This is a very rare experimental fiberglass stock and hand guard M1 Garand that was 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 injected mold hard plastic/epoxy center section, while the forend and outer portion of the stock appears to be made up of more of a fine cut resin or a built-up brown epoxy type material. Similar in profile to the standard M1 stock, with the addition of a pair of dished side panels running from the receiver heel to the sling ring to provide a better grip. One-piece upper handguard, made from a dark, fiberglass flocked material, designed to replace up to three parts at once with a more durable single component. Equipped with a very early four-digit gas trap receiver. The receiver is marked "U.S. RIFLE/CAL .30 M1/SPRINGFIELD/ARMORY/1346", the barrel is marked "S-A-2-45", and it has a mix of World War II Springfield Armory parts throughout. It has an early World War II gas cylinder with saw cut through the sight base, with a round top gas cylinder lock and four slot gas plug. It is complete with a white leather sling and a multi-tool and nickel plated oiler in the buttstock. This exact rifle is pictured on page 486 of "The M1 Garand Rifle" by Bruce N. Canfield.

Exceptionally fine with 98% of the arsenal parkerized finish overall with minor edge and high spot wear. The experimental stock and handguard set is excellent. Mechanically excellent. A very rare example of an experimental fiberglass stock M1 rifle, which could be a centerpiece of virtually any M1 Garand or U.S. Military collection.