Issue with new CMP stock not fitting correctly

[lthilsdorf]

I had this posted over at the CMP forum, but I figure I'd ask for your fine advice over here too!

I bought a new CMP stock from the North Store a few weeks ago (among other things...) and I have a slight issue. It looks like the barreled receiver doesn't quite lock up as much as it did on my old buttstock portion of the rifle. This is hard to explain but I took a picture to better show it. It seems like my new stock is actually shorter and creates the gap. Is this normal and will it affect accuracy? My front handguard also may need some sanding as it doesn't move at all and I've heard it needs some degree of movement? While I've heard the CMP stocks need some work to make them fit each individual rifle, this seems like something that could be a defect?

This stock measures roughly 29.1 inches from where the metal meets the wood on either end of the stock. Is this roughly the correct length of a Garand stock?

Is this a case of a defective stock or something else? My old stock was so sanded down and terrible I can't believe the CMP stock could actually be shorter! I don't have the old stock with me, so I can't measure it at the moment. Thanks for the help everyone!

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.

[karl schmidt]

What makes you think the size of that gap is a problem?
How does the rifle shoot?
Will the butt stock swing into place on the action OK?
How tight is the trigger guard lock up?

[Issun]

if the stock is loose this can be detrimental to the accuracy of the rifle... however the lockup shouldnt be dependent on the handguard, it should be firm even without the hand guard attached as the stock is designed to be afixed by the triggergroup and to leave the barrel basically free floating...
the front handguard should be a tad loose so as to allow the barrel to expand/lengthen slightly as it heats up, and to allow the hand guard to expand in moist conditions.

[lthilsdorf]

I haven't actually shot the rifle in the new stock yet. I was mostly asking IF that gap in the picture could cause a problem with accuracy. I haven't ever seen a picture of anyone's Garand with a huge gap there like on mine. Sorry if I wasn't very clear, ha!

The new stock locks up very well. In my old stock the trigger group came out and went in with zero resistance. In the new stock it was quite a bit more difficult to lock it in and take it out, so that's good news. I was just concerned with the gap in the picture and if the stock is possibly too short or not. Thanks!

[Mark in Rochester]

the gap is not a problem - if the lower band had contact with the stockferrule it would act as a recoil lug- as the barrel heats up this would change and would result in a point of impact shift - the gap is a plus as long as the lower band tips hook on the ferrule projection

[lthilsdorf]

They do indeed hook up, but do not touch. Thanks for the help! I see you're from the Rochester area. Any chance you know anyone who is a Garand specialist around here who could take a look at my rifle and give me advice on getting the most accuracy out of it and whatnot? I'm located over in Brockport. Thanks!

[Mark in Rochester]

Our local retired Marine Corps armorer/sniper passed away a few years back- he was the go to guy – Simple enough though to do it your self

Take a dollar bill and slip it between the rear hand guard and stock – it should slide all the way down on both sides.

Be sure that there is a small gap between the rear handguard and receiver – dollar bill again.

Gap also between the rear gas cylinder ring and the heat shield of the front handguard.

The ferrule on the stock should be tight and centered on the barrel channel.

Gas cylinder should be snug on the barrel – if not peen the splines.

The gas cylinder lock should stop at approx 5:30 – if not try different locks until you find one that does. Once there you should be able to draw it over the last 15 deg. Recheck rear ring clearance with plug installed. (Not recommended if barrel threads are worn / undersize)

Check the crown for dings and if your lock up is good on you stock – it is just you and your barrel.

There is a high-power match at the Genesee Conservation League on the first Saturday of the month – if I am there I would be happy to go over it with you.

Mark

[lthilsdorf]

There is a pretty good chance I may have met you before then, ha! I've went to a Garand match there in October, but have been too busy to get out to another one. I talked with some folks there who did give me some helpful pointers which is what led me to buy a new stock in the first place. My old one was so sanded down that the heel of the receiver no longer touched the wood. My name was Dan Hilsdorf. That was the first match I ever shot in and it was pretty fun, which is why I've been hoping to actually be free and go back again, ha!