How were rack/unit markings made on the buttstock of some old m-16's? What kind of abbreviations would you use, placement, etc.? Also, which branches did this? Did the Air Force? Pics?

I would be interested to know this as well. I have seen some buttstocks with very clean, white rack markings on the left and right sides. I got one with 'C20' on the right side for my build. I like the rack numbers a lot.

I've seen them done in a variety of ways. Many of ours were done with label makers, the kind that had the wheel and plastic tape that was sticky on one side. The tape came in a variety of colors including green.

Many times the letters will represent the Company or group to which they are issued. For example, my rack number at one time was B11. That would have been Company B, rack number 11.

Many were just painted on the stock in various locations including the upper part just behind the charging handle, the lower part just above the buttplate screw, or the lower left or right side just above the buttplate. The main reason they were painted on top of the stock was so that they could be seen while in the rack. That made it easy for the armorer to issue and recover the weapon.

Most of those that were painted used stencils. We had our own stencil making machine and used folders to punch out what we needed. I painted many vehicle windshields, duffel bags, and other equipment over the years with stencils I made on that machine.

One other method I saw recently, and it horrified me, was the use of dog tags that were riveted to the side of the stock! Fortunately these were on A2 stocks which are not collectible, yet.

I think I remember doing some with paint pens as well but those were a fairly recent invention.

Whatever you do, please stay away from the more destructive and more detracting methods such as electro pencils or stampings on the upper or lower receiver!

My GunnysSurplus has the stamped numbers on the rear of the carry handle and electro-penciling on the front channel of the handle. I kind of like them.

They could not be removed without leaving visible evidence.  

My non trapdoor A-1 style stock has rack numbers painted in white on the top if the stock near the buttplate.  I like them on there.

Mine was a smaller arms room, 76 M16A2's, maybe 10 M203's, 8 M249's, 16 M9's, buttloads of NVG's and a couple cases of 30 round mags. Rack numbers were applied with sticky tape labels to the buttstock just below the charging handles if I recall. It's been 11 years now, the memory strains......

I handed over to a buddy, a non-trapdoor seemingly unissued stock with the nicest hand painted 43 that someone had been anal thoughtful enough to mark lines in pencil so it would come out even. Numbers were on both sides of the stock, about 1 1/2" in. tall and cream colored. on a horizonal line with the bore. GORGEOUS!

ADD: Anyone ever run across rack #s on handguards? I've got a nice set numbered underneath about 3" tall that would be read with the gun standing up.

Butt stocks are still marked in all types of ways. Paints pens, spray paint, tape, white out, imprinted tape (label maker), tape gun tape...
The only old school method I haven't seen in years is the ID tag (dog tag), screwed to the stock (on M16's). Now M249, M240B, and M2's still may have a "dog tag" wired to a stock and spare barrel.

If it works, "Joe has done it"

My surplus M16 mottled buttstock has CES written in paint pen on both sides plus a rack number.  Any idea what CES stands for?

Civil Engineer Squadron...an Air Force unit...  

I just got a nice type D stock from Moore Militaria. I has yellow paint pen rack numbers done very nicely by hand.

Thanks for the info all. I'm planning my first build as "the 601 rifle that Gen LeMay really wanted" ie. SAC themed with crest engraved in magwell, duracoated blue and white, fill in the crest with enamel paint, etc. the build i'm working on will be "themed" as though it came from the 3902nd Combat Defense Squadron, 55th Wing, Offutt AFB. I'll probably put something on there for unit markings too then.

My just has a red label maker that says "211"

I used cast iron rotory-style stencil machines in the Navy.  Two sizes IIRC.

We have one at work, same thing...and DAMN I don't remember it being so friggin' heavy lol.  It must weight close to 100 pounds.

I made these up a few weeks ago.  They're 1".  I don't like how the digits are so far apart, but that can be remedied fairly easy.  


I don't know what type or color of paint I want to use yet, but I have several A1 stocks that I can try it on.