I purchased a Polytech from a guy on the boards and am getting ready to take it to the range next weekend for the first time. The rifle has a wood stock, and on the butt it has a plate on a hinge that flips up. When its up, it lays across your shoulder. The only thing I can figure out this is used for is possibly helping to distribute the weight when shooting offhand? What is it for?

Like I said a noob question, but I've never had or fired a M1A before. Any other advice for the first time out would be very much appreciated.

it's a hold over from the M14 machinegun and helps to hold the gun in position when shooting.

Be prepared for a pleasure like you've yet to ever know.

So, do you guys leave it up or down when shooting? Personal preference?

Down.
it looks in the unfolded position.

Down,

Fine shooting fun....