This is a unique example of an excellent H&R M1 Garand fitted with a rare experimental fiberglass stock and hand guard set. In the mid to late 1950s the military was experimenting with developing a non-wood stock similar to what the Nazis used during late WWII. The intent obviously being it would lower production costs, speed up the actual manufacturing of the stock and hand guards themselves and also ensure a more durable and longer life stock. The military eventually finalized this concept on the M14 rifle series. The stock on this rifle goes even farther by developing a ergonomically designed pistol grip that better fits your hand and also it has a lower stock comb giving you a better cheek weld and sight picture. Even though the stock looks very unusual it has a very comfortable feel in the average persons hand. The stock itself is composed of a white injected molded plastic filler or base inside the butt stock, that was wrapped by numerous layers of brown resin fiberglass impregnated material to form the pistol grip area, the sides of the receiver and forend portion of the stock. This process is very similar to early fiberglass stocks than were used by commercial makers in the 1970s and 1980s. With the fiberglass material being stronger the forend it can be basically hollowed out as there was no need to fill this in giving the stock a fairly light weigh, with the sides of the receiver area and forend, dished in to provide a better grip area with a raised portion over the operating rod/barrel area to prevent dirt and debris from getting inside. The top and front hand guard are a one-piece, hollow, molded assembly with a unique middle barrel band and front hand guard cap. In just looking at this assembly, if it had been adopted it would have reduced the Army's logistics footprint by removing a least 2-3 parts from the supply system, and again would have provided a stronger, more durable and longer lasting hand guard assembly. The rifle itself is a early post war contract model that was produced by the H&R company that was probably pulled from stock to use as the base for the testing. The receiver has the standard markings of; "U.S. RIFLE/CAL .30 M1/H&R ARMS CO." and the barrel is marked "HRA D6535448 5-54 RS31" with the P and M proof marks with the small DOD Eagle acceptance proof. The right leg of the receiver is marked "SA10-65" indicating rebuild by Springfield Armory in 1965 and is currently fitted with a mix of WWII and post war Springfield Armory parts. It has a late gray-green parkerized finish overall and the stock has a light brown color wile the hand guard assembly has a darker black appearance. This is certainly a fairly unique and RARE experiential fiberglass stock and hand guard assembly. It is complete with one green canvas sling.

Excellent overall with 98% of a late gray-green parkerized finish with a wear line on the right side of the receiver side wall. The stock and hand guards are in excellent condition with no cracks of damage with a number "53" on the right side of the but area. A very unique experimental M1 Garand with unique fiber glass stock and hand guard assembly. Either one of these rifles with the experimental stocks, the second of which is in lot 3662, would be the center piece of any M1collection and it would certainly be very unique if the lucky buyer coule acquire BOTH rifles, that would make a great display set.