The U.S. Caliber .30 Carbine Stocks & Handguards


The U.S. Carbine Caliber .30


Stock Group

Barrel
Group

Bolt
Group

Receiver
Group

Slides

Stock
Group

Trigger Housing
Group

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StocksHandguards
    Barrel Band Retainers
    Recoil Plates
    Recoil Plate Screws
    Recoil Plate Escutcheons
    Buttplates
    Buttplate Screw

Barrel Band Retainers

The purpose of the barrel band retainer is to secure the barrel band in the correct position on the stock, thereby maintaining the position and fit of the stock and handguard to the barrel.

Several minor variations of the barrel band retainers exist. Research is continuing to determine if the differences had more to do with who made them as opposed to one proceeding the others. In the examples below, note the shape of the head that engages the front of the barrel band, the shape at the opposite end, and the presence or absence of the line down the center of the retainer.


Hole access to remove barrel band spring

Recoil Plates

Type IType IIType III

"Type I" recoil plates were used on very early prototypes and test carbines before a standard was reached. There were several variations as these carbines were a test bed used to
determine which parts needed improvement before full production was started. During testing it was discovered the fit of the recoil plate to the receiver and stock impacted accuracy.
To strengthen and better secure this fit the type II recoil plate was adopted as the standard before mass production started. Ongoing efforts to improve accuracy led to the introduction
of the type III recoil plate by mid 1943. Production and use of the type III recoil plate continued throughout WWII and after.

Recoil plates manufactured during WWII normally have a manufacturers mark.


Various locations manufacturer marks may be found

Advances in casting technology led to the approval of recoil plates made by casting shortly after WWII. Both cast and milled recoil plates were manufactured after WWII.
Post WWII milled recoil plates were not marked. Most cast recoil plates were not marked. However, several contractors cast a letter or number on the right or left side
of the rear half of the recoil plate.


Type III
Cast Recoil Plates were manufactured post WWII.


A Note Regarding Accuracy: The Fit of the Recoil Plate to the Receiver and Stock

The top of the recoil plate fits into a lug on the rear of the receiver. The bottom of the recoil plate should slip snugly over the bottom of the receiver between the two lugs
that support the rear of the trigger housing. Experience has shown a snug fit of the recoil plate to the rear of the receiver is more important for accuracy than the use of the
type III versus type II recoil plate.


Snug fit to receiver

When the barreled receiver is placed into the stock and recoil plate the barrel should float approximately 1/8" to 1/4" above the wood of the barrel
channel at the front of the stock, requiring a slight amount of downward pressure on the barrel to mount the barrel band to the stock and handguard.
Over time it is common for this fit to loosen. The result is a loss of accuracy that can be significant.


Proper fit of the recoil plate to the receiver should cause the barrel to float slightly above the barrel channel

The best way to correct a loose fit is to try a number of recoil plates until one fits snugly.

Since most people do not have access to a gaggle of recoil plates or a retailer who can/would be of assistance, the following is presented as an option.
Before trying this be aware the key is "very light" tapping to avoid damaging the recoil plate. Sit the bottom of the recoil plate on top of an anvil.
Using a hammer with a clean brass head lightly strike the top of the recoil plate at the forward edge. Mount the recoil plate to the rear of the receiver
and check the fit. If necessary, repeat with slightly more force until the fit is snug. The brass transfer to the top of the recoil plate can be removed
with gun solvent.

Recoil Plate Screws & Escutcheons (Nuts)

Type I
Type II

The only difference between the type 1 and type II screws was the length of the threads. The difference appears to have been
related to the manufacturer as opposed to one replacing, or functioning better, than the other. Manufacture of the type II
screw continued post WWII.


DO NOT over tighten the recoil plate screw as it may crack the wood the recoil plate
fits into. The screw should be turned until fairly snug, but no further.

Type IType II

The type II recoil plate escutcheon/nut was introduced very late in 1943 or early 1944 as it provided a more secure means of securing the screw to the stock.


DO NOT attempt to remove the recoil plate escutcheon as it will often crack and/or break off
the wood between the escutcheon and opening for the rear of the trigger housing.

       
Recoil plate screws used on late Winchester and Inland carbines sometimes have what appears at first glance to be one or two X's stamped on top.
The alignment of these two marks can also make them appear to be two plus marks ( ++ ) as the horizontal lines are oriented along the same axis.
These symbols were stamped into the top of the screw before the slot was machined. Machining of the slot typically removed varying amounts of one
of the two symbols. This is believed to have been done by a subcontractor who made the screws for Winchester and Inland after all other manufacturers
had completed production. These are sometimes erroneously identified as Winchester markings and occasionally added by unscrupulous dealers hoping to
make extra money. The purpose of the ++ is a good example of markings that had meaning to a subcontractor but served no other purpose.


Should you have questions, assistance is available on our Discussion Forum.

The Discussion Forum also serves as a reference desk for the more advanced material that could easily overwhelm a website and is often subject to opinions that may vary
due to a lack of original documentation. A number of researchers and authors are present on the forums, helping others and seeking information for various research projects.

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