How to Clean an M1 Garand | TekMat | Basic Gun Cleaning

Learn how to clean your M1 Garand rifle from start to finish with Zack the Media Director here at TekMat. This cleaning is a disassembled clean, one you would not have to do for every clean. Stay tuned for our shorter M1 Garand Field Strip Clean video.
SAFETY FIRST: Unload/Clear Firearm - 1:04
Disassembly - 1:20
Items Needed to Clean - 0:30
Apply Cleaner & Scrub Firearm - 2:56
Wipe Off Cleaner/Grime - 6:45
Lubricate Firearm - 8:31
Reassembly - 10:27
Tools Used:
M1 Garand Rifle TekMat - tekmat.com/m1-garand/
TekTowel - tekmat.com/accessories/tektow...
Cleaner
Lubricant
Protectant
Cotton Swabs
Bore Brush
Jag
Cleaning Rod
Patches - Thick and Thin (Thinner patches run through the bore easily)
If you have any questions or comments feel free to comment below or contact us at our website at www.tekmat.com
Be sure to SUBSCRIBE for future firearm videos.
*There are several ways to clean a firearm and this is just our way of cleaning it. We would love to hear how you clean your gun and any suggestions.

[@federalist46]

I disassembled and cleaned my first M1 in 1961 at 15 years of age. I cannot tell you how much it pleases me to watch this young man instruct a new generation to do the same.

[@katanamast279]

When I get my M1 from the CMP in about a month or 2 I will be referring to this video

[@williambarbour7234]

I disassembled and reassembled my M1 garand at Parris Island in 1959

[@brianlundy7878]

25 years old, my dad gave me his m1 last Christmas. By far my favorite rifle to shoot.

[@Musafir091]

♥️ 🇵🇰

[@murphy1253]

@@katanamast279 Currently waiting for mine and why I am here

[@BradyKaynee]

Captain Sobel: Rust at barrel... your weekend passed is revoked.

[@vomitcollecter4899]

Bought my M1 Garand a few weeks ago and fired it for the first time yesterday on my birthday. Definitely gonna need this video lol

[@annwachter5985]

You did an excellent job of explaining the entire process, however the visuals were hindered by the dark black cleaning mat and your black t-shirt. If you video this process again make sure it is done with white backgrounds to help reflect the lighting to make small parts visible.

[@kellyevans3254]

Good guide, I’ll have to look up other videos for the disassembly and reassembly. Black gun parts over a black mat in front of a black shirt makes it very hard to see what you are doing.

[@MF-rtard89]

Seriously, how did they not pick up on this??? Nobody double checks anything these days. I'm ALWAYS double checking everything, and when you're that type of person, it's easy to see how many people just don't do that. It's most.

[@hailedavid]

Thank you so very much for making this instructional video. I just inherited my father in laws rifle and I need to make my first cleaning and inspection. I feel like I am about to experience a small part of basic training. Again thanks and God Bless America 🇺🇸.

[@steveretiredandcranky]

Very poor lighting. Black parts against other black parts and a black t-shirt. Much more light is needed.

[@imart59]

You have truly earned your handle!

[@kennoneya4671]

@@imart59 Well here's one from "GrumpyOleMan". I haven't gone back and forth with a bore brush since I was a teenager and didn't know any better. Brush movement inside a barrel is supposed to travel in the same direction as the projectile! 75 years old with over 60 years of experience!

[@kodybendele9220]

@@kennoneya4671 that's a very good point, but how is that practical when the angles do not permit a cleaning rod to enter?

[@ajax1137]

Very helpful. I ordered the TekMats for both of my C&R rifles.

[@politicallyinsensitive4200]

To clean the barrel I use a bore snake. No niche tools like a muzzle guard required and zero risk of damaging the crown.

[@kellyevans3254]

Bore snakes are nice.

[@haldennis4302]

Nice video with the exception that the Garand is gas operated. There was no mention of removing the gas plug or gas cylinder. The both get very dirty and should be cleaned. Just add that on and you'll have one of the best videos on the M1. Thanks, Hal D

[@ringadingbaby4332]

Just curious, when the op rod is removed is it possible to just clean it through there

[@MF-rtard89]

This video is trash. Cant see shit.

[@richardsims1805]

Thanks for this video. I used an M1 Back in the early '60's compliment of Uncle Sugar and currently have one on order from CMP.

[@levigourdie699]

Thank you, I have an M1 garand from my grandfather and right now it's absolutely disgusting so I need to clean it out.

[@andremicheaux423]

Good instructional video, ordered (via Amazon) your mat plus 1911. This will be the video I will use as reference for cleaning my Legion Post M1's. Which I got volunteered into doing LOL

[@robertmiller8662]

Got it. Understand now. Thanks

[@PoliticallyInsensitive]

A couple years ago i got my second Garand from the CMP (this one was a rack grade) I've taken it to the teacher a couple of times but i funny always clean my guns afterwards. Today i disassembled it and the spring had rust all over it. I didn't think i got it all out of the op rod but it's MUCH better than it was and i put a coat of oil on the spring. Hopefully that will break up and clean out the rest of it after another range trip or two.

[@allenroblin2372]

Nice video, but I suggest using JB bore bright paste & Kroil . You will see just how much cleaner your barrel will turn out. Especially just in front of the chamber. Try it you will like it. Believe I read this and have been using it for years, used by the Army Marksmanship team.

[@sjb1157]

GREAT VIDEO!!!

[@MF-rtard89]

Based on what? How it's impossible to see what he's doing?

[@nasedo3129]

Great video, thanks. I have a Garand that I purchased recently and now i have some idea what's involved in cleaning and lubricating it. Where do i get those tools, like the chamber brush?

[@tubularfrog]

Zach, which cleaner do you prefer? I've been using Hoppe's No. 9 for bore cleaning. It seems to work OK.

[@glenbessette5614]

I was wondering why no mention of applying a light coat of grease on the op rod spring? That thing gets dry and your Garand is going to make some not pleasant sounds every time it cycles.

[@giacomoborruso4599]

Would you do an m1 carbine cleaning video please!

[@auburn886]

Just finished cleaning mine. I only take it down once a year for inspection and cleaning. What is the recommended method for cleaning one without disassembly?

[@kellymiller1398]

What about disassembling and cleaning the gas tube?

[@mattshavers]

What is the recommended time to disassemble and clean the barrel? Is it like three trips to the range or like once a month kind of thing? Depending on how many rounds you shoot per range visit. I think I only shoot around 60 rounds per visit since the ammo is kind of hard to find around me.

[@davidkish1251]

Hard too see how parts are assembled especially with the black mat. Need too slow down and get good light contrast for demonstration of parts assembly.

[@thomashill891]

Well done video, thank you. One suggestion, it would have helped to wear a light colored shirt to make it easier to see the Garand parts and perhaps more light on the rifle. Cheers!

[@robertmiller8662]

I HAD TROUBLE SEEING THE PARTS AS YOU REPLACE THEN AFTER THE CLEANING BECAUSE THE PICTURE SEEMED TOO DARK.

[@thetroodon9482]

Robert Miller you can usually brighten up the picture

[@thetroodon9482]

Robert Miller try swiping the top right corner down a panned should show up there’s a thing that looks like a sun if you move that bar up and down you can change the brightness

[@aronjones7237]

When you clean your M1, do you clean and regrease the op rod spring or do you use oil on it? I always thought you had to grease them as well before reinstalling...

[@fukkyoutube]

Hey guys i recently got a cleaning mat that was harshly shoved into the box. Is there any techniques to get it flat without messing it up? any help is greatly appreciated

[@adroth1273]

nice vid! can i recommend wearing a light colored shirt

[@Thomas-wx7uf]

Hey, really nice professional made Vids...even if I never be allowed to own such nice firearms ( Germany...) but still stay interested in it :) So...thumbs up, new subscriber :)

[@mr.m1garand254]

I hope my M1 has that dark wood, it looks so nice

[@sheriffgrey6914]

I doubt this is original finish on an old rifle, unless he was very lucky

[@MrDurandal25]

This is a really nice idea.......but you may want to change the mat color. Black gun on a black mat......hmmmm

[@MF-rtard89]

And buddy is wearing a black shirt lol......video fail

[@roguefive512]

How about the Gas Cylinder and lock screw? The far end (toward the barrel) of the OP rod needs to be cleaned as well. I like the mat . Do you sell them wider and longer to fit a fully assembled Garand?

[@michaelgraziano8038]

A Q-tip or cleaning patch with a little cleaning solvent on it to get carbon off the gas cylinder walls & piston head at the end of the op rod is all you should need there - it's designed to run dry so no grease or oil here. You can wipe the cylinder out from behind with the op rod out, or if you want to clean it more thoroughly take the lock screw out of the cylinder so you can swab all the way through the cylinder. No need to take the cylinder lock or cylinder off the barrel most of the time unless you have reason to suspect the gas port is obstructed. Like Blueskies said in another comment you don't want to pull the gas cylinder off unless absolutely necessary because eventually it'll loosen up the connection to the barrel and leave you with a wobbly gas cylinder / front sight. Fixing that requires peening the splines on the barrel and is best left to a gunsmith IMHO.

[@nightrider1850]

What about the gas tube, especially the inside

[@joebiden1992]

How do I clean the gas tube?

[@kennystavely5103]

It would be a great help to your viewers if you placed the dark colored M1 on a light colored surface and if you wore a light colored shirt. It s hard to see what you are doing.

[@tacobeeznut]

good video overall. not a fan of the assembly section cause you really couldn’t see what he was doing which made it pretty much useless. had to look up a different video for that, but otherwise good job

[@joshdomfree7748]

why does this man only have 500 subscribers

[@jordob2776]

The greatest battle Implement ever devised.. I'm a new m1 owner and appreciate the video. Soooo scared taking it apart. Probably going to see the advice of a veteran family member

[@squidgamer2572]

After the first time you start to realize how easy it actually is. Got my first 2 m1 garands this year so I know how you felt

[@roguefive512]

What cleaner are you using?

[@rgmartin2536]

Holy shit you are a big guy. You make that rifle look like a carbine.

[@hughjanus590]

Shouldn't the tekmat be as long as the rifle?

[@platoon1026]

As you get older, removing the operating spring gets increasingly harder. Looking for a way/tool to aid in doing this before it’s impossible.

[@MF-rtard89]

What does age have to with anything?

[@lawrencebedard1790]

It would be nice to see what your talking about

[@Rhythmicons]

I always thought that the patch cleaning method was ridiculously tedious. Why not just use a bore snake?

[@kodybendele9220]

Any explanation on grease vs. oil when lubricating? I don't use actual grease on any of my guns, but didn't know if it mattered with an M1.

[@Tom-pg3cn]

Always grease on a M1. If it slides grease it.

[@mar1video]

I use Lubriplate No. 130-A, but Mobil 1 Synthetic Grease , or any new high quality NLGI#2 automotive grease, will be fine. Good luck ❗️

[@sheriffgrey6914]

Grease does the same job as oil, just holds up a bit longer

[@YankeeLake]

Helpful. But Black gun part assembly shown on a Black background?? Filmed at a distance?

[@roxshot1]

I thought it was bc I'm colorblind... yeah, it's hard to see the details.

[@MF-rtard89]

Yeah this video was poorly done camera wise.

[@edlane9882]

Good, you check the weapon to ensure it was not loaded first.

[@smit3222]

Having a hard time getting the trigger assembly off

[@reddevilparatrooper]

He didn't clean the gas tube!!!😳😱😦😫His NCOs would have had a heart attack!!!😵😵‍💫😱😭

[@brianlee6849]

Excellent info 👍. I'm looking at getting a CMP special grade. Looks like it is relatively easy to disassemble clean and reassemble. I have a question though what about the gas system and plug? I would think it would be dirty and need cleaning? Also I was thinking about getting the adjustable gas plug so I can shoot any ammo . I watched a video on tuning the gas plug for hotter hunting ammo looks easy. What is your opinion about the adjustable gas plug? I subscribed thanks for sharing

[@turk5832]

I got my CMP special grade over a year ago....you're going to really enjoy shooting it. There's plenty of M1 ball ammunition out there online for the Garand...no need to get a gas plug.

[@brianlee6849]

@@turk5832 Great info. Have you competed in the CMP JCG matches? Have you tried the ammo the CMP sells? I know there is cheaper M1 ammo out there but I read a article that said the CMP ammo was loaded by Hornady special for the CMP and it shot extremely well and had a very consistent velocity and it's Lapua brass. The article said you couldn't load this ammo for the price that you can buy it from CMP . Thanks for sharing your advice

[@turk5832]

@@brianlee6849 I shoot Prvi Partizan 150 grain M2 ball ammo made for the M1. It's a Serbian outfit, cheap, reliable and non corrosive. MV is 2,700 fps. Federal also makes M1, but it's more expensive. I'm really a pistol guy and will compete in the steel challenge and idpa. I shoot my Garand at 100 yards and I find it incredible there are people out there who can shoot 3 inch groups at 300 yards with iron sights!

[@brianlee6849]

@@turk5832 Yes definitely I've shot 3" at 300 with sights but not the M1 it was a H&R 30-06 bolt action I had back in the 90s . I paid nothing for it at a gun show killed several moose with it. I let a friend talk me into selling it and I've always regretted it. Lol. I've seen and heard of M1s shooting this well and I love there sights. Hopefully I get a good one. Thanks

[@brianlee6849]

@@turk5832 I've heard the PPU is excellent ammo for the money. Thanks

[@paulm.6966]

Is there a reason you need grease? Can’t you just clean it like a normal rifle and oil it with ballistol? Thanks

[@BT1DEATH]

The M1 needs greased for wear purposes. The only way i would run dry, if i was throwing it in the dirt. grease would make the problem worse.

[@kodybendele9220]

My exact question. Is oil an acceptable substitute or does it like grease better?

[@simonevans5562]

What's thr point of using the muzzle guard while cleaning the bore? Should I buy one?

[@sheriffgrey6914]

Not needed

[@ctromanus]

what is the preferred cleaner, lubricant and protectant for use on WWII parkerized parts.

[@thetroodon9482]

As far as I know the Parkerization IS the protection

[@kodybendele9220]

Apparently a lot of old-timers like Balistol. I've never used it. I've used Hoppe's products forever because that's what my dad & grandpa used. Just bought Shooter Lube products - new product but I like it. I was wondering about the grease though. I don't grease any of my guns but I didn't know if it was necessary for the M1. I just use oil & lube.

[@minimusmax]

use a thick patch to clean up the barrel. The light patches are good for application only

[@Hothenrik]

That thing came apart way too easily!!😮

[@n2339l]

…and then I’m gonna go ahead and…

[@davidbat6002]

Working on black parts on top of a black mat against a backdrop of a person wearing a black t shirt, with not great lighting directly over he weapon made it very difficult to see anything. The information was excellent but the visual was poor.

[@jamesvcampbell]

Why use a muzzle guard

[@kodybendele9220]

I'm guessing because due to the difficult angles involved, it's not practical to run the cleaning rod though from the back. When you're running the rod though from the front, you can damage the crown after repeated contact.

[@KeithSodaro-tk8sg]

hello please wear ligth color shirt

[@anderslind8422]

Me with only wd-40

[@kennoneya4671]

No duck tape??

[@rosss444]

Luckily I already knew how to do this. But you move way too fast, cover the camera with your hands, and your back drop is too dark. Thankful for the video nonetheless, but keep this in mind if you plan to make more videos.

[@VictorySpeedway]

Should you be dripping cleaner all over the stock? Shoud I be dripping cleaner all over the stock? Should anyone be dripping cleaner all over the stock? Is the "Tech-towel" just a microfiber towel with your logo on it?

[@kodybendele9220]

#4 got me laughing. Most likely yes haha

[@turk5832]

Way too complicated for a guy who can barely screw in a lightbulb! I'd rather pay a gunsmith the $50 to field strip and clean my CMP Garand. Btw, how often does the M1 need to be stripped down and lubed?? I've heard after 500 rds. or once a year??

[@garagemetalshop7975]

I've thought this about every firearm I've owned. With practice, though, I've found even someone like me could do it. You can do it and it's fun, and you can save the $$ for 30-06 and a Schuster Adjustable Gas Plug. Good to have your favorite podcast on in the background when doing this kind of work. I wish you well and lots of enjoyable time spent with your Garand!

[@turk5832]

@@garagemetalshop7975 thanks!! I'll give it a try. I have an AR that I learned to field strip after watching a similar video. Its a piece of cake for me now!

[@turk5832]

@@garagemetalshop7975 I bought the "ported" gas plug from Garand Gear because I didn't want to deal with making the adjustments with the Schuster plug....I found out that the garand gear ported plug doesn't protect the op rod with hot 30-06 rounds. I just buy the M2 ball ammo designed for the M1 so I don't have to deal with the issue!

[@kodybendele9220]

That's awesome to know! I've always wanted to start gunsmithing & cleaning on the side and develop it into a retirement income. But I've always thought: "would someone actually pay me to do this?" I guess the answer is yes! Also, basic training with an AR. We literally had nothing to do between dinner and lights out, so we stripped down our ARs and re-assembled. We'd have races, could do it between 20-30 seconds. Familiarization with a weapon is key, just spend some time on it and it'll be easy.

[@turk5832]

@@kodybendele9220 I field strip and clean all my semi autos from a CZ, 1911, Luger, Walther PPKs and my AR. Field stripping the M1 looked a bit involved plus I'm lazy! But you're right, I should take time to learn!

[@repetitivemotion]

Yea, we know how to inspect our rifle to clear it and make sure it’s not loaded. And if I have any ammo on the table, big deal. Will it magically load itself into my rifle while the rifle is disassembled on the table? No. Please let’s get to the takedown procedure

[@MF-rtard89]

I'm all for gun safety but "no ammo in the vicinity" lmfao gtfoh with that nonsense

[@joemccrady649]

Need show reassembly better. Poor camera angles

[@roberttosa2560]

Too dark to see what he is doing. 🤷‍♂️🤦‍♂️