M14 Forum

mineralman55

I am thinking about something a little out of the box for building an M1. The problem I’ve faced so far is the absolutely shocked response I’ve gotten from several Garand builders/experts when I mentioned my ideas.

What I was thinking of doing was having someone build for me an accurate M1 using:
1. Fiberglass/synthetic stock;
2. Upper handguard replaced with an Ultimak rail, keeping the standard iron sights as back up.

Is there any reason an M1’s accuracy couldn’t be enhanced with a synthetic stock? Is there a problem inherent with this? I can’t see why considering the military was working with aluminum M1 stocks just prior to putting the Garand to bed for good. Second, having an upper handguard/rail with a long eye relief scout scope on it would certainly enhance load development, as well as make it an even better hunting rifle, not to mention a conversation piece at local ranges (not that that’s important ).

I already have several great steel and wood M1s, so I’m looking at doing something different. Anyone try these mods?

1KPerDay

I've seen a few like that... I don't know why it should be so shocking. Synthetic stocks for the M1 have been around for many years, as has the scout scope mount. Go for it, I say.

huntinghawk

An option would be an Amega Ranges upper rail.

HH

mineralman55

The first response was you'd of thought I'd asked to borrow his wife. The second response was a genuine and puzzled "Why?", so obviously there is some push back at large to the idea of a synthetic stocked M1. Still, I think there's an advantage to it.

4570govt

Old school M1's are my favorite, I was thinking of doing something along the same lines with one of mine, but I have pretty well changed my mind.

Bamban

I have two 7.62mm Obermeyer barreled M1s in laminated stocks, the accuracy in both rifles is at par with my McMillan stocked M1As.

JayKosta

I think that the limiting factor for accuracy with the M1 (when compared with other semi-autos) is the oprod & gas cylinder.
Having the long & marginally supported oprod is bound to result in some uncontrolled movement & vibration that will hurt accuracy. The M14 design is superior in this regard.

I don't think that stock material & design will make an 'accuracy' difference compared with a properly fitted & bedded and 'weather proofed' wood stock.

Jay Kosta
Endwell NY USA

JRoss

I would not consider the Garand a sniper rifle these days and it sounds like you wany a good hunting rifle so go with that theme in mind and see what happens, save the old parts and you can always go back to day one.

nbkky71

Since we're talking fantasy Garand's here, how about an EBR style stock made for the M1.

Now that would be interesting...

mack7.62

You mean like this?

http://securityarms.com/20010315/gal.../3200/3272.htm

captain_bob_badfish

Is that for real?

captain_bob_badfish

Holy cow. It is real. I bet the EBR stock is spendy.

GunOwningGeek

I wouldn't be averse to a synthetic stock on a Garand, much for the same reasons I like a synthetic stock on my M1A ( namely weather-resistance). In a "working" Garand of course, say hunting or even a defensive rifle.

For display or just informal plinking, wood stock all the way.

Here's a look at a synthetic-stock Garand courtesy of Oleg Volk: http://www.a-human-right.com/garand.html

bd111

There ya go. Various manufacturers have turned out synthetic stocks and handguards, some of them pretty good. I think McMillan even made one back there somewhere, when Gale was alive. You don't have to go full EBR to slap a scope/sight rail on the barrel and use a EER optic. I wish I could remember the name of that company that made the very stiff & sturdy black synthetic stocks for Garands not too many years ago. I remember they fit good. **** Came back to me, Bell & Carlson ****

tmcfalls

http://www.sageinternationalltd.com/si/access/ebr.html