Piiiiiing!!!!
(that's my little impression of the clip ejecting)
My M1 has to be my absolute prize posession. I rate it even higher than my Mustang and my Animeigo DVDs. Those new Springfield M1s are indeed nice, but for the price they're asking I'd have just gone to the CMP and bought an original. Now and then they get some really nice ex-Danish rifles that have typically been arsenal refinished. But there's certainly nothing wrong with a brand new M1. I've heard some people complain that Springfield is using cast receivers instead of forging them, as was done on the originals, but I can't see it really becomming a problem. Metalurgy has come a fair way since 1936.
I can't say I have any real stories, at least any that are interesting. But I will say that my M1 is incredibly accurate, moreso than my Kar98 (mainly because of the sights). One thing you will notice is that any M1 at the range will attract spectators like flies. Everybody always wants to see one of them "in action." Put 8 shots onto the 200 yd gong, followed by that famous piiiing, and you'll probably get a round of applause. As for M1 thumb? I'd say that it's actually exaggerated. All you have to do is make sure you hold the bolt back with the heel of your hand, while pressing the clip firmly into the action until it clicks. Get your thumb outta there and let the bolt fly home. It's that simple. What you may actually find is that your bolt may not completely close on the first round. Those clips hold the ammo pretty tight, actually. All you do then is either pull the bolt back and try again, or give the op handle a bit of a slap forward like you're closing a bolt action. Since your rifle is brand new, you might not have that problem. Mine is 50 years old, but last I checked the recoil spring measured right on spec, lengthwise.