C3A1 used stock

[Pblatzz]

The trigger area in the stock is for a parker hale trigger. The end of the trigger body sits under the tang of the action body at the back (see pic). It does look like it was sanded to use in another rifle. The bedding just ahead of the action area looks like it is removed. The barrel profile on the C3A1 is the same as the C3, basically a Mauser step. The bedding only goes past the action "about" an inch up the barrel.

Here's a picture of a parker hale trigger on an action, You can see the distinct shape. ignore the older safety lever, the C3A1 had the later style.

 

[njohnson]

I almost completely forgot I have a copy of Clive Laws book "Without Warning, Canadian Sniper Equipment of the 20th Century"

If it is of interest, here are the sections related to development of the C3A1 just for reference, it has a good section on the C3 variants as well...

 

[QueensHorseman]

Ron,

1. I do believe the stock was painted green. There are a few marks on the stock which seem to show a grey underneath as a molded in colour. If it is paint though, it certainly is bonded well as it doesn't easily come off!
2. As above, I believe it to be a grey base however on reflection that could also be primer.
3. Yes. Black with a basket weave pattern and the word McMILLAN on the back surface. Sides are smooth. There is also a black base or spaced between the stock and pad. I would say to is approx 3/8 inch thick.
4. Sorry but I don't have scales handy. It is a heavy fills stock though.

A few other things;

- under the cheek riser, the number 459 is marked, same as in the barrel channel. I did wonder if that was a partial serial number to link the stock to a particular action.
- I believe that the stock was bedded more than once as there are two colours of bedding compound and the quality of the bedding job seems better in some places than others.
- Somewhere around here I also have a Parker Hale trigger like someone else posted a picture of. The rear action screw area does seem to be bedded for such a trigger however back in the day that was a pretty common option on Mauser '98 rifles.
- In a few places on the stock, there are small bits of a light green paint marks (bottom of butt by recoil pad and around top of action area)
- There are visible rub marks are the bottom end of the forestock from a bipod base mounted on the rail I assume as well as fainter wear right on the blunt end of the fore-end.

I appreciate everyone's help in figuring this out.

 

[rgg_7]

QueensHorseman

Can you take the butt plate off - it's retained by 2 allen head screws. Once off this will expose the base material and colour. I can compare it to the 2 original C3a1 McMillan stocks I own. From your description of the bonded OD green paint on primer I'm certain that is McMillan applied. The butt plate is McMillan however the 4 spacers are missing.

The "459" is a partial C3a1 serial number...the complete SN would be "00459G" hence within the contract range. This SN is on the Parker Hale manufacturing list that I have. Bear in mind that the McMillan stock was a conversion program that DND that contracted to Diemaco. Having said this, the conversion contract did not cover other C3a1's issued to other gov't Agencies. All C3a1 delivered on the Parker Hale contract were in "stained beech". We see these for sale from time to time - they all have the rifle serial number in the barrel channel marked with a "Sharpie".

The action area of the stock has been bedded at least twice as you say - reddish material looks like "Bondo: and the grayish "Devcon" - IMO the trigger area has been modified as well. These are very minor difference and can be fixed by the right person.

Your stock is definitely a McMillan A2 sniper filled - these were available commercially back in the day. It could be an Agency retrofit as they did there own.

Provide a little more info and I'll give you my opinion.

Ron

If you want you can PM your email and I'll give you mine.