M1A purchase question

:sos:I have found a reasonable M1A at a local shop. They have it listed as a Springfield Standard, but the stock is recessed for the selector switch. I have not seen a standard model come from Springfield with this option (ever). Could this be an older commercial rifle that would have been fitted with this stock? I have my doubts that it would come from the commercial factory like this and am wondering what the rifle actually is. I will be visiting it again later today and any help would be appreciated.

Thanks

Take pics and post them here. I'm sure someone here will have an answer for you.

Over the years, lots of M1A owners replaced the commercial stocks that came with their rifles with real GI M14 stocks. Don't ask me why, as IMHO, the M14 stock looks pretty bulky and odd on an M1A since there is no select-fire hardware on the right side. But, for a long time, M14 stocks could be bought for just a few dollars and were an easy swap.

Lots of M1As came with painted GI fiberglass stocks that have the selector switch hole filled in, and some folks simply do not like the look of fiberglass stocks, especially in black crinkle finish paint.

Anyway, buy the rifle, not the stock. You can always get a different stock later if the stock bothers you. I recently bought two brand new walnut M1A (not M14) stocks at a gun show for about $20 apiece.

Back in the early 1990, some standard models came with USGI "collector" stocks.

Yup, I built an M14E2 in 86. on a SA receiver Using original GI E2 stock and parts. I did not like the empty notch so I bought a dummy selector switch and installed it. Still have it with ART2. Gary

If my memory serves me correctly when I purchased my first M1A back in 1984 we had the option on the standard grade rifle. The options were GI wood, GI Fiberglass, or New Walnut. This was common for most of the 80's
Also, at that time we had barrel choices of GI chromelined, NM national match barrels and regular non chromelined commercial barrels.
They even went so far as to allow us to spec. trigger group, bolt and op rods back then with TRW being the most desireable.
For what it may be worth as an FYI. Love my M1A's.
Damn I think i just dated myself as an old fart. lol

I also have an early production Springfield Armory M1A with the skinnier G.I. stock with the selector cutout. TRW barrel too, in minty shape. I'd buy that rifle if the price was right.

I was in Elmer Ballance's shop before and after he came out with the M-1A. I believe it started production in late '71 All of his stocks were GI. The selector area was filled in with Acraglass. Even before that he was building an M-14 lookalike with welded chopped and channeled M-1 receivers to M-14 length, using BM-59 holdopens. He was calling THAT rifle the M-1A and of course it used that same style of stock. I traded mine in on my NM in '72.

I don't believe I ever saw a commercial stock actually built with that area NOT cut out until the 80's.

An M14 clone looks great with a dummy selector kit installed, the retired Marine here sells the best, made with real select fire parts: ]http://w
ww.sparrowhawkm14.com
Mint condition USGI M14 stocks are relatively cheap because when the US Gov't destroyed many M14's, they saved the stocks and sold them off. Fred used to be a good source, price & selection-wise, although he isn't the best at fast shipping or communication.
Good luck!