POTD: Experimental Fiberglass Stock Harrington & Richardson M1 Garand
Sam.S 08.24.21
Welcome to today’s Photo of the Day! This time we have the infamous M1 Garand 30-06 rifle, but something is a little off. This one is a rare early serial number M1 Garand fitted with an experimental fiberglass stock. The implementation of this stock was to perfect the M1 design even though its time was coming to an end rapidly as small arms technology advanced. Rock Island Auction Company goes more in-depth on the perks of using the fiberglass design below.
“This is an excellent example of a very rare experimental fiberglass stock and handguard assembly as produced by Springfield Armory. Developed in the 1950s, the fiberglass resin stock was intended as a replacement for walnut or birch stocks, lower in cost with greater durability and resistance to environmental conditions. The inside portion of the buttstock is made up of a white mold injected hard plastic/epoxy center section, which was then wrapped with fiberglass reinforced brown resin, with the overall profile deviating from the traditional Garand stock form, with the sides of the forearm dished out, the right side elevated to protect the operating rod cutout, a lower comb and greater shaping of the grip area; though unusual in appearance, these changes result in a stock that fits great in either hand. The upper handguard has also been changed, and is made from one piece of fiberglass wrapped plastic as opposed to 3 separate components, increasing durability. “
Lot 3656: Harrington & Richardson Inc M1 Garand Rifle 30 06 [Photograph found in Auction Catalog #52, Rock Island Auction Company]. (n.d.). Retrieved August 23, 2021, from https://www.rockislandauction.com/detail/52/3656
