WRA Carbine Stock Traits

[painter777]

WRA stocks often have a taper on the leading edge of the slingwell cut out. Many use this and if the stock has a flat bottom front profile to determine its make, but there are other things to look for. I'll try pointing out some of the features that could help ID a unmarked stock to determine if its a WRA made one.

Angle cut example on a Type I Hi-wood:






No angle cut example also on a Type I Hi-wood:



Notice the tooling passes between both have the same style. This seams to be common on most WRA stocks I've seen, no matter the type.. 1, 2, or 3.
I have seen that the Underwood stocks made by Marlin (M-U) mimic this same style milling and often also show a Angled/Tapered slingwell edge.

UEF M-U stock (Type III above) WRA stock (Type III bottom):



Notice both the Marlin made and WRA stocks have thick wrists. Unless sanded this is associated to WRA stocks but other makers can be very similar.

All WRA made stocks will have 3 holes under the buttplate. But realize there are other makers that used this method also.



The outer barrel channel or nose of the WRA stocks are usually a little longer and bulky:





Looking at the recoilplate Escutcheon nut area you'll find a raised portion of wood on WRA stocks:





Look for..... But easier to feel for vice like impressions in the stock just forward of the inner wood bridge, forward of the magwell opening. Unless sanded away you'll feel these shallow impressions both on the 2 sides and the bottom:



I can feel this one but can't get a good picture. Hopefully you'll get the idea of the area to check...... both sides and bottom:



Inside you'll often find the top of the 'Bridge' stamped with a letter or number.
Often the inside right rail can also be found stamped with a letter or number.
My thoughts are these could be Inspector, Shift, Work Station or Department markings:





Look the inside of the slide box bottom at the milling. Unlike many other stock makers I see WRA cut away less aggressively than many others:





About all I can think of right now,,,,,,, tired.
I hope this helps anyone that may need it.............. that's honest

Cheers,
Charlie-Painter777

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