[Dave Waits]

The two most important components in a Garand, as far as operation are concerned, are the Gas-Cylinder and the Operating-Rod. These are also two items with high wear. A Gas-Cylinder that measures .530, while fine for a service-grade, leaks too much and won't last very long in a Match-Rifle. An unissued Gas-Cylinder will measure .528 at the port-chamber. This make for a better seal with the Op-Rod piston and more consistant operation. Plus, there will be modifications done.

Operating Rod. First, not all Operating Rods are created equal. The late 77-Series Op-Rods made by Remington and Springfield Armory are superior to other Rods in a Match-Rifles for several reasons. One, the bends are tighter, this makes for less chance of rubbing or vibration as therse Op-Rods hold closer to the barrel.Two, The piston is better shaped and a more chip-resistant Stainless Steel.Three, most of the 77-series Operating rods are marked NM because the piston diameter has been miked and cerified by the Stamping as being .5256". As you can tell, the clearence is tighter. Much better seal. A Gas-Cylinder measuring .530 and a .525 or 4 piston will allow more gas to escape around it and cause more uneven wear as the rifle ages.

The biggest secret to accuracy, repeatable accuracy, in a M1 Garand is consistantcy of operation. Everything doing as close as possible to exactly the same thing every time.