How often do M1 Garand stocks crack? Should I fix or replace it?

[Nugilum]

I got this Garand about nine months ago from the CMP. It's a 1955 Springfield with mostly matching parts.

One crack starts in the right corner of the magazine well farthest away from the trigger. It's about a four inches long and it's a clean break. I also have two two-inch cracks right behind the clip latch.

I'll admit that the stock looked rough when I got it, but it cleaned up nicely. I'd like to keep the stock in order to keep the rifle period correct, but I'm beginning to question the overall strength of this stock.

Should I fix the stock or replace it?

FYI: It was never put in the dishwasher.

 

[rondog]

Did you try calling the CMP and see what they say? I've heard their service is great, and so are their new stock sets.

 

[TomADC]

You can get a complete Boyd's stock from Midway USA for about $110 all new wood.

 

[Nugilum]

I figured 9 months would be past the "warranty period".

 

[TomADC]

http://www.midwayusa.com/viewproduct/?productnumber=107223

 

[10X]

If you use epoxy to repair the cracks, like Microbed, the stock will be stonger than the original wood.

The wood does need to be free of oil for the epoxy to stick.

I would try that. You can always get another stock later, if you wish.

 

[carbine85]

Post some pics. Some cracks can be fixed by seperating the crack and get epoxy down it and then you have to drive in set pins. Some areas require cutting out the area and fitting, gluing and pinning in a new piece of wood.
I think the old army mauals have this repair in them.

 

[Nugilum]

All I can say is CMP sets the standard!

OK, here are some pics of the cracked stock...

Crack behind the clip latch:


The Crack in the Magazine Well:

Making it more defined:


All in all, it's in good condition for it's age minus the cracks:


Now two weeks ago (on a Saturday) I went to the Anniston, AL CMP store to try to buy a new stock for it. I showed it to the people "behind the counter", and they were surprised such a thing happened (as was I). They took my information and told me that on Monday someone would get in contact with me concerning a replacement stock since the repair shop was closed on the weekend. I was floored when one of the women said (I'll paraphrase): "Please don't get mad, these things sometimes get past our armorers. We'll fix you up, don't you worry about that."

I explained that I had it for over a year (after I looked at my receipt) and I really didn't expect them to replace my stock. Well, they did anyways. Phil called my on Tuesday, and got the needed info from me about my new address and what era / make Garand I had. Ten days later (Today, date above) I got the new stock in the mail. I expected that the stock was going to be "broken in", but it was immaculate. Here's what the replacement looked like:

Yes it is a post-Korean Stock. My rifle is still "correct" with Springfield parts.


And here's a comparison of the butt plates (replacement on right)


I got a chuckle out of this though. It definitely gives the rifle character!


So I got my cracked stock replaced by the CMP, completely on their dime. A+ to the CMP for their exemplary customer service!

 

[Tim the student]

Good for you - glad you got it fixed.

I can't say though, that I'm surprised that the CMP did that. They set the standard for customer service.

Add this to the long list of things they did that most people would consider "above and beyond."

 

[1KPerDay]

Great to hear. I haven't had any of mine crack but seeing your great-looking replacement stock I'm thinking of whacking one against the garage wall and getting a replacement.






Kidding!

 

[j-easy]

just FYI, you can crack your stock shooting grenades pretty easily too

 

[Nugilum]

I'm thinking of whacking one against the garage wall and getting a replacement.

AAAHHHHH!!!!!!!! <thud>