M1 gas cylinder

[Khornet]

My rear ring of the gas cylinder is tight to the barrel at the 9:00 to 6:00 postion as viewed from the muzzle. I'd like to open it up so it doesn't touch. How tricky is this? Also, the cylinder is a bit loose in the splines........should I try to peen them? I get consistent flyers, a nice group of 3 or 4 then a very wild flyer several inches from the group. Barrel seems OK and TE is a 2.

 

[C.R.Sam]

What ammunition you using ?

Sam

 

[Khornet]

M1

Lake City 1966 M2 ball. With handloads, 4064/48.5/147FMJBT the groups are smaller but still the same phenomenon.

 

[James K]

I know peening the barrel is done, but I prefer to use a steel rod and peen the cylinder as it is the cheaper part. The rear ring could be flattened slightly; you might try tapping it a bit and see if you can make it more circular. In any case, if the cylinder seems wrong, try a new cylinder before messing with the barrel.

Jim