M14 wood stocks - Walnut vs Birch

[Paul_M]

Other than appearance, are there any functional differences between a walnut and birch stock for the M14?

 

[Hitzy]

Birch is a little stiffer then walnut...

 

[can14]

Birch is harder and most choose to use it when glass bedding from scratch.

 

[I <3 M14]

Interesting... I've heard accuracy is better out of walnut but who knows. I like the look of birch

 

[Grizzly Adams]

Anybody still make those little filler blocks for the selector cut ?

Grizz

 

[saskcop]

Birch is harder wood and I think less expensive overall. Underrated.

 

[Simon]

Anybody still make those little filler blocks for the selector cut ?

Grizz

Brownell will sell you fake selector switch, I like mine.

 

[valleyman]

Anybody still make those little filler blocks for the selector cut ?

Grizz

I am about to make one for a walnut stock, and if i am happy with how the pattern works out I may be willing to make some more for anyone interested... My supply of walnut is somewhat limited, but have lots of birch.. Would make cutouts that would require slight final shaping to fit in your stock, i.e.: some light sanding... will post some pics when i have mine done...

 

[sunray]

Functional differences, no. Birch was the U.S. military's secondary standard for M1 Rifles. It's just not as pretty.
Beech was a secondary standard too. Both are far harder than American black walnut. There are walnuts that are harder than Birch though. Here's a list if anybody cares about it.
http://www.workshoppages.com/WS/Misc/Wood-Hardness-Chart.pdf