I grabbed up this M1a cheap the other day and was wondering about the stock. nice figure on both sides of the butt. i was told that USGI stocks were either Birch or walnut and that VERY few were produced in cherry.
not knowing much about woods i was hopeing someone could tell me about this one...

I'm no expert on M1a's (at all, really). My understanding is that most of the G1 type rifles were stained that color prior to finishing. Me personally, if the rifle doesn't have any real collectors value, I'd refinish the stock. Strip it, sand it, reseal it with Linsead (about 10 coats, running out 1000 grit sandings between linsead coats) and see what that looks like.

I thought most military rifles used Birch, or some other common wood.

That's the prettiest piece of wood that I've seen a a government issue rifle. But, it is a M1 Garand not an M1-A.

M1-A is a model name for the semi-automatic copy of the M-14 selective fire (308) government weapon made by Springfield Armory. (the civilian company, not the governament arsenal)

its a
"US rifle M1A".

the m1a is a civilian copy of the m14 made by springfield. hence anything refering to the military m14 is not applicable, thus what you have is not a military stock. they were 1st in walnut but stained beech replaced the walnut ones quickly in the m14. while you stock has some markings on it, rest assured that they are cosmetic, not military, also i'm not so sure that this is cherry and not reddish or reddish stained walnut. if it would happen to be a walnut m14 stock, it's probably worth something like 250-400

quote:

Originally posted by butchloc:
the m1a is a civilian copy of the m14 made by springfield. hence anything refering to the military m14 is not applicable, thus what you have is not a military stock. they were 1st in walnut but stained beech replaced the walnut ones quickly in the m14. while you stock has some markings on it, rest assured that they are cosmetic, not military, also i'm not so sure that this is cherry and not reddish or reddish stained walnut. if it would happen to be a walnut m14 stock, it's probably worth something like 250-400

what about the selector cut-out in picture 4?

I would agree with Butchloc and Fjold .

It looks to be walnut not Birch or Beechwood .

Shoot Straight know Your target . ...

KSTEPHENS
The stock on your M1-A appears to be a military contract walnut stock that some one has filled in the full auto selective fire cutout.

The stock looks like it is a nice piece of wood.

Is the rifle glass bedded?

You can also get one of the military "plastic" stocks and your rifle should drop right in.

Be sure you lube the lockling lugs and bolt roller, and the rear of the bolt where it touches the reciever when locked up with grease.

Also some times accuracy can be effected it the gas piston is full of carbon.

There is a tool kit with 2 drill bits to clean the piston out.

Try some 168gr Federal Match ammo in your rifle.

It seems to shoot real good in any M1-A even the standard rack grade guns.

I have never had any problems shooting lead pointed bullets in an M1-A.

If you reload try 165 Sierra HPBT, or Spitzer Gamekings, Sierra 168 Matchking, 165 Nosler Ballistic Tip, or 165 Nosler Paretitions, over 39.5gr of IMR 3031.

For field use, hunting, and funning around, the 5 and 10 round magazines from Springfield Armoury make the M1-A a little handier.

Keep us posted and let us know how she shoots.

quote:

Originally posted by KSTEPHENS:
its a
"US rifle M1A".

Duh! I'm a retard.

It is an M1A but it is not government issue.

its actually the 4th M1a i have owned. im pretty familiar with the rifles just not the military stocks.
the rifle is 2004 production, non TRW bolt. National match 62 front sight. i havent taken it out of the stock so i dont know if its double lugged or not, and dont really care. I think a buddy with the SO is gonna take it off my hands tomorrow. I have always respected the M1A but when it comes to 308 caliber semi-auto's I'm a FAL man. the rifle itself is an easy 99%. in fact the ONLY spot of wear on the entire rifle is on the buttstock storage door latch.
$1200 sound like a fair deal?

Kstephens
PM sent on some M1a extras.

Perry

In the early 90's Springfield Armory put out a bunch of M1A's that used military (m14) bolts, stocks & other small GI parts. This would appear to be one of those rifles.

The stock is definately military....see ordnance acceptance seals in picture.

I bought one of these "parts" guns for the wife and it had a beautiful stock very similar to yours.

Regards,
hm

the butt plate is not a standard m14/m1a:it was put on the e2 stocks which were issued to the squad automatic riflemen along with an attached bipod and selector switch. they were designed to replace the BAR when the switch was made from the m1

Yeah, and that didn't work. Bad muzzle climb and heavy recoil made them unmanageable in full auto fire.

Well, I was a squar automatic rifleman and from the prone using the bipod, which is the way suppressing fire is supposed to be used, the bipod never lifted off the ground; and when used from the hip during the final assault phase using proper fire control.i.e. controlled bursts,4-6 rds, you could control the rifle. You never cut loose with a sustained 20 burst during an assualt, because that would cause excessive muzzle rise as well as burn out the barrel: but, the BAR @19.5 lbs dry, also would experience severe muzzle rise if you fired 20 rds in one burst.

Holy Cow! If there is any question about M 14 stocks, you gotta check with Fred. He has 100,000 for sale! "The M14 shoppers paradise."

www.fredsM14stocks.com