Question about Winchester carbine stocks....for those who know.

[imarangemaster]

I was getting my armory (retro AR15 with triangular handguards, Winchester M1 Carbine, and PTR91- HK91 clone) out and ready to take down to my son's in So-Cal for our annual watermelon demolition derby next week. While playing with them and feeling their heft, I still find I really prefer the feel of the M1 Carbine. I know with the other guys AKs and ARs, the carbine will be a real novelty, so I am bringing about 400 rounds of reloads (some lead 115 Bear Creeks, and some plated 110 Berry's)

I noticed that the Winchester's WRA over GHD stock has a VERY flat bottom, with fairly square corners. All of my other carbines of different manufactures I have had in the last 30 years are much more rounded and somewhat slimmer Type I/II/and III stocks, except my first Winchester, which also had a very flat bottom and more robust. While it it not as thick as pot belly stocks, the Winchester stocks seemed more robust.

Is this "flat bottom with square corners" and more robust pattern just a manufacturer's trait peculiar to Winchester stocks?

Information

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[Bob K]

Its known to be a characteristic of Winchester stocks.

[Bill Hollinger]

If you pull the action from the stock you may find a "W" stamped on the inside of the stock and IIRC it is on the right side flat just in front of the recoil plate.

[Neal Myers]

The front end of your hand guard is squared off (or "bull nosed"), also a Winchester characteristic.

Neal

[imarangemaster]

It is squared a bit, but definitely not a bull-nose. The front of the sight channel is much deeper on a real bull-nose hand guard. I posted comparison pics in my original post about this Winchester when I got it. My Winchester is too late for a bull-nose.

MY Winchester transitional Carbine: It's correct!

[DaveHH]

is the front cut of the sling cut out is usually very slanted. Meaning the edge is not straight up and down but more of an angled slash. Not all Winchester stocks are marked with a W in the sling well. Their cartouches are deep, sharp and generally survive well.

[painter777]

Their cartouches are deep, sharp and generally survive well.

DaveHH,
Well stated, but easy for you to say! I still drool over your Original WRA 5,6 mil and that beautiful Acceptance Stamp.
By far one of the best I've seen.
Don't take this the wrong way........... But you know I've handled a lot of wood..

IMR,
I have some pics that show other traits common to WRA made stocks I'll try to post asap.

Cheers,
Charlie-Painter777

[browningautorifle]

I've seen these in the past and thought how crude they were. I had no idea they were Winchester...

[imarangemaster]

I do admit, the stamps on my 5.7 Winchester are nice and deep. Pretty, too!

[DaveHH]

Hi Charlie,
Good to see you back. I've had some experience with 2x4s and Skill saws but not much with carbine stocks. Saw your other post and it was very informative very good info. Appreciate your opinions on the 5.6. It is really kind of random on the slash front cut issue. You see it from time to time on all the brands but quite a bit on the Wins. Same with the flat forarm. If you get a chance can you read my thread on the fat handguard? I was hoping that either you or Frank could offer an opinion.
Again Thanks.
D