New M1A1 Repro Stock and 30 round mag

[lthilsdorf]

Finally, at the Rochester Gun Show this weekend I was able to get a repro M1A1 stock! I've wanted one for some time and although not historically accurate (my only carbine is a National Postal Meter) this is exactly what I wanted. I did overpay for it, but I think it was worth it since no one will ship them to New York state, but whatever. In any case here it is!

The only problems I have are:
-My barrel band will not fit over the actual latch that is supposed to hold it in place, but it seems fine for now

-After I got it home I noticed a crack in the back of the stock, but I don't think it will be too big of a deal. I just wished I'd noticed at the show so I could have lowered the price a bit, ha! Oh well, live and learn...

I also picked up a 30 round mag wrapped in the wax paper. There are no markings on it so I'm curious as to whether or not it is USGI or not. Any way to tell, because I just assumed since it was still wrapped in wax paper it probably was. I saw some opened ones with SEY markings but they were quite rusted. Anyway, all I need is a cheap bayonet now and I'll be happy!







This expanded a little bit after shooting, but I figured that's what would happen..

Information

Warning: This is a relatively older thread This discussion is older than 360 days. Some information contained in it may no longer be current.

[frankderrico]

That crack is not good. It's right in the recoil area and needs to be fixed. I would use a small bit and drill the crack in three places then inject crazy glue into holes until it comes out of the crack then clamp it overnight. You might be able to do the drill from the other side but if not the holes will fill with glue. You also have to get the barrel band over the band spring. These are some of the issues with repro stocks but they can be overcome. Good luck.....Frank

[Harlan (Deceased)]

lthilsdorf,

The M1 carbine action is held in place by the front band assembly, etc, and the recoil plate at the rear, but nothing else.
I agree completely with frankderrico - The two problem areas you have with your stock are two of the most important areas for accuracy with M1 carbines.

30 round magazine -
I've read many times that all the authentic military contract mags were marked with maker names, but I'm not an expert on the on the post WWII mags.

Here's a link you might like to read to gain some knowledge about 30 round magazines. (great info)
M1 / M2 Carbine Magazine FAQ

Bill Ricca is one of the most knowledgeable members on our site about many things, and he contributed to this web page.

[Bill Hollinger]

The problem with the barrel band is the hand guard is too long. I ran ito thyis with a Boyd stock set. Easy fix, just file off at the front end.

[Harlan (Deceased)]

Thanks Bill.
I had thought of his barrel band problem later today and just came back here to tell him I remembered having the same type of problem.

Your method will work just fine for lthilsdorf and/or he may need to take a little off of the stock inlet at the front as well.

I bought a used M1A1 stock for my son to use as 'costume jewelry', when he was involved with living history a few years ago and it fit (didn't fit) about the same way. It looked more like the stock inlet was too long, so I punched the barrel band spring out and sanded a little.
(Go easy - You want the band to fit snugly, but not bind at an angle)

In my case, I sanded a little, and then thought of trying a USGI band spring because I wondered if the repro stock's band spring might have been repro too. The barrel band then fit perfectly with the USGI spring, but I don't know if it was the sanding or the spring slightly out of tolerance, or both.
(I didn't care what fixed it)


Yes Bill, she pawned this one too when we were separated -
I had no idea she knew how to get into my safe.
(I hope I made you and Ed paranoid enough to understand how wo'mean' can be, especially when coached by their divorced womean friends)


lthilsdorf,
I have a couple of NOS ISGI barrel band springs. They're parked instead of blued, but if you want to try one before sanding anything, I'll be happy to drop one in the mail.
Just send me a PM with your address and I'll get it in the mail tomorrow.

Again, 'frankderrico' is correct concerning the crack. You could leave your stock clamped and curing while waiting a day or so for the barrel band spring to arrive if you're interested.

I've done the same thing as 'frankderrico' described, but used 'Elmer's Wood Glue' to repair a couple of cracks with success, but never in a stress area like yours to repair.
You might consider also using a pin with the glue to repair it. Maybe others will 'chime in'.

Regardless of drilling holes or using a pin, you can cover up the small recesses with one of those heavy wax wood colored 'crayons' found in the paint department at most hardware stores, and the repairs will almost be invisible.

~ Harlan

[lthilsdorf]

Thanks cafdfw, that would be great! The barrel band spring that came with this stock just kinda...well, sucks, haha! My friend filed it down for me (I have no tools here at college) and it still doesn't quite work. I'll have to file the handguard a bit more and it should work.

As for the crack in the stock I'll defiantly fix that before I shoot it again. I understand the drilling method, but the pinning one not so much. Honestly I have very little experience with any kind of repairs like this. Would this just be sticking a couple of those little brass pins in the crack with the glue as well? I've seen other cracks that had pins shoved in them, mainly some Garands and Mosins, so I think I know what you're talking about.

In any case thanks for the help so far everyone! I appreciate you guys helping a relative gun noob like me, ha! I've only been collecting for about a year now.

[frankderrico]

lthilsdorf, the pins needed to repair the crack are theaded like a screw. Check out "Brownells", search stock pins and that should take you there. If you go that route it will help support the crack behind the recoil plate. The pins should go in from the top. I would first glue and clamp to close the crack. After it is set do the pins, they will be hidden by the recoil plate and grip. HTH.....Frank

[lthilsdorf]

I received your barrel band spring on Saturday cafdfw and it definitely helped, so thank you very much! I think it's great how helpful these communities are to eachother!

Anway, I think the handguard still needs a little sanding to make it fit, but the barrel band did snap into place with your replacement. I'll just fix that crack next time I'm home for an extended time and everything will be all set! Honestly, right now I kinda wish I could just get a cheap, correctly numbered Inland and all the necessary parts make a complete WWII era reproduction M1A1. Maybe someday, but at a college student budget I should just be happy I have ANY rifles, haha!

EDIT:

One other question I forgot to bring up. The stock itself feels kind of dry, like it needs some oil coating or something. What should I do in regards to this problem? Is there a certain oil I could coat the stock with to fix this? Thanks everyone!

[shadycon]

Now that the repair has been discussed I guess I'll help with the easy part. Give the wood a few good coats of linseed oil. GK