My inherited M1 carbine is having trouble with case ejection, so I figure it's time for a spring change (I don't know that's it ever had one), and while I'm at it, I may as well do the whole thing, the major ones at least. My Garand is probably due as well.

I've searched online, but each kit has its supporters and detractors, so I'd appreciate some input from the actual users here who seem to know what they're talking about.

Also, what's a good, easy-to-follow reference book for the mechanically impaired.

Thanks.

USGI springs would be preferable. You can still get new-old-stock USGI carbine springs various places online.

I would also be confident in using Wolff springs, if you can't find the USGI springs you need.

As for simple reference books, get Larry Ruth's "M1 Carbine Owner's Guide": https://www.gunsprings.com/ind...e=items&cID=2&mID=98

There are also a number of good YouTube videos and online tutorials for M1 Carbine field-stripping and disassembly available for free, like this step-by-step pictorial over at the CMP: http://thecmp.org/wp-content/u...rbinedisassembly.pdf

However, if you're that mechanically impaired, you might not want to try doing the smaller springs yourself, like the ejector/extractor/hammer/trigger/sear/safety/magazine catch springs. Disassembling and reassembling the trigger housing assembly and bolt can be a bit tricky, and the bolt needs a special tool. They're certainly doable, but might be above your skill level... Depending on just how mechanically impaired you are, you might need to get help from a mechanically-inclined friend or a local gunsmith.

However, swapping the recoil spring and magazine springs are simple, even for those who aren't mechanically inclined.

you may start with just a simple recoil spring change, and also take the bolt out, hose it with kroil, or some other cleaner type, lightly lube and shoot,

if that does not fix, a bolt tool is cheap, or shoot me an email , I think I have a spare I can mail you (as a loaner, please return) if needed

if it is just ejection issues, I would not worry about the springs in the trigger pak

Pack rat collectables is where I secured new main spring for M 1 plus several other parts
and I think ammo Garand is the same joint.

Sorry for the delayed response, but thanks for the ideas. Our fourth boy just arrived, so things have been a little chaotic (doing this again at 53 is a little more challenging that I was anticipating). Since my regular activities are going to be curtailed for a while, I'm going to try to take this time to really learn my M1 carbine, M1 Garand, and the '03A3 Springfield.

I've used the Orion 7 op rod springs for my Garands and they are excellent. Lookes like they have some NOS springs for the carbine too.

http://www.m1garand.com/store/m1_carbine_parts.html