M1A build and stock search

[txgunsuscg]

So, I just finished building my M1A from an LRB barreled receiver, CMP parts kit, and some Smith Enterprise parts. Haven't had a chance to shoot it yet, but I'm pretty stoked about it. The only thing I need is a stock. The stock that came with the parts kit has the selector cutout, which just looks like its missing something on a semi-auto. I would love a synthetic stock in the original profile, ala Springfield Armory, but I can't seen to find one despite my use of the Google-net. Any suggestions?

 

[cuervo]

You can buy a fake selector switch to fill the hole, that's going to be the cheapest (or fill it in).

The original fiberglass stocks were good in theory but were found to have too much flex, so were not used. They're going to have the cutouts as well. Springfield just filled in the cutout and then painted the stock to hide the fill.

If you want to spend some money, go with a McMillan or JAE.

 

[Sheepdog1968]

You can buy a stock from Springfield.

Alterntively, google Fred M1A and he has many surplus stocks for sale. Those surplus likely have the selector cutout.

 

[henschman]

I talked to a rep at Springfield who said they sell their new production synthetic stocks for $100. They don't list them for sale online or anything... you have to call the order in. I have one of these stocks on my M1A (old Springfield with GI parts), and love it. It is extremely light weight. In this stock, my rifle weighs 8.5 lbs. including an ARMS #18 scope mount. I certainly haven't found flex to be a problem... it has no issues whacking man-sized targets out to 700 yards. But then again I don't shoot any high power matches with it, and I don't sling up tight as a banjo string. It is a great stock for field use, and you can easily paint it, drill on it, etc. without feeling bad about ruining original GI stuff. FYI this is a plastic stock as opposed to the GI fiberglass stocks that are also sometimes referred to as "synthetic."

Here's my rifle in this stock:

 

[txgunsuscg]

henschman,
That is what I'm looking for, actually. Does it come with or without metal? Does the handguard come too, or did you use an old one? This won't be a match rifle by any means, I want it to be capable of hard use.
Thanks!

 

[henschman]

They said it comes with the metal (and rubber butt pad, as in my picture), but I'm not sure about the upper handguard. If not, I'm sure they would sell you one separately too; or you can just use the one you have, and paint it to match if you are OCD!

Actually my stock and handguard came off a newer (circa 2009 or so) SAI rifle I used to have. I traded it to a guy for the older GI SAI, but he wanted to keep his nice GI fiberglass stock, so we just traded rifles and kept our same stocks.

That is a sweet rifle you have -- if I were to build another one, I would do it exactly like you did, with the receiver, barrel, and bolt from one of the mil-spec M-14 mfg's, a CMP parts kit, and a new SAI plastic stock. Well done!

 

[Ironhorse522]

I've always wanted a m1A, hard is to build one? Is it just assembly or what?

 

[txgunsuscg]

The hardest part of building a gun like this is the barrel installation and headspacing. Thankfully, I cheated by buying it already installed and headspaced (with complete bolt). It took me about 2 hours or so to put together, the hardest part being installing the op rod guide (let's just say it was a bit of a tight fit).

 

[Ironhorse522]

Is building it this way cheaper than buying a Springfield m1a?

 

[txgunsuscg]

In a word, no.

The CMP kit was $600, and the barreled receiver was $1400, and I still had to buy the flash suppressor, gas lock, and some small parts...

I only went this way because I wanted the forged receiver.

 

[txgunsuscg]

So I ended up getting the SA OD green stock and handguard. Prices must have gone up a bit since the last time anyone talked to them, because the stocks now run $170 with all the metal included (or with a rubber recoil pad, no price change), and the handguard is $25. Looks a lot better though. Took it out with the wooden stock before the synthetic arrived and shot it. Love the thing....

Per the SA rep I talked to, all SA synthetic stocks are new production, they went away several years ago from filling the selector notch in fiberglass stocks...

 

[henschman]

Awesome... I'm glad you like the SAI synthetic as much as I do. How much does the rifle weigh in it?

 

[txgunsuscg]

Unfortunately, I'm not sure. It feels lighter, but there isn't a scale in the house for me to get an accurate measurements...