"C" Stock Question

[SC Mike]

About 20 yrs ago I restored a high-numbered RIA 1903 that returned from Turkey w/ a subway tunnel bore. Used a WWII rebuild barrel and had it all re-parked by Philadelphia Ordinance. Lastly, I used a Sarco repro C Stock because the original wood could not be saved. Since retirement I have been looking for projects. I never liked the fat contours of the repro stock and was going to re-shape/ slim it down to 1930's era dimensions. What stopped me cold in my tracks was realizing that the stock is inletted for an A4 bolt handle. Plan B is to sell this stock and get one without the inlet and re-shape that one to my liking.
My question is this; Who makes the best (for now) C repro? Sarco has a new one on the web site that they say is the best one, years in the making. The images show no bolt notch but what about the grain. I can't really make out much in the photos. Boyds can be hit or miss but I had some good experiences re-workin Boyds pieces for my Garand and M1A (see attached image). I can do in-letting, shaping and mil-spec oil finish. Because of costs involved, I do not want to get an authentic C stock. The rifle is refinished w/ a replacement barrel so to me it's just a nice shooter. Any direction/ feedback is appreciated.

[chuckindenver]

Minelli.. makes about the nicest one iv worked on

[Emri]

Chuck beat me to it.

http://www.minelligroup.it/what/shooting-outdoor/military-stocks.aspx

Brownells has them listed in their newest catalog.

[SC Mike]

Will check them out.

Thanks

[Mike D]

The reproduction from Sarco came cut for the A4 bolt? No chance it is original?

Mike

[StockDoc]

+3 on the Mineilli, and if you have an 03ffl Brownells gives a discount

[SC Mike]

The reproduction from Sarco came cut for the A4 bolt? No chance it is original?

Mike

No, it can't be. Age is wrong, it's not American walnut and too much sapwood. No cartouches of any kind. I will sell it as a 03A4 repro.

[bnew]

If you want a real nice stock check out Mike Kokinda in PA. Mike has passed away but his company is still in business. I bought a stock from him a few years ago and it was exact.

[bnew]

Here is the number. Cindy Wilson 814-349-2403 Did excellent work.

[maj75]

I have a Springfield Model 1903 MK 1 with the C Stock. Unfortunately a prior owner thought checkering would look good on the stock. Like the OP, I'm looking for a C stock for a 1903 NM.

I checked Brownells for the Minelli and it is listed as fitting the A3. From what I have read, the A3 stock is different from the A1 stock and the A1 is the same as the NM. I would love an original, or a way to "fix" my original. Can the A3 stock be reworked to A1 dimensions?

Any other links for a C stock for a NM 1903/A1?

[PeteDavis]

You would have to putty/fill the cut for the A3 handguard ring.

PD

[maj75]

So. back to the OP's question, who has a good C, type 8 stock, repro or otherwise?

[PeteDavis]

There are usually a few on Ebay. The true "prewar" type C stocks as used on the pre WW2 rifles, original, command a $250-500 price, maybe more with inspection markings. The Brownell's option looks OK. CMP webiste is currently wacky, but they have in the past offered a "C" stock that has gotten good reviews.

http://estore.thecmp.org/store/catalog/catalog.aspx?pg=product&ID=086&item=&sfv=&cat=PAC&desc=&udc=&mct=&vndr=&ba=&pmin=&pmax=&note1=&note2=&note3=&note4=&note5=&max=

PD

[maj75]

I tried the CMP years ago but couldn't join because there weren't any gun clubs in my area. I got the link you posted, but couldn't order or get to the main page. I saw another web post about the program being killed off by executive order last spring. Truth or internet hysteria?

There are some on ebay now:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/111184458318?_trksid=p2060778.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT

Does they look like a good investment, or keep looking?

[PeteDavis]

CMP is doing fine.

That's too high (as of now that is)

[Col. Colt]

maj75 - Join the Garand Collectors Association for $25.00 and you can sign up immediately with CMP to purchase. You don't need a local club. Plus you get four copies of their very neat magazine. CC

[SC Mike]

As far as I am aware the only difference (other then prefered shape) between the A1 or the A3 is the inletting for the A3 handguard ring. On a A1 in said stock you will see a small distinctive gap at the stock line where the ring goes. The shape of the stock can be worked carefully to A1 config.

[maj75]

Thanks!

Since I've been told my stock is a later C type anyway, I think I'll try sanding off the checked areas. I'll have to thin the fore end, and pistol grip but not much. I doubt it will be noticeable. I think it will improve the look of the rifle and the checking is not the greatest.

[Kurt]

Another option; http://www.northridgeinc.com/store/index.cfm/c156/i416

I bought one a few years ago when they were much cheaper and they are American bowling and Billiards stocks. I picked up another one later they had on ebay priced buy now for $145. I think someone screwed up when they put that one on but hey...They are good solid stocks with minimal work needed, pretty much drop in. They are fat like a Keystone but you can thin them up nicely. I used a profiling tool and duplicated an SA C stock I have and it came out very nice. They are quite spendy now. :(

Just another option

Kurt

[SC Mike]

Northridge is way too expensive for my application. Probably go with the Minelli.

[jgaynor]

If you want a real nice stock check out Mike Kokinda in PA. Mike has passed away but his company is still in business. I bought a stock from him a few years ago and it was exact.

bnew I believe the late owners name was Mike Kokolus The company is now doing business as CRS Custom Rifle Stocks website http://www.gunstockduplicating.com

[SC Mike]

Just checked w/ the Brownell folks. The Minelli 03A3 stock has the notch for a A4 bolt. So it is basically what I already have.

[PeteDavis]

I'd ask Brownell's again for a clarification. The notch should be for the A3 handguard ring, not the A4 bolt.

[SC Mike]

I specifically asked about a Bolt notch. I looked closely at the web site image and I believe that I can see a notch.