the clip.
I HAVE had an M1 “auto forward” (for lack of a better term) when using clips that have lost some of there srpingyness (not holding that first round tight enough). AND if I had not been using the method shown in the video, I may well have ended up with M1 thumb.
Is it just me… or is there something about how you need to…coax…the op-rod forward that just makes you feel good? God, I friggn love M1s. They are beautiful, comfortable to shoot, accurate, and fun. I have found that they give me more of a “high” when shooting them than ALMOST anything else I have fired. It can be a truly emotional experience.
Some Garands will load the round without having to bump the charging handle. The video posted in the first post isn’t quite the right way as he lifts his hand straigh up after pressing in the clip. The proper way is to roll your hand forward to clear your thumb from the action before the edge of your hand leaves the charging handle. It’s the fastest, smoothest and safest way to do it
This video shows how to roll your hand although they don’t use a clip in the demonstration
http://youtu.be/zANFR_AwAA8