Keep Your M1 Carbine Magazine in Shooting Shape with These Tips

The M1 carbine was often paired with a simple metal detachable box magazine that could hold 15 rounds of .30 carbine ammunition. The M1 carbine was often paired with a simple metal detachable box magazine that could hold 15 rounds of .30 carbine ammunition. 

It is one of the toughest pieces of equipment that was issued in concert with that platform. 

But, like all military issue, it requires some periodic maintenance from time to time to keep it in shooting shape. 

If your M1 carbine magazine is not feeding well, consider taking it apart and cleaning it or replacing the spring. 

Luckily, the M1 carbine’s magazine is remarkably easy to disassemble and reassemble. It can technically be done without tools.

Here’s what you need to know. 

1.Remove magazine base plate 
Clear the weapon and remove the M1 carbine magazine from the rifle and ensure it is clear of ammunition. 

Turn the magazine upside down, and press down on the rounded end of the magazine base. This should enable it to be slid forward and off of the magazine body. If you need a little leverage, you can use a screwdriver or the rim of a cartridge. 

Before fully removing the base plate, be sure to apply pressure with your thumb to detain the spring and prevent it from shooting out the bottom. 

Place the base plate to the side on a clean, clear surface.

2. Remove magazine spring
After you have removed the base plate, the spring will want to come out of the bottom. Take this out next and set it aside. 

3. Remove follower
You may need to coax the follower to convince it to come out of the bottom of the magazine. Shake the mag body lightly to get the follower to turn on its side and it should slip out the bottom.

Again, you can use a screwdriver here for a little leverage but don’t force the follower because if you deform it the magazine won’t feed. 

Remove the follower and place it to the side.

4. Clean and lubricate
At this point, you should be holding the magazine body, with the spring, follower, and base plate set to the side.

Wipe down the base plate, follower, and spring with warm water and soap. This should dissolve any fouling deposits or oil so they can be cleaned away. Do the same for the magazine body, inside and out.

Thoroughly dry all four components, then coat each in a very light coat of lubricating oil. All you want to do here is protect against corrosion. Less is more.

5. Reassemble in reverse order 
After you’ve cleaned and lubricated your M1 carbine magazine’s parts, reinsert the follower through the base of the mag body, ensuring it falls to the top of the magazine and seats properly, then reinsert the magazine spring, press it down, and slide the base plate back into place. General Tips for Success
If you’re going to take apart your M1 carbine 30 or 15-round magazine, here are some general tips: 

• Do not disassemble except to clean or salvage parts. 
• Do not reassemble magazines if they are wet. 
• Do not over-oil the internal parts. 
• Be careful not to force any parts, or you may distort the spring or deform the follower, which will hamper feeding. 
• Inspect all internal parts for fatigue, wear, or corrosion while maintaining them; they may need to be replaced. 

My M1 Carbine Magazine Is Shot (No Pun Intended). Where Can I Get a New One?

Sometimes, catastrophic damage will take an M1 carbine magazine outside of the realm of restoration. If your mag body, spring, or follower is so damaged that only an entirely new magazine will make a fix, just get a new one. 

Whether you need magazines or parts for an M1 Garand or carbine, visit SARCO, Inc., online at SarcoInc.com. They carry a huge range of parts and accessories for many popular firearms, including military collectibles, surplus, and antique arms. Check out their website today.

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