M1-A operating rod problem.

nwgunman · September 2, 2000, 11:03 AM

I can't dismount the op rod from the receiver. The dismount notice looks way too small. Usually only light finger pressure is required to dismount the op rod. IF I can ever get this thing out, I am considering reducing the dimentions of the guide stud on the op rod. Any suggestions?

**4V50 Gary** · September 3, 2000, 11:24 AM

Please provide the dimensions of the stud. I'll check and repost in a few days when I'm back.

Have you checked for straightness? If the Op Rod is bent, that could also be causing the problem.

nwgunman · September 5, 2000, 08:30 PM

45V50 Gary: Op rod looks straight. I'm assuming you mean a really obvious bend or kink. This M1A is new and I haven't been pounding the bolt open or anything. Can't provide the dismount stud dimentions until I get the dang thing off. It's nothing like my old M1 Garand, which was a piece of cake to dismount. Thanks.

**4V50 Gary** · September 6, 2000, 01:56 AM

The Op Rod Receiver guide stud should be .100"-.005" (width). It's height should be .320"-.003" and length .330"-.010".

If you're rod isn't bent (hopefully not), there could also be a problem with your receiver (out of spec for dismounting notch or guide notch) or burr in the guide stud slot.

nwgunman · September 13, 2000, 06:23 PM

Op rod still resisting my efforts. Thanks for the specs. When, and if I get this thing out, I'll check it out. I'm going try to get my hands on a different unit and check out the notch and etc. Thanks again.

**4V50 Gary** · September 14, 2000, 10:47 PM

I suspect that the rod is bent. It'll be hard to tell until you actually remove it from the receiver.

nwgunman · September 17, 2000, 11:21 AM

I got the op rod off finally. It doesn't look "bent". It measures just under for the dimentions: 0.100 for width, 0.317 for height, and 0.329 for length. But it's not a "clean" looking piece of machining on the stud. I'm gonna give Fulton Armory a call and maybe talk to them about a replacement or maybe some "home gunsmithing". Thanks for all the replies and stay safe.

September 2, 2000, 11:03 AM	#1
nwgunman Senior Member Join Date: July 16, 1999 Location: Olympia, WA Posts: 312	I can't dismount the op rod from the receiver. The dismount notice looks way too small. Usually only light finger pressure is required to dismount the op rod. IF I can ever get this thing out, I am considering reducing the dimentions of the guide stud on the op rod. Any suggestions?

September 3, 2000, 11:24 AM	#2
4V50 Gary Staff Join Date: November 2, 1998 Location: Colorado Posts: 21,831	Please provide the dimensions of the stud. I'll check and repost in a few days when I'm back. Have you checked for straightness? If the Op Rod is bent, that could also be causing the problem.

September 5, 2000, 08:30 PM	#3
nwgunman Senior Member Join Date: July 16, 1999 Location: Olympia, WA Posts: 312	45V50 Gary: Op rod looks straight. I'm assuming you mean a really obvious bend or kink. This M1A is new and I haven't been pounding the bolt open or anything. Can't provide the dismount stud dimentions until I get the dang thing off. It's nothing like my old M1 Garand, which was a piece of cake to dismount. Thanks.

September 6, 2000, 01:56 AM	#4
4V50 Gary Staff Join Date: November 2, 1998 Location: Colorado Posts: 21,831	The Op Rod Receiver guide stud should be .100"-.005" (width). It's height should be .320"-.003" and length .330"-.010". If you're rod isn't bent (hopefully not), there could also be a problem with your receiver (out of spec for dismounting notch or guide notch) or burr in the guide stud slot.

September 13, 2000, 06:23 PM	#5
nwgunman Senior Member Join Date: July 16, 1999 Location: Olympia, WA Posts: 312	Op rod still resisting my efforts. Thanks for the specs. When, and if I get this thing out, I'll check it out. I'm going try to get my hands on a different unit and check out the notch and etc. Thanks again.

September 14, 2000, 10:47 PM	#6
4V50 Gary Staff Join Date: November 2, 1998 Location: Colorado Posts: 21,831	I suspect that the rod is bent. It'll be hard to tell until you actually remove it from the receiver.

September 17, 2000, 11:21 AM	#7
nwgunman Senior Member Join Date: July 16, 1999 Location: Olympia, WA Posts: 312	I got the op rod off finally. It doesn't look "bent". It measures just under for the dimentions: 0.100 for width, 0.317 for height, and 0.329 for length. But it's not a "clean" looking piece of machining on the stud. I'm gonna give Fulton Armory a call and maybe talk to them about a replacement or maybe some "home gunsmithing". Thanks for all the replies and stay safe.