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Posted: 6/13/2015 2:38:44 PM EDT
[#1]
Quoted:
So I bought a USGI synthetic stock last year for my M1A standard, but my dad, who trained with the M14 in the Marines, demands we get a USGI wood stock for it. What is the general consensus for stocks, as far as Birch vs Walnut, manufacturer, etc. Preferably something with no dings, but definitely not collector grade, like $115 max probably. Thanks guys. Look here. http://www.fredsm14stocks.com/main.sc |
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Posted: 6/13/2015 3:42:47 PM EDT
[#2]
Here's mine for comparison. Listen to your old man; nothing beats the feeling of a walnut stock in your hands; feels warm, responsive; almost as if it were alive. Plus is an M1A, man. Leave the plastics for the ARs. 
As for types of woods, I'd go with Walnut, but if you find a Tiger Stripe birch stock - buy it... 
http://m14forum.com/reference/91006-usgi-m14-wood-stock-identification.html |
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Posted: 6/14/2015 8:49:01 AM EDT
[#3]
Birch and walnut each have their own strengths and weaknesses. To me, walnut is better looking. Birch with figure is nice. But plain birch is not as nice as plain walnut. But, these are subjective. Being objective, birch is reputedly 20% stronger than, however, walnut resists compression better than birch. Meaning, birch will ding/dent easier than walnut, and leaving the trigger guard latched will compress the wood faster.
Essentially, it comes down to what each person likes. Figured Birch 
Plain Walnut 
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Posted: 6/14/2015 9:04:29 AM EDT
[#4]
I've owned a couple of nice Walnut USGI stocks, but prefer a chassis stock system (SAGE EBR & Blackfeather "RS").
That said, I recently picked up a USGI E2 made out of Birch. It has some nice tiger stripes in it. 
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Posted: 6/14/2015 2:50:52 PM EDT
[#5]
Was the hand guard made of wood or plastic back in the day?
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Posted: 6/14/2015 3:06:21 PM EDT
[#6]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
I've owned a couple of nice Walnut USGI stocks, but prefer a chassis stock system (SAGE EBR & Blackfeather "RS"). That said, I recently picked up a USGI E2 made out of Birch. It has some nice tiger stripes in it. http://www.athenswater.com/images/CQB-16.E2.1.JPG Loooove your rifle!! Does the aimpoint compM4 cowitness with your irons using the UltiMak rail? |
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Posted: 6/14/2015 4:56:44 PM EDT
[#7]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Loooove your rifle!! Does the aimpoint compM4 cowitness with your irons using the UltiMak rail? Quote HistoryQuoted:
Quoted:
I've owned a couple of nice Walnut USGI stocks, but prefer a chassis stock system (SAGE EBR & Blackfeather "RS"). That said, I recently picked up a USGI E2 made out of Birch. It has some nice tiger stripes in it. http://www.athenswater.com/images/CQB-16.E2.1.JPG Loooove your rifle!! Does the aimpoint compM4 cowitness with your irons using the UltiMak rail? Thank you 
The M4 is sitting on a Scout Hand Guard (SHG) from M14EBR.US, it's lighter than the UltiMAK & runs cooler. The M4 doesn't sit low enough, but the Micro series from Aimpoint does co-witness the iron sights perfectly. |
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Posted: 6/15/2015 6:27:19 AM EDT
[#8]
The USGI synthetic stock is indisputably the best issue stock for this rifle but most of us love the walnut stocks for "feel" and emotional reasons and 'cuz some of them are very pretty. The same reason we spend all that money at Brownells for exotic wood M1911 grips: Barbie for Boys.
Yeah, I dropped the black synthetic stock from my Scout Squad M1A when I converted it to a Bush within a month of purchase and fitted walnut. Much prettier and the rubber butt plate is gone as well. There were very few if any wood handguards for the M14 as they were very brittle. Never saw one in the two years I carried the M14 every day. Various Fiberglas versions (one is vented) in a couple of colors. Take your pick. A real M14 stock will have an empty notch for the selector. Filling it with wood just ain't right. Dummy selector looks better -- looks are what we're talking about here after all. You can get one with the selector switch if you want. Scout Squad Bush rifle, Smith Enterprise flash suppressor, dummy selector to fill the hole in the genuine USGI walnut stock, vented handguard. (Not me in the photo.) 
-- Chuck |
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Posted: 6/15/2015 7:52:55 AM EDT
[#9]
I agree with Chuck, and I wish the USGI E2 was also available as a synthetic stock.
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Posted: 6/15/2015 8:26:01 AM EDT
[#10]
I like the wood stocks, but for price and effectiveness the USGI synthetic is hard to beat.
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Posted: 6/15/2015 11:19:45 AM EDT
[#11]
Are you going to sell your synthetic stock?
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Posted: 6/15/2015 12:52:41 PM EDT
[#12]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Are you going to sell your synthetic stock? I have the black one that came from Springfield and a tan USGI one, not positive on selling either one at this point. |
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Posted: 6/15/2015 1:35:04 PM EDT
[#13]
My SAI synthetic stock turned out to be a USGI in disguise.
I would not get rid of a USGI synthetic at this point as they are only getting more expensive. |
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Posted: 6/15/2015 1:49:45 PM EDT
[#14]
I personally like the USGI synthetic stocks. I think they are the best looking. Mine doesn't lock up so tight though and it's one of those that was sprayed over with bedliner finish from Springfield. But I like the profile of it and it makes the rifle a bit handier, IMHO.
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Posted: 6/16/2015 1:29:18 AM EDT
[#15]
I like the grain on walnut better than birch. that's all I know about wooden stocks.
I've got a USGI fiberglass on my M1A currently though. I've been rough handling my rifle lately. |
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Posted: 6/16/2015 1:01:57 PM EDT
[#16]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
I have the black one that came from Springfield and a tan USGI one, not positive on selling either one at this point. Quote HistoryQuoted:
Quoted:
Are you going to sell your synthetic stock? I have the black one that came from Springfield and a tan USGI one, not positive on selling either one at this point. From your description of the two I'm wondering if they are even USGI. How old is the rifle? Springfield starting using a different synthetic stock in the last couple of years that some say is not all that stiff. A while back they used to spray the bedliner stuff over USGI synthetic ones. Probably to cover up imperfections. At least that is the story I was told. But USGI synthetics are not tan. They're more of a dark brown. Well, maybe not Dark dark. Medium to Dark brown...... Or maybe you could say dark..... I was trying to find a pic of one for you, but for some reason I'm having a difficult time...... |
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Posted: 6/16/2015 2:11:15 PM EDT
[#17]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
From your description of the two I'm wondering if they are even USGI. How old is the rifle? Springfield starting using a different synthetic stock in the last couple of years that some say is not all that stiff. A while back they used to spray the bedliner stuff over USGI synthetic ones. Probably to cover up imperfections. At least that is the story I was told. But USGI synthetics are not tan. They're more of a dark brown. Well, maybe not Dark dark. Medium to Dark brown...... Or maybe you could say dark..... I was trying to find a pic of one for you, but for some reason I'm having a difficult time...... Quote HistoryQuoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:
Are you going to sell your synthetic stock? I have the black one that came from Springfield and a tan USGI one, not positive on selling either one at this point. From your description of the two I'm wondering if they are even USGI. How old is the rifle? Springfield starting using a different synthetic stock in the last couple of years that some say is not all that stiff. A while back they used to spray the bedliner stuff over USGI synthetic ones. Probably to cover up imperfections. At least that is the story I was told. But USGI synthetics are not tan. They're more of a dark brown. Well, maybe not Dark dark. Medium to Dark brown...... Or maybe you could say dark..... I was trying to find a pic of one for you, but for some reason I'm having a difficult time...... I bought the USGI one seperately last year, from Fred's. Sorry for the confusion. |
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Posted: 6/17/2015 1:32:02 PM EDT
[#18]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
I bought the USGI one seperately last year, from Fred's. Sorry for the confusion. Quote HistoryQuoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:
Are you going to sell your synthetic stock? I have the black one that came from Springfield and a tan USGI one, not positive on selling either one at this point. From your description of the two I'm wondering if they are even USGI. How old is the rifle? Springfield starting using a different synthetic stock in the last couple of years that some say is not all that stiff. A while back they used to spray the bedliner stuff over USGI synthetic ones. Probably to cover up imperfections. At least that is the story I was told. But USGI synthetics are not tan. They're more of a dark brown. Well, maybe not Dark dark. Medium to Dark brown...... Or maybe you could say dark..... I was trying to find a pic of one for you, but for some reason I'm having a difficult time...... I bought the USGI one seperately last year, from Fred's. Sorry for the confusion. Sweeeeeeeeet. Does it lock up tight? |
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Posted: 6/18/2015 11:45:41 AM EDT
[#19]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Was the hand guard made of wood or plastic back in the day? The M14 was never issued with a wood handguard. I had 350 of them as an Armorer in the 60's and all had a non-ventilated fiberglass handguard. |
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Posted: 6/18/2015 5:50:56 PM EDT
[#20]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Sweeeeeeeeet. Does it lock up tight? Quote HistoryQuoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:
Are you going to sell your synthetic stock? I have the black one that came from Springfield and a tan USGI one, not positive on selling either one at this point. From your description of the two I'm wondering if they are even USGI. How old is the rifle? Springfield starting using a different synthetic stock in the last couple of years that some say is not all that stiff. A while back they used to spray the bedliner stuff over USGI synthetic ones. Probably to cover up imperfections. At least that is the story I was told. But USGI synthetics are not tan. They're more of a dark brown. Well, maybe not Dark dark. Medium to Dark brown...... Or maybe you could say dark..... I was trying to find a pic of one for you, but for some reason I'm having a difficult time...... I bought the USGI one seperately last year, from Fred's. Sorry for the confusion. Sweeeeeeeeet. Does it lock up tight? I like it, heavier obviously, but overall it fits well. |
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Posted: 6/18/2015 5:51:15 PM EDT
[#21]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
The M14 was never issued with a wood handguard. I had 350 of them as an Armorer in the 60's and all had a non-ventilated fiberglass handguard. Quote HistoryQuoted:
Quoted:
Was the hand guard made of wood or plastic back in the day? The M14 was never issued with a wood handguard. I had 350 of them as an Armorer in the 60's and all had a non-ventilated fiberglass handguard. Thanks. Appreciate the info. Mitch |
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Posted: 6/18/2015 7:22:24 PM EDT
[#22]
See, now you're really confusing me. It was my understanding that a USGI synth was lighter than wood. Maybe not though..... My wood stock on my loaded is a big fat pig and I think it's rather heavy for wood because of the fat profile. I'm sure a USGI wood profile is thinner and lighter. But still, I thought the synthetic's were typically lighter. |
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Posted: 6/18/2015 8:53:24 PM EDT
[#23]
The synthetic feels lighter to me but never weighed one and compared it to walnut.
I'm going to be on the lookout for a GI synthetic for my JRA M14F later. Going to enjoy shooting her wearing walnut for awhile.... |
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Posted: 6/21/2015 12:06:52 AM EDT
[#24]
Do the usgi stocks have a slimmer profile than the Springfield loaded stock by any chance?
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Posted: 6/21/2015 5:41:04 AM EDT
[#25]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
The M14 was never issued with a wood handguard. I had 350 of them as an Armorer in the 60's and all had a non-ventilated fiberglass handguard. Quote HistoryQuoted:
Quoted:
Was the hand guard made of wood or plastic back in the day? The M14 was never issued with a wood handguard. I had 350 of them as an Armorer in the 60's and all had a non-ventilated fiberglass handguard. M14 rifles produced from late 1959 into the fall of 1960 were built with wood hand guard assemblies (P/N 7267021 FSN 1005-587-8382) and T44E4 butt plates. At least some of these rifles were sent to Raritan Arsenal in 1961 to get parts swapped out. These part changes were published as Modification Work Orders issued by Army Ordnance Command. As M14 rifles were rebuilt at the depot level, T44E4 stocks, non-chromed firing pins and wood and slotted hand guards were replaced with M14 stocks, chromed pins and solid fiberglass hand guards. References: a) U. S. Army Weapons Command, Headquarters. DMWR 9-1005-223 U. S. Army Weapons Command Depot Maintenance Work Requirements for Overhaul of the Rifle, 7.62MM, M14 and Bipod, Rifle, M2. Rock Island, IL: October 1971 b) Howe, Walter J. and E. H. Harrison. “The M14 Rifle.” American Rifleman October 1961: 27. |
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Posted: 6/21/2015 5:46:29 AM EDT
[#26]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
See, now you're really confusing me. It was my understanding that a USGI synth was lighter than wood. Maybe not though..... My wood stock on my loaded is a big fat pig and I think it's rather heavy for wood because of the fat profile. I'm sure a USGI wood profile is thinner and lighter. But still, I thought the synthetic's were typically lighter. Some data points (weight in ounces): stock assembly, birch USGI 7790702 44.6 stock assembly, birch USGI 11010264 46.0 stock assembly, birch USGI 11010264 49.0 stock assembly, fiberglass USGI 11686428 46.2 stock assembly, fiberglass USGI 11686428 49.0 stock assembly, fiberglass USGI 11686428 45.4 stock assembly, walnut USGI7790702 41.8 stock assembly, walnut USGI7790702 44.4 11010264 is the "Big Red Birch" M14 stock. All stock assemblies listed include complete metal hardware. |
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Posted: 6/21/2015 6:17:35 AM EDT
[#27]
Great info.
Surprising that the synthetic is not lighter. |
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Posted: 6/21/2015 8:12:42 AM EDT
[#28]
With the exception of Chinese Chu wood, every wood stock I've owned has been heavier than my GI synthetic stocks.
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Posted: 6/21/2015 8:41:44 PM EDT
[#29]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
With the exception of Chinese Chu wood, every wood stock I've owned has been heavier than my GI synthetic stocks. Maybe Different's numbers are opposite because they were weighed before being oiled????? And wood just soaks up moisture and then some oil and who knows what else and bam, it's heavier? I have no clue. |
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Posted: 6/22/2015 10:22:34 AM EDT
[#30]
I got both . They both have a place . I thought the synthetic felt lighter but that may not be the case
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Posted: 6/22/2015 5:30:47 PM EDT
[#31]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Maybe Different's numbers are opposite because they were weighed before being oiled????? And wood just soaks up moisture and then some oil and who knows what else and bam, it's heavier? I have no clue. Quote HistoryQuoted:
Quoted:
With the exception of Chinese Chu wood, every wood stock I've owned has been heavier than my GI synthetic stocks. Maybe Different's numbers are opposite because they were weighed before being oiled????? And wood just soaks up moisture and then some oil and who knows what else and bam, it's heavier? I have no clue. Oil/Moisture adds weight, no doubt about that. |
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