M1 Carbine stocks: Internal “cut-out” differences?

[msmp5]

I have a couple of M1 .30 caliber carbine stocks, that I have kept as “spares“ for years. But for the first time in probably two decades, I’ve actually taken them out, and looked at them in the light of day. Externally, they’re almost identical. But internally, with respect to the cut-outs in the wood, they seem to be significantly different. I was hoping one of you really knowledgeable individuals could tell me why. Was one of these maybe originally on a select-fire M2? What exactly do I have here? Any info would be greatly appreciated.

 

[NIGHTLORD40K]

So, the upper stock with the larger trigger group cutout is for a 2nd Gen Universal Carbine. They had a big, rectangular trigger housing. It also has a long cutout along the left side for a Universal scope mount, and is unrelieved on the right side, thus covering the slide rod for most of its travel. The internal relieving is quite different too, since the 2nd Gen Universals used dual recoil springs and a different gas piston block.
This stock will not fit a GI Carbine.

The lower stock is a GI M2 type with a small cutout on the left side for the selector switch and its associated linkage.

 

[msmp5]

Great info, thanks!

 

[usaral63]

Full cutout is as stated for an M/2......the other with the ridge separating the slide channel might be for a Universal...dunno...but all the M/1 variants I've seen contained the separation ledge. I have a select fire piece that was originally an M1A1 and I had to cut the ridge on the left stock stide to afford the trip lever fitment. Truth is that most all have been thru a rebuild process and you can find either stock fitted.

Also should have mentioned that the M/2 stocks had a larger forearm.....looks somewhat bulbus in profile..........the one's I saw and used in that army were so configured.

 

[Carl N. Brown]

The upper is cut out in the trigger guard area for the blocky trigger housing of the later commercial Universal brand M1 Carbine. The early Universal Carbines were made up from mostly GI surplus parts when surplus parts were commonly available.

(I bought an after market M1A1 folding stock that had been altered for the later Universal trigger housing and made and glued in spacers to better fit my GI Carbine.)

In arsenal rebuild the rule was to replace M1 and M1A1 stocks with the M2 stock if enough M2 spares were available. So M2 stocks are commonly seen on GI M1 Carbines.

 

[Chief TC]

I have the M2 stock for my M1 carbine and I think it feels better because it has the pot belly for a better hold in my opinion. Lots of M2 stocks out there is anyone needs a replacement.