Gas Cylinder Lock question

[Fmedges]

Hey Guys,

I've had my '43 dated Garand for about ten years now and there is one question that I've always had. When screwing the gas cylinder lock back onto the barrel it gets tight at about 3 o'clock (as you look down the barrel). I then have to back it off to the correct position to insert the gas plug. My question is how snug should the gas cylinder lock be? Mine is obviously not very tight as I have to back it off about 90 degrees to put the gas plug in.

[BPTactical]

Ideally it should hand snug at 5 o'clock but hardly ever works out that way. On a service grade rifle it is not overly critical. This can affect accuracy however and optimizing that fit is part of "National Match" treatment.
Here is the best way to check it:
With the gas cylinder off of the barrel spin the lock down against the tapered seat for it on the barrel, it should snug up at 5-5:30. It should not go past 8 o'clock.
The only way to correct it is by trying different locks or having the tapered seat surface "timed".
Correct installation of the gas cylinder: slide the cylinder toward the receiver as far as it will go and then tighten the lock to the 6 o'clock position. Slide the cylinder to the lock then install the lock screw.

[10x]

BPTactical gave good advice.