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Posted: 8/18/2026 6:30:00 PM EDT
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Hey guys, I have a nice condition M16A1 stock. Problem is, the buttplate has began to crack around the upper screw hole where it screws into the receiver extension/buffer tube. I've ordered a couple of NOS replacement buttplates (Colt?) but both have fit exactly the same - they don't match the stock. They're slightly larger up and down and slightly narrower at a certain point side to side, as can be seen in the photos below. The original buttplate is a shiny plastic compared to the matte plastic of the replacements. I'm not sure if this is an earlier Colt stock, or a different manufacturer (H&R, Hydra-Matic, etc.) but if anyone can help identify it and/or may have a good condition shiny buttplate they'd be willing to part with, I'd appreciate it. I've included photos of the only markings I could find.       
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Joined:
May 2022
Posts:
413
EE: 100% (121)
USA
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Have purchased replacement one's multiple places over the years with some even being in packages with part number on them. None fit like the old ones. They were not all the same though and varied some in the smoothness of the newer plastic and the crappy narrow sides was worse on some than on others. I put a very thin washer to take up any slack between the end of the tube and the inside of the plate on one stock to keep it from cracking worse at least I hope. |
| One of the challenges of making 607 stocks and butt plates was the fact that the A1 type D stocks varied in width by as much as 1/8 inch. I spoke with the last guy who was making 607 stocks and each butt plate was made to match the stock it was going on. Someone said part of the cause was the foam that was put inside the stock expanded differently from one stock to the next. |
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Some of the replacement ones I have the have the four mold marks similar to the original instead of the two larger ones like on the new example. Mine with the four are narrow but not as bad as the one I have with the two larger circle marks. I have some of the ones with the four mold marks if you want to try one but it is still going to probably be narrow also. |
| I had similar issues with trying to match NOS A1 buttplates to used surplus A1 stocks (all my A1 buttplates were narrow side to side near the top just like your pictures)... I ended up abandoning my A1 stock search for that and for the fact that 4 out of 5 old A1 stock bodies were too beat up/cracked with the foam falling out for me to want to try and make them work. |
| The crack on your old plate will not really causing issue. I have an old one like that and it still hold up. I am not using my A1 to kick doors or bang on things, so that help too. If you have concern you can also use JB Weld, it is hidden on the backside of the butt plate, so any repair won't show. |
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