M1 Garand Stock advice

[TerdFerguson]

Hello everyone,

I fulfilled a long-time ambition of mine recently and got an M1 Garand (paid way too much but goshdarnit hearing that first PING made it all worth it.) It's a mishmash of parts, Danish Breda receiver with brand new .308 criterion barrel in an Italian stock. The stock is stamped MT, which from my understanding means that it was originally a tipo-2 7.62 NATO conversion with the half inch shorter barrel, however my gun is full length and the stock has a half inch of different colored wood added on at the front to bring it back up to length. The wood for about an inch behind it is really rough, like its had a file taken to it. Anyways, would this type of extension have been done professionally, or do I have bubba's handiwork on my hands? Adding on to that, is there anyway I can smooth it out and get to a similar color as the rest of the wood without refinishing the whole stock? (which I am loathe to do, the rest of it is really beautifully finished walnut)

Thanks in advance for any advice, Cheers!

 

[maple_leaf_eh]

Welcome, and you've asked an interesting question.

The Italian conversion stocks are often cut back, as you mention. Someone went to the woodpile and tacked another species (if I read that right) onto the end to return it to the correct length. You are unhappy with the woodworking quality, correct? As long as the front ferrule properly engages the barrel band, there isn't much more work necessary structurally to do. Wood can be bleached. It can be dyed. It can be sanded or stained. Take you pick.

 

[purple]

The modified Italian Tipo 2 stocks have been in circulation for quite a few years now. They are new and make a fine, tight fitting, stock, although the extensions can be made from mis-matched wood.

 

[TerdFerguson]

Thanks for the replies, yes the stock is of excellent quality and fits just fine, and the extension seems to be solid if a little ugly. I may just try some very fine sandpaper on the rough bits and some dark stain or dye on the extension.