Opinions on another Inland stock set requested.

[Gus Fisher]

The second Inland stock I have is in much better condition, in most regards, than the first one mentioned in the other post. It also is a high wood stock. However, this one was factory/arsenal modified for the M2 conversion. The Ordnance Crossed cannons are in much better shape and it is also marked "IH" in the stock cut out. However, on this one I have to fix the toe for a smalll piece that busted out and is just a bit too big to ignore.

I realize most collectors prefer the toe not be fixed even if done well. Unless I'm mistaken, doesn't the M2 modification also make this stock less valuable to colllectors or at least make it a later stock?

I'm not sure if collectors would be interested in this stock, so I'm having a difficult time choosing a handguard for it. I realize this may only be interesting as a "shooter or possibly reenactor stock." I can match up either a two hole or later four hole handguard to it when I repair the stock. So I'm asking the question if you saw a nicely repaired stock like this, would you prefer a 2 hole or 4 hole handguard to match?

Thanks for any opinions you may wish to share.

[Gus Fisher]

The oiler cut on this stock is oval as well.

[Tuna]

Gus both of your stocks would be correct for an Inland made from May/June 1943 through December 1943. Your right about the stock cut for the M2 conversion not being as desireable to collectors but there are some that would jump at getting it till they can find a better one. As to the toe your were asking about. I assume that is on the bottom of the butt of the stock. Stocks were repaired and used in this manner when the walnut shortage came about during the time period your stocks were made. The M2 cut hurts the value more then a good repair to the toe would.

[Gus Fisher]

Tuna,

Thanks so much for the information. I didn't realize some stocks were repaired like that during the time they were made due to the walnut shortage. Of course, I will tell everyone I fixed it so no one thinks it was an orignal repair.

I thought the M2 conversion made this stock later. Looks like I will alter the plan and get a two hole OI handguard and match it to this stock as well, then.

When I have time and can find pieces inexpensive enough to do such repairs, I like to do these things as I think I'm saving a bit of history that would otherwise not be done because the pieces would otherwise not be in good enough condition to be saved.

Thanks again to everyone who responded.

[Gus Fisher]

Tuna,

Thanks to your suggestion, the chip at the toe on this stock is now repaired. Had to do some figurin' to cut the filler piece so the wood grain would match pretty close. I used my "double blind interior dovetail" to secure the wood filler piece so it can never come apart. Then I inletted the butt plate over the end of the repair. It's going to be difficult to notice the repair, which is what I was aiming for.

Thanks again for the info.

Gus

[JohnMOhio]

Gus, I know that you a very busy man. However, when you do a repair job like this, is it possible for you to post photos for us to see how it is done. It just might save another stock someone was considering to repair or toss out in the scrape bin.

Thanks,
John
Pres. Ohio Gus Fisher Fan Club.

[Gus Fisher]

John,

Good to "hear" from you again and thanks again for that citation.

That stock is laying about three feet from me right now, but I don't have a computer capable camera. Maybe I can get my sister to take a photo of it.

MAN, am I pleased with the way it came out. I know where the patch is and it is very difficult to tell it's there. The stain I used to match the handguard to the stock, plus the oil, really hides it.

I'd suggest no one throw away an original carbine stock or handguard (or Garand wood for that matter). With the epoxy glues we have today and some care in matching the wood repair pieces, most people would be very happy with the kinds of repairs we can do.

Since I posted the article on repairing the stock, I've been working on repairing three more two stud handguards and one four stud handguard. (Still got about 4 more 4 stud handguards I'll get around to sooner or later.) There were surface checks and splits all over the 2 stud handguards. Two of the three had deep cracks around the wood that goes under the front band. One had too little wood sticiking out the front end to be held securely by the front band. One had a small chunk of wood gone from the top of the handguard. Every one of these things have been repaired or are being repaired. The only thing though is since these handguards were all stripped by a commercial stripper, they would have to be stained to match a stock or both the stock and handguard would have to be stained to match.

Mike in NC was correct the one I thought was stamped " IN " is actually " TN ." One has three serif letters S G B. The third is marked Q-RMC. I don't have anymore stocks to match them to, though. So I guess they will have to wait until someone needs one to match a stock.

[Mike in NC]

Gus, the S G B handguard may actually be S C - B made by Sprague & Carleton for IBM. Any chance that handguard is birch? Many of the S C - B handguards and stocks were birch.

[Gus Fisher]

Gus, the S G B handguard may actually be S C - B made by Sprague & Carleton for IBM. Any chance that handguard is birch? Many of the S C - B handguards and stocks were birch.

Once again you are correct. There is an open pore in the grain that made the serif C look like a Serif G. I can't see the "-" between the C and B, though. The handguard is two stud and definitely walnut, though.

[joem]

I have a question abot stocks. I picked up a Inland carbine a few months ago from an estate sale and although it's a blu-sky the ordnance wheel is stamped on the left side. The family sold all the guy's stuff at fire sale prices and I paid $240.00 for it.

[Gus Fisher]

Joe,

Are there any other markings or stampings on the stock? I suggest you look carefully on the left side in the slanted area recess for the sling.

[joem]

Gus, I can't see any other markings in the sling well or any where else.

[Gus Fisher]

Joe,

I kniow this may not be of much help, but I had two Carbine stocks that came on carbines from CMP a few months ago. I could not see a marking in the sling well on one until I just happened to hold it at just the right angle, outside in natural sunlight. I couldn't see the marking on the other stock at all until after I had restained it and then the marking came out farily clear. I'm at the end of my rope with anything I can offer, but maybe some of the other folks will have better info for you.

[Tuna]

Look on the left side of the stock by the barrel channel. Look for SA stamp on the edge that the hand guard sits on. There is always the possibility that is a post war unmarked replacement.

[Mike in NC]

joem, if the crossed cannon on the left side of the stock is about 1/2 inch in diameter, that is probably the remnants of a SA / SHM stamping. Look closely for a large box with an "SA" over "SHM", generally to the left of the crossed cannon. It is most likely a SA / SHM stamping applied during the rebuild era just after WWII. As to what the stock was before being rebuilt, if you can't see any marking in the sling cut or on the top left area that contacts handguard (where you might see a "SA" as Tuna commented) it is hard to venture a guess. The Winchester stocks have the characteristic of being flat underneath in the forearm area.