Commercial M1A1 Stock posts - Overview

Commercial M1A1 Stock posts - Overview

(note: all of the posts with info and pics for the commercial M1A1 stocks have been moved to the thread for the Commercial Carbines. The links below have been updated and will take you to them.)

This post is an introduction and overview for/to all the separate posts I'm adding on the commercial and foreign made M1A1 stocks, with links to each post included below.

My primary interest in the commercial M1A1 stocks has been to learn their differences from the original GI M1A1 stocks, given how many commercial variations and their parts are sold as original GI. This hasn't been and isn't one of my research projects, only one of many side interests. I don't collect them, just learn, photo, then move them on. I haven't gone as far as multiple detailed pics and measurements of every part in each commercial version. Simply general pics of their unique features.

Rather than just keep the info to myself, I'd like to share it in a way others can build and share on this foundation. If someone would like to commit to adopt it as their own research project, feel free. I won't be able to monitor these posts like I would a research project but will try to answer any questions. I'm definitely not all knowing with these.

To do a side by side comparison of any of these commercial stocks to an authentic M1A1 and its parts, open a window with the post showing the particular commercial version, then open a separate window with our M1A1 web page.

General Commercial M1A1 Stock Info

Many of the commercial M1A1 stocks are made-to-order by a particular commercial carbine manufacturer or even a retailer, both large and small. Sometimes the forestock and handgrip are obtained separately, then assembled and sold as the complete folding stock. Over time there has been 5 or 6 companies supplying these. Not all are still in business. Something to be aware of when buying one part alone, the only standard used when making these was they generally look and function like the original. So some parts look correct, but are not interchangeable with parts made by others or the originals.

Things to look for in general, but not all inclusive:

Forestock: All commercial versions are low wood, compare the color, left side inset for folded stock. All original M1A1 forestocks have the wood bridge in front of the opening for the trigger housing, none have a long barrel channel at the front of the stock or the cutout for an M2 selector. All of the commercial versions I've seen do not have the bridge. Some have the selector switch cutout, some don't. The only commercial stocks I've seen that have the bridge have been made by Boyds Gun Stocks. Boyds made M1A1 stocks for Auto Ordnance for a couple years but no longer makes them. I have not been able to find one to examine it closely. Have a look at the link for Auto Ordnance.

Hand Grip: Markings, finger groove

Metal Stock Extension (tubular arms): Look at the method used to attach the tubes to the solid ends that connect the folding assembly to the handgrip.

Cheek Rest: Leather color, rivets

Lower Hinge Assembly: Oval weld marks inside and on the bottom, two notches on the bottom that look like they are for a spanner tool, but were actually part of the process of welding the two pieces together.

Lower Hinge/Grip Screw: Standard vs Phillips

Buttplate: Markings, spring

The one part I examine for a quick check to tell one M1A1 stock from another is the cheek rest. The leather, rivets, metal, if there is a stake mark.

Posts with additional details & pics

Auto Ordnance, commercial Inland, Boyds
     http://www.uscarbinecal30.com/forum/commercial-m1a1-stocks-auto-ordnance-inland-mfg_topic7715.html

Fulton Armory similar to Pietta, Linemount
     http://www.uscarbinecal30.com/forum/commercial-m1a1-stocks-fulton-armory_topic7714.html

Linemount similar to Fulton Armory, Pietta
     http://www.uscarbinecal30.com/forum/commercial-m1a1-stocks-linemount_topic7713.html

Pietta similar to Fulton Armory, Linemount
     http://www.uscarbinecal30.com/forum/commercial-m1a1-stocks-pietta-in-italy_topic7712.html

Minelli
     http://www.uscarbinecal30.com/forum/commercial-m1a1-stocks-minelli_topic7711.html

Numrich Gun Parts
     http://www.uscarbinecal30.com/forum/commercial-m1a1-stocks-numrich-gun-parts_topic7709.html

Sarco
     http://www.uscarbinecal30.com/forum/commercial-m1a1-stocks-sarco_topic7717.html

Denix
     http://www.uscarbinecal30.com/forum/commercial-m1a1-stocks-denix-replicas_topic7716.html

Forestocks sold/found alone:

Greece - Government
     http://www.uscarbinecal30.com/forum/m1a1-stocks-govt-of-greece_topic7708.html

Sarco (see bottom of Sarco post above)

Unknown, sold used on eBay UK
     http://www.uscarbinecal30.com/forum/commercial-m1a1-stocks-unk-sold-used-on-ebay-uk_topic7707.html


Edited by sleeplessnashadow - Nov 09 2025 at 8:43pm