M1 Carbine woodwork

[mrclark303]

I've been looking for a type two stock set for my M1A1 carbine for a while now, they rarely come along here in the UK with virtually all woodwork available Type 3 ( M2 cut) pot belly.

Having restored an M2 set a while ago, I luckily came across a very reasonably priced Type2 and two rivet handguard, both 'rather rough' and apparently unused. Covered in light dents and scratches all over.

HR Irwin (replacement) stock with no P or Cartouche makings and a RMC (Rock Ola) two rivet top cover.

I initially assumed the stock was Walnut, but it had been coated with a thick storage grease that had gone rock hard.

Having stripped, steamed and sanded the stock I came to the conclusion that the wood was Birch, so started dyeing the stock to match the Walnut two rivet top cover.

So far, 7 coats of raw linseed oil and she's coming up nicely.

Information

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[lboos]

looking good, now that you have refinished the wood it would be a good time to put the M1A1 back to it's WW-2 configuration.

[browningautorifle]

Typical of the later stocks for the M2s, a classic birch. Looks good...not quite as common to see birch for the early M1 stock though.

[mrclark303]

Cheers guys, she's a few shades darker this morning too. I do find working with different woods facinating, they all respond differently.

By way of example, typical military Walnut or Beech just sucks up the first turps cut coat of raw linseed oil. Birch, it just sat there!

Birch seems to absorb oil ' very ' slowly, but it's really starting to darken now, going a lovely colour, with depth in the figuring.

[lboos]

looking good, now that you have refinished the wood it would be a good time to put the M1A1 back to it's WW-2 configuration.

oops, My mind was on a M1A1 folding stock.

[mrclark303]

Here's the restored M2 woodwork alongside the original M1A1 stock

[lboos]

Two beautiful carbines mrclark, you've done a great job. I really like the ammo. pouch on the M1A1, think I'll try that also.

[mrclark303]

Two beautiful carbines mrclark, you've done a great job. I really like the ammo. pouch on the M1A1, think I'll try that also.

Thanks Iboos same Carbine, different dress! The original leather on my carbine butt is rather fragile, so I carefully honeycomb leather oiled it, wrapped it and put the pouch over the top to protect it. The padding and pouch certainly give a better cheek weld.

[RCS]

Nice work on the stock, birch is always difficult to darken. I have a shell flame (both sides) birch M1 rifle stock that was
a gift from a 1st Sgt long ago, just used BLO on it.

[mrclark303]

So it's been sealed in a plastic bag covered in oil for 24 hours, colours going exactly where I want it to be and it's clearly not Birch or Beech.

The grain isn't quite right for Walnut, I'm currently thinking cherry, what do you guys think?