1903A1 Butt trap holes

[ntex2000]

I pulled the buttplate off my 1934 1903A1 and found two holes drilled, similar to that of an M1. Since there is only one trap door in the buttplate I'm now wondering if this stock is original issue or a later replacement.

Anyone know how many butt trap holes should be in an original issue 1903A1 stock? Interestingly, in War Dept. tech manual TM-9-1270 on pg. 54, the illustration of the stock butt shows a large trap hole derived from what appears to be 4 overlapping drilled holes.

[John Beard]

Up until late WWII, the M1903A1 buttstock had two large holes drilled in the butt. The upper hole was for the oiler to fit in the butt trap. The lower was a lightening hole to reduce weight.

Hope this helps.

J.B.