I just bought my first m1 Garand. The first time I took it out I was loading and shooting one round at a time because I was at a public range, and you’re only allowed 3 in the mag. The second time I went somewhere that lets you load your guns and noticed a problem. When I push in a full clip and release the bolt it gets stuck. The blot hits the top of the first round like it’s supposed to and is stopped by it. If I give it a gently push it will close and shoot fine. Then it cycles the remaining rounds and ejects the clip perfectly. I put about 50 rounds through it and the only feeding problem is with that first one. I’ve cleaned a lubed the rifle. My next thought was to start replacing springs, but since it cycles all the other rounds fine I’m not sure that’s the problem. I’m using 150 gr. Old military surplus ammo.
You should have to bump the op rod with your hand to get the bolt to move forward to chamber the first round. Otherwise you will get the famous Garand Thumb when the bolt closes.
Perhaps I'm misunderstanding what you are experiencing.
Also, just as a headsup, there is a danger of getting a slam fire if you allow the bolt to close on a round that is already in the chamber. At least that is what my manual states.
