Quote Originally Posted by bls72bmw View Post
Thank you for taking the time to post the good pictures and clearlly mark them with red colors. Great tutorial that I need badly.

This seems aimed at those who get a new CMPicon stocked M1, or go buy a new stock. In your opinion, would a new stock be more accurate in the long run v. a used GI Wood? (some of the GI Stocks seem a bit loose fitting, and the new ones from the CMP are definitely snugger- does this contribute much to accuracy). Said another way, to get the most out of my M1 would it help to buy a new stock v. the old one on it?

Another question from a new M1 guy- how much more will the much written about "gluing of handguards, turning down gas cylinder, cutting down back of gas cylinder" mods do vs. the proper inletting? Do you think it will give even more, or is that extra bit of trouble really worth it? Trying to shoot some JCG Matches soon and not sure if all that cutting on my M1 will really help much....

Thank you for the great article.
If you intend to shoot in CMP Games matches, the only mods allowed are "selective fitting of issue parts". The fit of the stock and the amount of clamping pressure you have are the two most important elements to a good shooting M1/M14icon assuming the barrel is good. Most CMP M1's with original GI wood will not have these two crucial properties due to the wood fibers being compressed over the years, and worn trunnions on the trigger guard as shown above. This can be remedied with glass bedding compound, but then you're not CMP legal. The other mods you mentioned are part of what is done to accurize the M1 together with glass bedding. They contribute, but to a lesser degree than stock fit. You would also need to be shooting match ammo to fully appreciate those improvements. So, in a nutshell, for a CMP Games rifle, replace the wood and fit as outlined above. I would also replace the op rod spring with a new one. Don't forget to grease it.