Yes, Chuck, that is what was bought for, and I'm sure it could serve well. It surprised me how much nicer the pre-War Springfield produced "C" stock feels in the hand than the later, mass production contracted Keystone, etc, stocks do. Similar to the difference between earlier M1 Garand stocks vs. the postwar models.
J.B., I compared it to two other stocks and the inletting at that spot seemed deeper and less "machined" on this example, for lack of a better term. But I will fit it up to a barrelled action and see if there is any forend pressure. Since CMP does not allow shims, that could be important in making the rifle accurate. I really appreciate your knowledge and assistance on items like these, that many of us seldom get to see or handle even once - experience counts!
Gentlemen, if it is somehow a faked USMC handguard, I am not sure how they got such a perfect match and apparent patina "look" between the two pieces of wood. But I'm sure the the current state of the art in wood forgery for fun and profit is quite advanced. I could probably ask for my money back from the seller, if we are very certain it is a fake. Is there no possibility that these handguards were hand produced at more than one time or location, with differences resulting? Should I return it as a fake and demand my money? The stock and handguard were represented as being genuine. I would hate to let a fraud artist slide - but I would also hate to give up a decent 1939 Springfield C stock in the process, too. Worse, I would hate to falsely accuse someone, if they were honest and we were just looking at an uncommon variation.
Thanks to all, CC
Last edited by Col. Colt; 03-13-2013 at 10:07.
Colt, Glock and Remington factory trained LE Armorer
LE Trained Firearms Instructor