[Pollster1]

I like the old M16A1.

You won’t see any nostalgia for the M1 Garand though, I like my thumb uninjured.

[Gaffer]

I have four of them. Properly timed, they aren’t that much of a problem.

[refermech]

My girl friend has one of those with a heavy barrel. Wonder what it’s worth?

[Iron Munro]

Loading a Garand properly or closing the bolt without maiming yourself just takes a little practice.

Marines and GI’s did it millions of times in WWII and Korea.

I loaded and fired mine left handed in boot at P.I. and still do.

Never had a problem.

[BwanaNdege]

If you have to “reach out and touch someone”, you are better off with either the Garand or the M-14.

[Hardastarboard]

Got an M1 and love it, but loading that thing scares the hell out of me. I’ve seen an example of “M1” thumb and it ain’t pretty.

[NTHockey]

It’s all in how you do it with the M-1. At Parris Island, I fired the M-1 LEFT HANDED. Never got my hand caught. Now, pushing the operating rod back with just your thumb, THAT takes some doing.

[Celtic Conservative]

Tell me about it. I’m a Ruger factory certified armorer for the mini 14 and I have the thickened thumbnail to prove it.

CC

[NorthMountain]

You won’t see any nostalgia for the M1 Garand though, I like my thumb uninjured.

Keep the heel of your right hand on the bolt handle until the clip has locked into the magazine. Remove your thumb, fingers, nose, tentacles from the action. THEN release the bolt, and nudge the back of the bolt handle with the heel of your right hand. Just to be sure.

BANGBANGBANGBANGBANGBANGBANGBANGPING!