Another question for the "experts"???

[BEAR]

Can anyone tell me why the Tomb of the Unknown guards carry an M14 with a modified stock...no pistol grip? The stock has a 1903 "S" stock appearance in the butt.
Pictures below:
Attachment 101061Attachment 101062Attachment 101063

Information

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[Ernest T]

They modify the stock to make it easier to handle when doing their drills, etc.. I read a post by an actual Tomb guard on another forum, but can't find it right now, and he explained why they did the modifications. I think the guards themselves do the mods. on the stocks.

[Cosine26]

We used to call them "monkey drills" and the "S" stocked M1903's was much easier to handle than the "C": stocks when doing the Queen Anne's salute and the fancy manual of arms or the 21 count marching manual of arms. Therefore they remove the pistol grip.
FWIW.

[browningautorifle]

I think the guards themselves do the mods. on the stocks.

I'd doubt that. They all carry the same mods. I'd bet they're done professionally.

[Ernest T]

I'd doubt that. They all carry the same mods. I'd bet they're done professionally.

Might want to check out this thread. I knew I'd find it if I looked long enough: M14 ceremonial stock - M14 Forum

[Snowman1510]

Browning, he did post pics eventually. I don't have an account on that website so I can't view them. But they are there.

[Sunray]

Makes the rifle easier to catch when they throw 'em over their shoulders.
Highly unlikely the troopies do anything to the rifles. Those rifles have very likely been the same rifles used by every 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment troopie assigned there since they started using M14s.
And it's the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Not the Tomb of the Unknown.

[BEAR]

[QUOTE=Sunray;454501
And it's the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Not the Tomb of the Unknown.[/QUOTE]
Spelling and Grammar do count, especially in the age of "LOL","BFF", "LMAOF".
No offence intended simply a typing mistake.

Oh yes, only the rifles of the "TOMB OF THE UNKNOWN SOLDIER" guards are modified in such a way and they don't throw these rifles over their shoulders. The Old Guard Rifle Drill Team use 1903A3s. Just saying

[Ernest T]

I posted the question as to the modification of the stocks on the Tomb Guard's website: FAQ - Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. I got this response from a very nice gentleman concerning the modification of the stocks for the Tomb Guards:

"James,

The pointed part of the pistol grip is sanded down to non-existence by the sentinels. They take great pride in preparing the stocks, taking many hours to sand and varnish to perfection. The modification makes it easier to grip the rifle when moving it from left shoulder arms to right shoulder arms.

James, I had not noticed this in my many visits to the Tomb. We did not do this in my day. I will be there Friday and will make sure that I inspect them and ask more questions.

Thank you for your question.

Respectfully.

Herb Smith

Badge 70
Tomb of the Unknown Soldier"

I will post any followups I get from Mr. Smith who was a Tomb Guard from March 1968 to April 1969.

[bertha]

Loving this thread, very interesting discussion