Universal M1 Carbine Jams... - The Firearms Forum

CobraGT40 · 09-21-2009, 08:22 PM

Hey all !

I have had a Universal M1 Carbine that I traded some cylinder heads for to a buddy of mine about 10 years ago. I don't really use it that much, but its pretty fun to shoot. Only problem is that it's prone to jamming. I have about half-dozen 15 round mags and four 30 round mags and it seems to jam up more with the 30 rounders. However, it jams with all of them, just some more than others...even the new ones.

Anyone have any ideas on how to fix this ? I know the later model Universal M1's (which I have) had declining quality and I'm sure that's a factor.

Thanks !

Scott

oscarmayer · 09-22-2009, 04:37 AM

i'd start by checking all the magazines. buy one good magazine a surplus gov't issue still in the wrap. they are still around and easy to find. try it with the "better" magazine and see if that solves the problem. remember to keep the gun well oiled. check the feed ramp for burrs. usa a crocus cloth to slick up the feed ramp. stay out of jr's gun store just off new york ave

and try getting the mag from the kane county gun show or the dupage show

CobraGT40 · 09-22-2009, 06:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by oscarmayer

i'd start by checking all the magazines. buy one good magazine a surplus gov't issue still in the wrap. they are still around and easy to find. try it with the "better" magazine and see if that solves the problem. remember to keep the gun well oiled. check the feed ramp for burrs. usa a crocus cloth to slick up the feed ramp. stay out of jr's gun store just off new york ave

and try getting the mag from the kane county gun show or the dupage show

I hear ya on the J.R. Shooting Sports on New York St... that place is pricey ! If I were to buy from a gun store it would be Mega Sports in Plainfield...they aren't TOO bad.

I actually bought a couple of those surplus mags at the Kane County Gun Show and they work a little better than some of the other ones I have, but they will still jam from time to time. I'll give your suggestions a try and see what happens...if not, my boss's buddy is a gunsmith on the side, so I'll have him take a look at it.

Thanks !

Scott

magfree · 08-16-2011, 06:51 PM

I have a Universal m1, too. It fails to driver the cartridge from the mag into battery. In other words it fails to chamber the next round.

Could this be caused by weak recoil springs?

Any suggestions?

Hawg · 08-16-2011, 07:50 PM

It's most likely a rough feed ramp. Mine fed hard ball fine but wouldn't feed soft points. I polished the feed ramp and now it feeds anything I put in it whether it's the 15 round mags or the 30 round mags.

magfree · 08-19-2011, 07:33 AM

I received a suggestion that it could be the mag. When I examined the magazine I did notice the rim of the case neck caught on the mag edge.

Max Donovan · 08-21-2011, 09:23 PM

Maybe I can help if you describe the "jam." If it is a high-nose failure to feed, the lips may be holding the cartridge a little too long. Bend or cut 1/8-inch of the front of one lip and see if that helps. If it is a low-nose failure to feed, try holding the magazine up into the mag well.

09-21-2009, 08:22 PM	#1
CobraGT40 Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Aurora, Illinois Posts: 18	Universal M1 Carbine Jams... Hey all ! I have had a Universal M1 Carbine that I traded some cylinder heads for to a buddy of mine about 10 years ago. I don't really use it that much, but its pretty fun to shoot. Only problem is that it's prone to jamming. I have about half-dozen 15 round mags and four 30 round mags and it seems to jam up more with the 30 rounders. However, it jams with all of them, just some more than others...even the new ones. Anyone have any ideas on how to fix this ? I know the later model Universal M1's (which I have) had declining quality and I'm sure that's a factor. Thanks ! Scott -->

09-22-2009, 04:37 AM	#2
oscarmayer Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Contributor Posts: 2,387	Re: Universal M1 Carbine Jams... i'd start by checking all the magazines. buy one good magazine a surplus gov't issue still in the wrap. they are still around and easy to find. try it with the "better" magazine and see if that solves the problem. remember to keep the gun well oiled. check the feed ramp for burrs. usa a crocus cloth to slick up the feed ramp. stay out of jr's gun store just off new york ave and try getting the mag from the kane county gun show or the dupage show

08-16-2011, 06:51 PM	#4
magfree Member Join Date: Aug 2011 Posts: 2	Re: Universal M1 Carbine Jams... I have a Universal m1, too. It fails to driver the cartridge from the mag into battery. In other words it fails to chamber the next round. Could this be caused by weak recoil springs? Any suggestions?

08-16-2011, 07:50 PM	#5
Hawg Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2011 Posts: 1,557	Re: Universal M1 Carbine Jams... It's most likely a rough feed ramp. Mine fed hard ball fine but wouldn't feed soft points. I polished the feed ramp and now it feeds anything I put in it whether it's the 15 round mags or the 30 round mags.

08-19-2011, 07:33 AM	#6
magfree Member Join Date: Aug 2011 Posts: 2	Re: Universal M1 Carbine Jams... I received a suggestion that it could be the mag. When I examined the magazine I did notice the rim of the case neck caught on the mag edge.

08-21-2011, 09:23 PM	#7
Max Donovan V.I.P. Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Posts: 77	Re: Universal M1 Carbine Jams... Maybe I can help if you describe the "jam." If it is a high-nose failure to feed, the lips may be holding the cartridge a little too long. Bend or cut 1/8-inch of the front of one lip and see if that helps. If it is a low-nose failure to feed, try holding the magazine up into the mag well.