My DCM Garand functions and shoots great. One minor glitch exists, though - when I load the en block clip, I did it correctly, as to avoid the "M1 thumb".
The bolt does not go shut on its own, though - I have to bump it forward with the heel of my right hand, (it doesn't have to be hard, just a nudge).
Questions -

Is this something that I should worry about correcting?

and -

Do you old Garand hands have any suggestions on how to correct the situation?

I'm a fair hand at home gunsmithing - I've done glass bedding, installed modern triggers on M98 Mausers and done trigger work on lever guns, so you know while I'm not a "pro", I'm not all thumbs, either.

Let me know - I'd like to take a crack at this, if it is worthwhile.

Replace your recoil spring and see if that helps to give you an M1 thumb ! JAGG

Are you sure you are pushing the clip down all the way. Mine has never failed to release but I am not gentle about pushing in the clip either. Try pushing the clip down with athority and see if that helps. Just make sure you are restraining the bolt with the side of your hand.
One of the funnies things I have ever seen was when I got my Garand. A buddy of mine, ex-Marine, started teasing me about the way I charged the weapon as we were playing with a clip full of dummies. He went to show me how a "Marine" charges the weapon, and proceded to close the bolt on his thumb. I though he was going to beat me to death with my own rifle if I didn't stop laughing, but there was no way in the world that was going to happen (me stopping laughing that is) :) One of the funniest darned things I have ever seen!

Garands and M14's were not made to operate with rounds that go to 55,000psi ! They were made to work at 45 to 48000psi ! Check your operating rod and replace your spring and it shoupd work a lot better ! Many people shoot factory ammo that has to high a pressure for the garands and M14's ! JAGG

Mine does the same thing. It looks like the cartdrige is very tight in the Enbloc clip. just a slight nudge to break the friction between them and its ready to go. One of the old "problems" with the M-1 is not being able to "Top Off" the clip. but it can be done. With your left hand grasp the stock and place your fingers on the op-rod pull it back and hold with fingertips. push shells in with right hand but it will only fill up to 7 rds. Still better than only 1 or 2 left in rifle.

These folks have given good advice. My recommendation would be to ensure that the bolt lugs and raceway are lubed with a quality gun grease. M1 Garands function best when well lubed. All the best...
Gil

These folks have given good advice. My recommendation would be to ensure that the bolt lugs and raceway are lubed with a quality gun grease. M1 Garands function best when well lubed. All the best...
Gil

That's for sure!!! Keep that sucker greased up!!! Those little 10 cent grease pots from the gun shows work well, or Militec works even better. just make sure during your cleaning to get all the old grease, now filled with powder residue and gunk out of the rifle and install new. M14 users, remember to lube the bolt roller too.

Nathaniel- I had the same problem until I replaced the recoil spring. Between that and some good grease it should go away. Best of luck and keep your thumb out of it.