Picked up a couple of M1 Garands

[ssgross]

but fairly beat up stocks

Buy two new stocks from the CMP, label and box the old ones, and enjoy your Garand's.

Absolutely! I have fit both the CMP replacement stocks (they come from Boyds), and stock sets from Dupage Trading. The dupage stocks also come from Boyds (made on contract for dupage), but come from a different pattern. I believe the dupage stocks are far superior. The CMP stocks are pretty much drop in, but do vary. I've had a couple looser ones and a couple tighter ones. Sure, they will get you to the range with reasonable performance. The advantage of dupage stocks is they have just enough material left in the few critical areas so that you can achieve perfection. The difference in target performance can be significant. Also, a key to preserving the long-term performance of any garand stock is to not store it with the trigger guard in the locked position. You don't need to take the trigger guard assembly off for storage, just unclamp the guard. This gives the wood room to naturally expand. In fact, It's a good rule for any rifle in a wood stock really to preserve its accuracy - loosen the action screws before storing, and tighten to the correct torque before going to the range. Loosen again when you put it away.

[crowtalks]

Also, a key to preserving the long-term performance of any garand stock is to not store it with the trigger guard in the locked position. You don't need to take the trigger guard assembly off for storage, just unclamp the guard. This gives the wood room to naturally expand. In fact, It's a good rule for any rifle in a wood stock really to preserve its accuracy - loosen the action screws before storing, and tighten to the correct torque before going to the range. Loosen again when you put it away.

I didn't know that...but it makes sense. good advice!

Jim

[Bob Seijas]

I used to open mine just enough to take the pressure off the wood and insert a toothpick through the hole in the safety to hold the housing in and the gun together. Worked great.

[Singer B]

Absolutely! I have fit both the CMP replacement stocks (they come from Boyds), and stock sets from Dupage Trading. The dupage stocks also come from Boyds (made on contract for dupage), but come from a different pattern. I believe the dupage stocks are far superior. The CMP stocks are pretty much drop in, but do vary. I've had a couple looser ones and a couple tighter ones. Sure, they will get you to the range with reasonable performance. The advantage of dupage stocks is they have just enough material left in the few critical areas so that you can achieve perfection. The difference in target performance can be significant. Also, a key to preserving the long-term performance of any garand stock is to not store it with the trigger guard in the locked position. You don't need to take the trigger guard assembly off for storage, just unclamp the guard. This gives the wood room to naturally expand. In fact, It's a good rule for any rifle in a wood stock really to preserve its accuracy - loosen the action screws before storing, and tighten to the correct torque before going to the range. Loosen again when you put it away.

Thanks!

[crowtalks]

I used to open mine just enough to take the pressure off the wood and insert a toothpick through the hole in the safety to hold the housing in and the gun together. Worked great.

Good idea, one of mine is tight, so that would help.

[Mark in Rochester]

I drop the hammer with the trigger guard unlatched it will hold in place with spring force - also if you have a misfire you can recock the hammer with the trigger guard without opening the bolt

[crowtalks]

That's a great tip!